The idea of the Mahdi was put into the mouth of a skilled man named Abu Abdullah al-Shi'i. He called for the awaited Mahdi and spread the Isma'ili doctrine among them, and incited them to war. They fought fiercely, and finally overcame the Abbasid governors, expelled them, and brought the largest part of the Maghreb under their rule. They struck coins in their name, placing on one side of the currency "God's proof has been established" and on the other side "The enemies of God are scattered," and on the weapons "Preparedness for the sake of God." They inscribed the palm trees with the phrase "Sovereignty belongs to God."