Author name: New Afaq Publications Number of pages: 750 Book size: 17×24 Publishing house: Afaq al-Ma’rifa The author was Dr. Suleiman Al-Salumi, may God Almighty have mercy on him, has a special interest in studying the history of esoteric sects, their beliefs, and their plans, as witnessed by this thesis that we present to the readers, and then he followed it up with his doctoral thesis in which he dealt with research related to Ismailism. In this book, the author studied what is related to the Qarmatians, and despite the dispersion of their news and ideas in various historical books, along with the major challenges facing the student of such an esoteric doctrine, this did not discourage the author’s determination. Rather, he worked hard in research and investigation, and this culminated in this study, which presented a comprehensive picture. Detailing the intellectual and historical life of the Qarmatians, this required the author to travel to many countries and long research to find the original sources that their authors believe in and consider to be among the books of truth that are permissible to read only for those who have reached a certain rank in their calling. This study dealt with the Qarmatians’ opinion through four chapters, starting with research into the basic roots of the Qarmatians movement, passing through their history and notables, then researching their beliefs while refuting them and pointing out their defects, and concluding with an explanation of the Qarmatians’ methods of spreading their call and their plans for it. This study truly combined historical observation and scientific investigation, and thus became a unique model of sober studies in the field of religious research.
