ABSTRACT
The Zaydite branch of Shi'ism remains theologically in obscurity, though something is known about certain minor political successes. Another state, established before 900 in the Yemen, has managed to survive until the present time in one form or another under the Zay-dite imams of san'a'. This has meant the development of a special Zaydite form of jurisprudence, but it is very close to the four recognized Sunnite rites, and may almost be reckoned a fifth along with them. About the Isma'ilite form of Shi'ism there is rather more to be said. It must be kept in mind, however, that, though Isma'ilism was associated with the Fatimid dynasty in Egypt, as a doctrine it had a certain life independent of the Fatimids. The Fatimids, because of the general doctrinal position, claimed to be themselves the rightful caliphs of the Islamic community and did not recognize the 'Abbasids as suzerains.
