First Zaidi Imam Arrives in Yemen

Yahya ibn al-Husayn, the first Zaidi imam, arrived in Yemen to address tribal disputes and establish a religious framework. He was invited to Saada from Medina, where he served as a religious cleric and judge. His arrival marked the beginning of the Zaidi imamate, which he formally established shortly after. Imam Yahya's teachings resonated with local tribes, leading to the gradual acceptance of his authority among the tribes of Hashid and Bakil. These tribes became known as the twin wings of the imamate, significantly contributing to the spread of Zaidi beliefs across the highlands of Yemen. The Zaidi sect, characterized by its distinct interpretation of Islam, began to take root in the region, influencing the social and political landscape.