Supportive and confrontational policies of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs in dealing with religions and intellectual movements

Karimighahi, Mansoure

doi:10.22034/nriihs.2025.2075789.1064

Supportive and confrontational policies of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs in dealing with religions and intellectual movements

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Mansoure Karimighahi

PhD in Islamic History, Al-Zahra University and Secretary of Education, TEHRAN, IRAN

10.22034/nriihs.2025.2075789.1064

Abstract

This study, using a descriptive-analytical approach, examines the supportive and confrontational policies of the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs in dealing with scholars and followers of Islamic sects and intellectual movements. The main goal is to analyze the mechanisms of power towards scientific and ideological movements and their impact on the formation and development of religions in the Islamic world. During the Umayyad period, policy was generally based on political and security control over ideological opponents, especially Shiites and groups critical of the legitimacy of the caliphate; while limited support was observed for Sunnis and scholars who worked to consolidate the power of the caliphs. During the Abbasid period, although at the beginning of the government, a policy of closeness to the Alawites and scholars was pursued to provide legitimacy, gradually, as the structure of the caliphate strengthened, strict approaches were adopted towards opposing movements and also intervention in theological disputes, such as the Muhna affair and support for the Mu'tazilites. The results of the research show that the interaction or confrontation between the caliphs and the scholars was not based on a doctrinal perspective but rather on political considerations and due to their need for legitimacy and maintaining the authority and coherence of the central power. In general, the religious policies of these two governments paved the way for the institutionalization of jurisprudential-theological schools and the formation of lasting divisions in the history of Islam.

Keywords

Intellectual movements

religions

Umayyads

Abbasids

patronage policies

Subjects