How did the Fatimids generally treat Coptic Christians and Jews in Egypt?

Generally, the Fatimid dynasty is recognized for its policy of religious tolerance toward non-Muslims, including Coptic Christians and Jews. During this period, these communities were often integrated into the state, with many individuals serving in high-ranking administrative and governmental roles, including the vizierate.1

This inclusion was particularly notable as some Copts and Jews held significant influence within the Fatimid bureaucracy without being required to convert to Islam. For example, the first Fatimid vizier, Ibn Killis, was a Jewish convert to Islam who is credited with establishing the dynasty's administrative foundations.1

However, this general climate of tolerance experienced a significant exception during the reign of the caliph al-Ḥākim (996–1021). Al-Ḥākim ordered the destruction of Christian churches, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and pressured non-Muslims to either convert to Islam or face expulsion. While this period of persecution led to an increase in conversions, the broader Fatimid era is characterized by the assimilation and inclusion of the Coptic community, which also saw the Coptic Church officially adopt the Arabic language for liturgical use during the 12th century.12