Yemen

Yemen, officially called the Republic of Yemen, is a country in the Middle East. The country is considered part of both the Muslim World and Arab world. The government of Yemen is disputed due to the Yemeni Civil War between supporters of the Presidential Leadership Council led by Rashad al-Alimi and the government established by Ansar Allah.

Muslims make up around 99.9% of the population of Yemen. Around 70% of the country's population is Sunni, with 29.9% being Shia. The majority of Yemeni Shias are adherents of the Zaidiyyah school of thought. The 0.1% of Yemen's population that is non-Muslim is made up of Christians, Jews, and Hindus.

Due to the ongoing Yemeni Civil War, which has only become bloodier due to the military intervention led by Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Yemen is widely regarded as a failed state. The Yemeni Civil War has seen a large impact from the Sunni-Shia divide, with most Sunnis supporting the Presidential Leadership Council and most Shias supporting Ansar Allah.

History of Islam in Yemen

See also: History of Islam

Arab Caliphates

Main article: Caliphate

Rashidun Caliphate

Main article: Rashidun Caliphate

During the Muslim conquests, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), peace be upon him, conquered Yemen from the Sassanid Empire. After the Prophet's death in 632, Yemen came under the rule of the Islamic Rashidun Caliphate. However, Yemen revolted against the Caliphate during the Ridda Wars, forcing Abu Bakr to come south from Mecca and Medina to reconquer the country.

Umayyad Caliphate

Main article: Umayyad Caliphate

After the First Fitna, Yemen came under the rule of the Umayyad Caliphate. However, the Umayyads lost control of the region during the Second Fitna, leading to the Zubayrid Caliphate taking control of Yemen. During the Second Fitna, the Kharijites also posed a threat to Yemen due to their authority in neighboring Oman. Despite this, the Umayyads won the Second Fitna and reconquered Yemen. When the Third Fitna broke out in 744, the Ibadi revolt saw Ibadis take control of the region until they were defeated by the Umayyads.

Abbasid Caliphate

Main article: Abbasid Caliphate

The Third Fitna ended when the Abbasid Revolution successfully overthrew the Umayyads and established the Abbasid Caliphate. During the Fourth Fitna (811-830s), Yemen was fought over bloodily between Al-Amin and Al-Ma'mun. However, the Yu'firids overthrew the Abbasid governor of Yemen, and ended Abbasid rule over the region.