Maria bint Munqidh al-‘Abdi: The Social and Political Aspect

Abstract

The political activism of the Umayyads had a negative impact on the Islamic provinces, foremost among them Basrah, which became a fertile arena for political contention, marked by the diversity of Islamic factions ranging from supporters and advocates of Umayyad policies to those resentful of their corruption, injustice, and intimidation. The latter group endured the full force of the Umayyads’ hostility and oppression for their loyalty to the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), prompting them to organize themselves and unite ranks in confronting this Umayyad recklessness and disregard.

The Shi‘a of Basrah, in their resistance and rejection of Umayyad rule, drew upon their well-known history of hostility toward Imam Ali (peace be upon him)—a hostility inherited from the enmity and battles waged against him. This animosity persisted toward his sons, the two Imams Hasan and Husayn (peace be upon them), and manifested in the intrigues and conspiracies they did not hesitate to orchestrate. Their motives were fueled by the grudges from the Battle of Badr, in which the sword of the Commander of the Faithful, Ali ibn Abi Talib, brought humiliation upon them, cutting down their elders with Dhu al-Fiqar and sending them to their fate in the fire.