“Institutions of learning (Dar al-‘Ilm) were more significant than government institutions during the height of the Fatimid Empire.” Discuss.

Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that institutions of learning were more significant than government institutions during the height of the Fatimid Empire. Candidates may offer equal coverage of institutions of learning and government institutions, or they may prioritize their discussion of one over the other. However, both aspects must be a feature of the response. Candidates may or may not choose a comparative approach. Discussion may include the Fatimid Empire’s considerable devotion to higher learning in both religious and non-religious spheres. This gave the Ismaili sect an intellectual basis and attracted many to the Islamic faith. Learning institutions may be compared to government institutions where non-sectarian appointments based on merit were a revolutionary concept. Candidates may agree, partly agree or disagree with the statement.