Sectarianism under the Umayyads and Abbasids, orthodoxy and heresy

Essay , 2009 , 5 Pages , Grade: 85

Politics - Region: Near East, Near Orient

Heresy and orthodoxy are problematic terms to refer to in Islam since this religion does not sustain authorities, councils, synods, or organs which a vast Muslim majority recognizes and which are entitled to direct orthodoxy—a necessary guideline to be able to determine what is heresy. Instead it is the ‘Consensus’ among Muslims and scholars which constitutes the “supreme authority in all questions of religious practice.” However, the term heresy is not unknown in Muslim circles. The Arabic language knows many different words describing ‘heresy,’ but none of them can be used as a synonym for the term as employed by the Christian Churches; to express this term explicitly, they had to introduce a word from European or Christian origin: “hartagqa,” “hurtuqi” “hartiqi.” Sectarianism started very early after the advent of Islam, under the reign of the Umayyads. Bernard Lewis’ article “Some Observations on the Significance of Heresy in the History of Islam” shows, that Islamic history and early Islamic documents illustrate a discussion about the connection between heresy and sectarianism. Generally speaking, heresy was applied to sectarians in a rather loosely manner: “the sectarian, though some of his doctrines may in time be excluded by the cumulative force of the Consensus from the main stream of Islam, is still a Muslim.” The following essay will explore sectarianism under the Umayyads and ‘Abbasids, continually referring to the terms of orthodoxy and heresy. It will analyse political and religious opposition offered by the various non-Sunni factions.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The Umayyads
• The Rise of Sectarianism
• The Umayyads and Arab Identity
• Kharijism and Shi'ism
• The 'Abbasids
• The 'Abbasid Revolution
• The 'Abbasids and Non-Arabs
• Minor Sects
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay aims to explore the emergence and development of sectarianism within early Islam, focusing on the periods of the Umayyad and 'Abbasid caliphates. It analyzes the political and religious opposition offered by various non-Sunni factions, including Kharijism and Shi'ism, while exploring the terms of heresy and orthodoxy within the Islamic context.

• The rise of sectarianism in early Islam
• The role of the Umayyad and 'Abbasid caliphates in shaping sectarian identities
• The distinction between heresy and orthodoxy within Islamic thought
• The impact of political and religious opposition on the development of Sunni and Shi'a Islam
• The evolving relationship between Arab and non-Arab Muslims in the early Islamic era

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction establishes the complex relationship between heresy and orthodoxy within Islam and introduces the concept of 'Consensus' as the supreme authority in religious practice. The essay focuses on the evolution of sectarianism, primarily through the lens of the Umayyad and 'Abbasid dynasties. The chapter on the Umayyads describes the formation of a Sunni Islamic identity amidst continuous rebellions and revolts against their rule. The Umayyads' Arab-centric approach, social discrimination, and imperializing policies contributed to the emergence of oppositional movements, notably Kharijism and Shi'ism. The chapter on the 'Abbasids discusses the 'Abbasid revolution, its origins, and the ideological complexities surrounding its justification. While the 'Abbasids initially presented themselves as champions of a more inclusive Islam, their rule ultimately led to a further separation of the Shi'a from the mainstream Muslim community. Finally, the chapter on minor sects briefly explores the development of Isma'iliism and its significance within the larger framework of Shi'a Islam.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay focuses on the key themes of sectarianism, heresy, orthodoxy, Umayyad, 'Abbasid, Kharijism, Shi'ism, Sunni, Consensus, Arab identity, and the evolution of Islamic factions. It explores the historical development of these concepts within the context of early Islamic history, analyzing the interactions between political power, religious beliefs, and social structures.

• College: Ben Gurion University
• Grade: 85
• Author: Sophie Duhnkrack (Author)
• Publication Year: 2009
• Pages: 5
• Catalog Number: V141509
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640517435
• ISBN (Book): 9783640517268
• Language: English
• Tags: ‘Consensus’ among Muslims and scholars, supreme authority in all questions of religious practice, evolving sectarianism, continuous rebellions and revolts, to carve out an Islamic Sunni identity, ‘Arabness’, Kharijism and Shi’ism, Abbasid revolution, Khurasan, Isma’ilis, Buyids, a Shi’a Persian dynasty, the Zaidis, and the Fatimids