Qarmatians

The Qarmatians were a syncretic Ismaili branch that emerged in the 9th century in Bahrain and eastern Arabia. They developed a distinct theology that incorporated elements of Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, and Zoroastrianism, alongside their Shia Muslim roots. Initially a reformist movement, they gained significant influence and established a powerful state in the region. Their societal structure was notably egalitarian, with communal ownership of property and a high degree of social mobility.

The Qarmatians are known for their militant activities, particularly their raids on the Hajj caravan routes and their sack of Mecca in 930 CE, where they famously stole the Black Stone from the Kaaba. This act caused widespread shock and condemnation throughout the Islamic world. Their state eventually declined due to internal strife and external pressures from the Abbasid Caliphate and other regional powers. Despite their eventual fragmentation and assimilation, the Qarmatians left a lasting impact on Islamic history, demonstrating the diversity of religious and political movements during the medieval period.