The Development of Sectarianism

Carl Ernst

Reli 180, Introduction to Islamic Civilization

September 4, 2008

Upcoming quiz September18

In class quiz, 25 minutes

A list of 25 names and terms will be circulated a week in advance

The quiz will contain 10 names and terms

The task is to correctly identify and explain the significance of 5 names and terms, in relation to key issues in the course

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Hints for studying for the quiz

Use the glossary in Egger (p. 319)

Use the index both in Egger and Following Muhammad

Write down notes in the margin of the book after you look things up, or take notes on your computer.

Think about names and terms in relation to key issues in the course

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`Ali and the politics of division

Recap of first four CaliphsAbu Bakr, 632-634

`Umar, 634-644

`Uthman, 644-656

`Ali, 656-661

Tensions created by favoritism of `Uthman toward Meccan elites (nepotism), leading to his assassination

Resentment of those who favored `Ali4

The declaration of Ghadir Khumm

“him for whom I am the master, so this Ali is his master”

“master” can also mean “client,” “ally,” etc.

Was `Ali named as Muhammad’s successor? 5

`Ali’s Caliphate: Shi’ites and Kharijites

`Ali’s popularity among opponents of `Uthman

Cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, married to Prophet’s daughter Fatima, father of Prophet’s grandsons, Hasan and Husayn

Seen as champion of outsiders including non-Arabs

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`Ali’s Caliphate: Shi’ites and Kharijites (2)

`Ali battles opponents near Kufa (Battle of Camel, then is challenged by Mu`awiya and submits to arbitration

Shi`a = “faction, party” [of `Ali, or whoever]

Shi`i (Shi’ite) = “partisan, supporter” [of Ali]

Kharijites (“seceders”), one-time supporters of `Ali who reject him when he agrees to arbitration

Kharijite movement becomes extremist; sinners [everyone else!] should be killed

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Ali’s death, Karbala, and martyrdom

`Ali’s death “a profound shock to his followers”

Mu`awiya establishes Umayyad dynasty, which is criticized for immorality

Hasan gives up claim on caliphate

Husayn raises revolt, massacred in Karbala (680) by army of Yazid (son of Mu`awiya)

Kufans failed to support him, suffered deep guilt , origin of lamentation rituals

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Karbala

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Husayn

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The Abbasid Revolution

Other revolts against UmayyadsIbn Zubayr in Mecca (682-692)

Mukhtar revolts in name of `Ali’s son, Ibn al-Hanafiyya, claimed to be Mahdi (messiah)

• Doctrine of Jesus as Mahdi

After death in 700, Ibn al-Hanafiyya said to be “in concealment”

Should Imam-Caliph be related to `Ali (Alid), or more generally to the Prophet? Descendents of Prophet’s uncle `Abbas = Abbasids

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Abbasid strategy

Abbasids claim succession to Ibn al-Hanafiyya as spiritual heirs

Pretend to postpone the decision on caliph until after overthrow of Umayyads\

Abu Muslim organizes propaganda in Iran, “black banners” unfurled

Umayyads overthrown in 750 with great slaughter, `Abbasids claim caliphate, to great disappointment of Alids

Shi`ite identities

Ghulat (“extremists”) and Zaydis

Husayni Alids: descendents of Ali via Husayn become respected figures or Imams (Muhammad al-Baqir, Ja`far al-Sadiq)

Development of doctrine of Imam: designation of successor, extraordinary spiritual knowledge, renouncing politics

Crisis of succession after Ja`far when his son Isma`il predeceases him

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Imami Shi`is (Twelvers)

Dissimulation of religious identity permissible under threat

Death of the 11th Imam (Hasan al-`Askari, 874), doctrine of 12th (“hidden”) Imam

Represented by deputies during Lesser Concealment (874-941)

After 941, Greater Concealment, 12th Imam expected to return as Mahdi

Dominant religion in Iran, Iraq14

Isma`ilis (Seveners)

Broke away from Imamis after Isma`il died

Preoccupation with esoteric knowledge

Imam believed to be concealed

Missionaries find Berbers receptive, establish Fatimid caliphate in North Africa (910), `Abd Allah recognized as Imam-Caliph and Mahdi (compare to Dune)

• Shi`is as “embattled minorities”

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Sunnis as majoritarians

Claim to follow sunna or example of Prophet, accept political authority

Texts are authorities, not Imams

Ritual practice: proclamation of faith, ritual prayer, alms giving, fasting, pilgrimage

Tension between Shi`i emphasis on charismatic leaders and Sunni acceptance of tradition

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