Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

History of Shi'ism: From the Advent of Islam up to the End of Minor Occultation

This text discusses how Shi'ism has been an integral and inseparable part of Islam from the time of the Holy Prophet (sa). The text provides several resources to show how Shi'ism began with the companions of the Holy Prophet (sa) and how its legacy still stands.

Author(s): Ghulam-Husayn Muharrami

Translator(s): Mansoor L. Limba

Publisher(s): ABWA Publishing and Printing Center

Table of Contents

Foreword. 7

Reference 9

Preface 10

History of Shi‘ism as the History of a Living School and Combatant Followers 10

References 12

Part 1: A Cursory Glance at the References 13

Lesson 1: Historical References 14

Special References 14

1. Maqatil at-Talibiyyin. 14

2. Ad-Darajat ar-Rafi‘ah fi Tabaqat ash-Shi‘ah. 15

3. A‘yan ash-Shi‘ah. 16

4. Tarikh ash-Shi‘ah. 17

5. Shi‘eh dar Tarikh. 18

6. Jihad ash-Shi‘ah. 18

7. Tarikh-e Tashayyu‘ dar Iran az Aghaz ta Qarn-e Haftum-e Hijri 19

Lesson 1: Summary. 19

Lesson 1: Questions 20

References 21

Leswson 2: General References 22

1. General History. 22

2. Biography of the Imams (‘a) 22

3. Books on Revolts and Wars 23

4. Books on Rijal and Classes 23

5. Books on Geography. 24

6. Books on Narrations 24

7. Books on Genealogy. 25

8. Books on Hadith. 25

9. Books on Nations and Religions 26

Lesson 2: Summary. 26

Lesson 2: Questions 27

References 28

Part 2: The Manner of Emergence of the Shi‘ah  29

Lesson 3: “Shi‘ah” in the Lexicon and the Qur’an  30

Lesson 3: Summary. 32

Lesson 3: Questions 32

References 34

Lesson 4: The Origin of Shi‘ism. 35

Lesson 4: Summary. 40

Lesson 4: Questions 40

References 41

Lesson 5: The Other Terms for the “Shi‘ah”  43

The Status of ‘Ali (‘a) among the Companions {sahabah}. 44

Lesson 5: Summary. 52

Lesson 5: Questions 52

References 53

Lesson 6: The Role of the Quraysh in the Event of Saqifah  55

The Reasons behind the Quraysh’s Enmity toward the Family of the Prophet (S) 55

1. The Quraysh’s Ambition for Leadership. 55

2. Tribal Rivalry and Envy. 57

3. The Quraysh’s Enmity toward ‘Ali (‘a) 58

Lesson 6: Summary. 59

Lesson 6: Questions 59

References 60

Lesson 7: The Silence of the Commander of the Faithful ‘Ali (‘a) 62

1. The Discord among Muslims 62

2. The Danger Posed by the Apostates {murtaddin}. 63

3. The Safety of the Progeny of the Prophet (S) 64

The Concrete Political Formation of the Shi‘ah after the Event of Saqifah. 64

Lesson 7: Summary. 66

Lesson 7: Questions 67

References 68

Lesson 8: The Shi‘ah among the Companions {sahabah} 69

Lesson 8: Summary. 71

Lesson 8: Questions 72

References 73

Part 3: The Periods of Historical Development of the Shi‘ah  74

Lesson 9: The Periods of Historical Development of the Shi‘ah  75

1. The Shi‘ah during the Period of the First Four Caliphs 75

Manifestation of Shi‘ism during the Caliphate of ‘Ali (‘a) 76

2. The Shi‘ah during the Period of the Umayyad Caliphate 77

Lesson 9: Summary. 79

Lesson 9: Questions 79

References 80

Lesson 10: The Spread of Shi‘ism during the Period of Umayyad Caliphate 82

The Period of Imam al-Hasan and Imam al-Husayn (‘a) 82

The Impact of the Karbala’ Movement on the Spread of Shi‘ism. 84

Lesson 10: Summary. 85

Lesson 10: Questions 86

References 87

Lesson 11: The Period of Imam as-Sajjad (‘a) 88

The Shi‘ah Uprisings 89

Stabilization of the Rule of Marwan’s Descendants 90

Lesson 11: Summary. 91

Lesson 11: Questions 92

References 93

Lesson 12: The Beginning of the ‘Abbasid Campaign and Its Effect upon the Spread of Shi‘ism   96

Shi‘ism during the Period of Imam al-Baqir and Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) 97

The University of Imam as-Sadiq (‘a) 99

Lesson 12: Summary. 101

Lesson 12: Questions 101

References 102

Lesson 13: The Shi‘ah during the Period of ‘Abbasid Caliphate 103

‘Abbasids Control over the Shi‘ah Leaders 106

Lesson 13: Summary. 109

Lesson 13: Questions 109

References 110

Lesson 14: The Reasons behind the Burgeoning of the Shi‘ah during the Period of ‘Abbasid Caliphate 113

1. The Hashimis and ‘Alawis during the Period of Umayyad Caliphate 113

2. The End of the Umayyad Caliphate and the Succession to Power of the ‘Abbasids 113

3. The Migration of the ‘Alawis 114

The Reasons behind the Emigration of the Sadat 116

a. The Defeat of the ‘Alawi Uprisings 116

b. Pressure Exerted by Governments Agents 116

c. Existence of Favorable Circumstances 116

Lesson 14: Summary. 116

Lesson 14: Questions 117

References 118

Part 4: The Shi‘ah and ‘Alawi Uprisings 120

Lesson 15: The Shi‘ah and ‘Alawi Uprisings during the Period of Umayyad Caliphate 121

a. The Uprising of Zayd. 121

b. The Uprising of Yahya ibn Zayd. 123

Lesson 15: Summary. 123

Lesson 15: Questions 124

References 125

Lesson 16: The Shi‘ah and ‘Alawi Uprisings during the Period of ‘Abbasid Caliphate 127

The Uprisings of the Zaydis 127

The Uprising of Muhammad Nafs az-Zakiyyah. 128

The Uprising of Ibn Tabataba’i al-Hasani 128

The Uprising of Hasan ibn Zayd. 129

The Uprising of Yahya ibn al-Husayn. 130

Lesson 16: Summary. 130

Lesson 16: Questions 131

References 132

Lesson 17: Sporadic Uprisings 133

a. The Uprising of Shahid Fakh. 133

b. The Uprising of Muhammad ibn al-Qasim. 133

c. The Uprising of Yahya ibn ‘Umar at-Talibi 134

Factors behind the Failure of the Uprisings 134

Lesson 17: Summary. 135

Lesson 17: Questions 135

References 136

Part 5: The Geographical Expansion of Shi‘ism   137

Lesson 18: The Geographical Expansion of Shi‘ism   138

Lesson 18: Summary. 139

Lesson 18: Questions 139

References 141

Lesson 19: The Demographic Concentration of the Shi‘ah  142

The Shi‘ah-Populated Places during the First Century Hijri 142

a. Medina 142

b. Yemen. 143

c. Kufah. 145

d. Basrah. 147

e. Mada’in. 148

f. Jabal ‘Amil 149

Lesson 19: Summary. 149

Lesson 19: Questions 150

References 151

Lesson 20: The Shi‘ah-Populated Places during the Second Century Hijri 154

a. Khurasan. 155

b. Qum. 155

c. Baghdad. 156

The Shi‘ah-Populated Places during the Third Century Hijri 156

Lesson 20: Summary. 157

Lesson 20: Questions 158

References 159

Lesson 21: Shi‘ism among the Different Tribes 160

Lesson 21: Summary. 163

Lesson 21: Questions 164

References 165

Part 6: The Rifts within Shi‘ism. 166

Lesson 22: The Rifts within Shi‘ism. 167

Lesson 22: Summary. 171

Lesson 22: Questions 171

References 172

Lesson 23: Factors behind the Rifts within Shi‘ism   173

1. Repression. 173

2. Taqiyyah {Dissimulation}. 174

3. Ambition for Leadership. 176

4. The Existence of Mentally Weak Individuals 177

The Infallible Imams’ (‘a) Campaign against Extreme Views 177

Lesson 23: Summary. 179

Lesson 23: Questions 179

References 180

Part 7: The Intellectual Legacy of the Shi‘ah  181

Lesson 24: The Intellectual Legacy of the Shi‘ah  182

Hadith. 183

First Category. 184

Second Category. 184

Third Category. 184

Fourth Category. 184

Lesson 24: Summary. 185

Lesson 24: Questions 185

References 187

Lesson 25: The Science of Jurisprudence 189

The State of Jurisprudence during the Period of the Companions and the Followers {tabi‘un}  189

The State of Jurisprudence among the Shi‘ah. 189

The Beginning of Ijtihad. 190

The Jurists among the Companions of the Imams (‘a) 191

Lesson 25: Summary. 192

Lesson 25: Questions 192

References 193

Lesson 26: The Science of Scholastic Theology {‘ilm al-kalam} 194

Lesson 26: Summary. 196

Lesson 26: Questions 197

References 198

Part 8: The Role of the Shi‘ah Poets in the Spread of Shi‘ism   199

Lesson 27: The Shi‘ah Poets and the Station of Poetry  200

The Shi‘ah Poets Till the End of Minor Occultation. 201

The Leading Shi‘ah Poets 202

Lesson 27: Summary. 203

Lesson 27: Questions 203

References 205

Lesson 28: The Subjects of the Poems of the Shi‘ah Poets 208

1. Argumentation against the Usurpers of the Ahl al-Bayt’s (‘a) Rights 208

2. The Shi‘ah Poets’ Confrontation with the Umayyad and ‘Abbasid Poets 210

Lesson 28: Summary. 213

Lesson 28: Questions 213

References 214

Lesson 29: Elegy-Recitation. 215

Elegies for Imam al-Husayn (‘a) and the Other Martyrs in Karbala’ 215

Elegies for the Other Martyrs among the Descendants of the Prophet (S) 218

The Virtues and Merits of the Descendants of the Prophet (S) 219

The Demerits of the Enemies of the Prophet’s (S) Descendants 221

Lesson 29: Summary. 223

Lesson 29: Questions 223

References 224

Bibliography. 225

Foreword

In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful

The invaluable legacy of the Household {Ahl al-Bayt } of the Prophet (may peace be upon them all), as preserved by their followers, is a comprehensive school of thought that embraces all branches of Islamic knowledge. This school has produced many brilliant scholars who have drawn inspiration from this rich and pure resource.

It has given many scholars to the Muslimummah who, following in the footsteps of Imams of the Prophet’s Household (‘a ), have done their best to clear up the doubts raised by various creeds and currents within and without Muslim society and to answer their questions. Throughout the past centuries, they have given well-reasoned answers and clarifications concerning these questions and doubts.

To meet the responsibilities assigned to it, the Ahl al-Bayt World Assembly (ABWA) has embarked on a defence of the sanctity of the Islamic message and its verities, often obscured by the partisans of various sects and creeds as well as by currents hostile to Islam. The Assembly follows in the footsteps of theAhl al-Bayt (‘a ) and the disciples of their school of thought in its readiness to confront these challenges and tries to be on the frontline in consonance with the demands of every age.

The arguments contained in the works of the scholars belonging to the School of theAhl al-Bayt ( ‘a ) are of unique significance. That is because they are based on genuine scholarship and appeal to reason, and avoid prejudice and bias. These arguments address scholars and thinkers in a manner that appeals to healthy minds and wholesome human nature.

To assist the seekers of truth, the Ahl al-Bayt World Assembly has endeavored to present a new phase of these arguments contained in the studies and translations of the works of contemporary Shi‘ah writers and those who have embraced this sublime school of thought through divine blessing.

The Assembly is also engaged in edition and publication of the valuable works of leading Shi‘ah scholars of earlier ages to assist the seekers of the truth in discovering the truths which the School of the Prophet’s Household (‘a ) has offered to the entire world.

The Ahl al-Bayt World Assembly looks forward to benefit from the opinions of the readers and their suggestions and constructive criticism in this area.

We also invite scholars, translators and other institutions to assist us in propagating the genuine Islamic teachings as preached by the Prophet Muhammad (S).

We beseech God, the Most High, to accept our humble efforts and to enable us to enhance them under the auspices of Imam al-Mahdi, His vicegerent on the earth (may Allah expedite his advent).

We express our gratitude to Hujjat al-Islam wa’l-Muslimin Shaykh Ghulam-Husayn Muharrami, the author of the present book,1 and Mansoor Limba, its translator. We also thank our colleagues who have participated in producing this work, especially the staff of the Translation Office.

Cultural Affairs Department

Ahl al-Bayt (‘a ) World Assembly

Reference

1. Ghulam-Husayn Muharrami, Tarikh-e Tashayyu‘ az Aghaz ta Payan-e Ghaybat-e Kubra (Qum: Imam Khomeini Educational and Research Institute, Spring 1382 AHS (2003), 279 pp.

Preface

In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful

أَلْحَمْدُ للهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ

وَ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلىٰ سَيِّدِنَا وَ نَبِيِّنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ الطَّاهِرِيْنَ وَ لَعْنَةُ اللهِ عَلىٰ أَعْدَائِهِمْ أَجْمَعِيْنَ

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and may the blessings of Allah be upon our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his pure progeny, and may the curse of Allah be upon all their enemies.

History of Shi‘ism as the History of a Living School and Combatant Followers

The history of Shi‘ism {tashayyu‘ } is inseparable from the history of Islam as it is the continuation of Islam of the Prophetic period under the stewardship of the successors of the Prophet of Islam (S)1—the members of his Household {Ahl al-Bayt } (‘a ).2 Furthermore, the origin of the termShi‘ah 3 is traceable back to the Holy Prophet (S) himself.

The initial nucleus of the Shi‘ah was composed of the great and distinguished Companions {sahabah }4 of the Prophet of Islam (S) who, as per instruction of the Prophet (S), believed in the expediency of the leadership of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (‘a ) after the Prophet (S).

After the demise of the Prophet of Islam (S), the formation of {the selection in} Saqifah and the climate that emerged in the selection of the caliph, the path of Shi‘ism took a different turn in history. It is because the Shi‘ah insisted on the leadership of ‘Ali (‘a ) and remained around the members of the Prophet’s Household {Ahl al-Bayt } (‘a ). By enduring the difficulties and adversities, they did not abandon their ideals and beliefs. Thus, they kept their distance from government affairs, causing them to face much enmity and disfavor from the governments of the time.

Although the Shi‘ah difference of view with the supporters of thede facto caliphate was first on the question of caliphate and succession to the Prophet (S), they also called on the Imams from theAhl al-Bayt (‘a )—the genuine fountainhead of Islamic knowledge and learning—after the demise of the Prophet (S) for matters relating to the principles of beliefs {‘aqa’id }, jurisprudence {fiqh },hadith ,5tafsir {exegesis of the Qur’an}, and other Islamic sciences. Over time, the Imams became renowned in these fields compared to the followers of thede facto caliphate, and the trend of their intellectual and cultural path took a different course.

This affair itself had an eminent effect on the historical and cultural trend in Shi‘ism, continuously protecting it from distortion {tahrif } and other forms of setbacks.

In the light of adherence to the Imams from theAhl al-Bayt (‘a ), the Shi‘ah actually became the repository ofAhl al-Bayt ’s knowledge and their spiritual inheritors throughout history. The culture of Shi‘ism has always been an effulgent, dynamic, prolific, and authentic culture such that even some of their opponents have acknowledged this fact.

For example, Shams ad-Din Muhammad adh-Dhahabi (born 748 AH), one of Ahl as-Sunnah’s distinguished eighth century (hijri) scholars (known for his anti-Shi‘ah sentiment) in describing the status of Aban ibn Taghlib, one of the towering pupils of Imam Ja‘far as-Sadiq (‘a ), bitterly acknowledges this fact and after accusing him of “innovation in religion” (Shi‘ism), approves of and introduces him as truthful, and thus writes:

Inclination to Shi‘ism among the religious, pious and honest followers, and their followers, are plenty. In case thehadith s they are narrating are rejected, a great portion of the Prophetic works andhadith s will be lost and this evil is serious enough.6

On the other hand, like any othermadhhab {sect} and maktab {school}, the Shi‘ah, throughout these historical straitened circumstances and the ups and downs that transpired, was not immune from internal splits, which brought about immense predicaments. The infiltration of the ghulat 7 into Shi‘ah ranks had also exacerbated these predicaments notwithstanding the rejection of the former by the Imams ( ‘a ) of the Shi‘ah.

Keeping this background in mind, one can guess what stages and pathways the Shi‘ah have treaded during the past fourteen centuries in different realms and spheres.

This book, a relatively comprehensive, elegant and worthy glance at the historical trend of Shi‘ism, is a product of relentless efforts and studies of the diligent researcher, Hujjat al-Islam Shaykh Ghulam-Husayn Muharrami, and has many distinguishing merits compared to other similar works—whose number is unfortunately few. Fortunately, it has now earned the kind attention of the authorities and is about to be published, after passing (with an excellent grade) as a master’s thesis. We are currently awaiting other significant works from this author.

Mahdi Pishva’i

Qum

Khordad 1380 AHS

Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1422 AH

May-June 2001

References

1. The abbreviation, “S”, stands for the Arabic invocative phrase, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa alihi wa sallam {may God’s salutation and peace be upon him and his progeny}, which is used after the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S). {Trans.}

2. The abbreviation, “‘a” stands for the Arabic invocative phrase, ‘alayhis-salam, ‘alayhimus-salam, or ‘alayhas-salam {may peace be upon him/them/her}, which is used after the names of the prophets, angels, Imams from the Prophet’s progeny, and saints (‘a). {Trans.}

3. In this volume, I maintained the word “Shi‘ah” to refer to both the group (single collective unit) and the individuals constituting the group (plural). {Trans.}

4. Companions {sahabah} refer to the Companions of the Prophet (S). In earlier times, the term was restricted to his close friends who had close contact with him. Later, the term was extended to include the believers who had seen him, even if only for a brief moment or at an early age. {Trans.}

5. Hadith (pl. ahadith): tradition or report, specifically the traditions of the Prophet (S) and the infallible Imams (‘a), i.e. their sayings, actions and tacit approvals of others’ actions, or the narrations of these. {Trans.}

6. Shams ad-Din Muhammad ibn Ahmad adh-Dhahabi, Mizan al-I‘tidal (Beirut: Dar al-Fikr, n.d.), vol. 1, p. 4.

7. Ghulat (sing. ghali) are those who declare their faith in Islam but exaggerate in their beliefs about some prophets or Imams, e.g., those who believe that an Imam is an incarnation of God. This is against the fundamental Islamic belief that God does not incarnate into anyone or any­thing. {Trans.}

Part 1: A Cursory Glance at the References