During the reign of Imam Qahir, the Imam once again began to govern both religious and temporal powers, the latter of which had been entrusted hitherto in the hands of an appointed prime minister or dai during the period of Dawri Satr. In taking over temporal rule from Muhammed bin Kaya, the third territorial ruler and hujjat at Alamut - the first two having been Hassan bin Sabbah and Kiya Buzrug Ummid, respectively - Imam Qahir appointed Muhammed as his vizier and the latter served as such until his death in 1162.

Born in Alamut, Imam Qahir's full name was al-Qahir bi Quowatullah. Physically well-built and handsome, he took an early interest in the governing of affairs at Alamut and succeeded to the Throne of Imamate when he was in his late thirties.