How to Make a Zaydi Imam: Zaydi Reports on the Revolt of Sahib Fakhkh Husayn b. 'Ali (d. 169/786)

This paper examines the Zaydi doctrine of the imamate through an analysis of historical depictions of the 169/786 revolt of Husayn b. 'Ali at Fakhkh by three different authors: Ahmad b. Sahl al-Razi (d. late third/ninth century), al-Natiq Yahya b. al-Husayn (d. 424/1033), and 'Ali b. Bilal al-Amuli (d. fifth/eleventh century) . The classical model of the Zaydi imamate holds that a descendant of 'Ali b. 'Ali Talib (through either Hasan or Husayn) with the proper qualities becomes Imam by summoning supporters (da'wa), administering the oath of allegiance (bay'a), and rising up in rebellion (khuruj) against a tyrant . This article investigates the relative importance of these components in historical accounts composed after the establishment of Zaydi political power in Yemen and the Caspian region. It argues that the emergence of dynastic rule may have lessened the importance of rebellion while elevating a candidate's exemplary personal qualities and political skill. This change is potentially embedded in narrative differences between the three sources.