Religion and politics under the early ʻAbbāsids
Book Description
This scholarly exploration delves into the formative centuries of Islamic civilization, examining how religious authority and political power intertwined during the early Abbasid period. Muhammad Qasim Zaman presents a nuanced investigation of how the caliphs shaped religious policy and fostered the development of what would become Sunni Islam.
The study reveals the dynamic relationship between rulers and religious scholars, challenging common assumptions about the separation of spiritual and temporal authority in early Islamic society. Rather than operating in distinct spheres, Zaman demonstrates how caliphs actively participated in religious discourse and decision-making, working closely with the emerging class of Islamic scholars known as the ulama.
Through careful analysis of this collaboration, the book illuminates how patronage systems influenced both individual scholars and the broader evolution of Sunni religious thought. The author traces the emergence of a religious elite and examines how their relationship with political authority shaped the foundations of Islamic orthodoxy.
For readers interested in understanding how spiritual traditions develop within complex political environments, this work offers valuable insights into the social forces that molded early Islamic religious identity. The book provides a fresh perspective on the interconnected nature of faith and governance during a pivotal period in Islamic history, revealing patterns that influenced centuries of religious and political development.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
🕉️ Tradition: Islam
📄 Length: 232 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Oulémas
- ✓ Explore Abbasiden
- ✓ Explore Politique et gouvernement
- ✓ Explore Elites
- ✓ Explore Ulema
- ✓ Explore Religionspolitik
- ✓ Explore Sunniten
- ✓ Explore Politics and government
