Religion-Politics Relation-3 in The Abbasids -From the Life of Religion to the Religion of Life-
The Abbasids, who overthrew the Umayyad State in a bloody coup in 750, established the Abbasid State under their dynasty’s name. The first two caliphs of this new state, Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah (750- 754) and Abu Ja’far al-Mansur (754-775), were the founding caliphs. Both caliphs orchestrated assassinations to eliminate those who had helped them seize power. To legitimize their rule, they declared themselves as the shadow of God on earth, asserting that they were appointed by God and the true heirs of the Prophet Muhammad. After constructing Baghdad, Mansur moved the capital there and harshly suppressed all rebellious groups, especially the Shiites. Muhammad al-Mahdi (775-785) became the caliph of the newly stabilized state without issues. His era was a time of reconciliation for the masses who had become estranged from the state. The peak period of the Abbasids began with Caliph Harun al-Rashid (786-809), during which the state reached its zenith in political, economic, internal stability, and religious sensitivities. After Harun al-Rashid, during the reigns of Al-Ma’mun (813-833), Al-Mu’tasim (833-842), and Al-Wathiq (842-847), the Mu’tazila sect was declared as the official sect of the state. Those who opposed this were punished, and scholars against the official sect were accused of rebelling against the state, facing severe persecution and torture. This period, known as the Mihna, ended during Caliph Al-Mutawakkil’s reign (847-861). Afterward, the Abbasid State entered a period of decline and collapse. The days of significant contributions to Islamic civilization were over. The Baghdad caliphate became a puppet controlled by other nations dominating the state. It struggled with civil wars and separatist forces for many years until it was ultimately destroyed by the Mongols in 1258.
Keywords: State, Religion, Politics, The caliph, Mihna, Abbasids, Revolition