Mahdis and Millenarians : Shi’ite Extremists in Early Muslim Iraq

Mahdis and Millenarians is a discussion of Shiite groups in eighth- and ninth-century Iraq and Iran, whose ideas reflected a mixture of indigenous non-Muslim religious teachings and practices in Iraq in the early centuries of Islamic rule. It demonstrates the period's fluidity of religious boundaries. Particular attention is given to the millenarian expectations and the revolutionary political activities of these sects. Specifically, it seeks to define the term'millenarian', to explain how these groups reflect that definition, and to show how they need to be seen in a much larger context than Shiite or even Muslim history. The author concentrates, therefore, on the historical-sociological role of these movements. The thesis of the study is that they were the first revolutionary chiliastic groups in Islamic history and, combined with the later influence of some of their doctrines, contributed to the teachings of a number of subsequent Shiite or quasi-Shiite sectarian groups. "Mahdis and Millenarians is a discussion of Shi'ite groups in eighth- and ninth-century Iraq and Iran, whose ideas reflected a mixture of indigenous non-Muslim religious teachings and practices in Iraq in the early centuries of Islamic rule. These ideas demonstrate the fluidity of religious boundaries of this period. Particular attention is given to the millenarian expectations and the revolutionary political activities of these sects. Specifically, the author's intention is to define the term "millenarian," to explain how these groups reflect that definition, and to show how they consequently need to be seen in a much larger context than Shi'ite or even simply Muslim history. The author concentrates, therefore, on the historical-sociological role of these movements. The central thesis of the study is that they were the first revolutionary chiliastic groups in Islamic history and, combined with the later influence of some of their doctrines, contributed to the tactics and teachings of a number of subsequent Shi'ite or quasi-Shi'ite sectarian groups."--BOOK JACKET Mahdis and Millenarians is a discussion of Shiite groups in eighth- and ninth-century Iraq and Iran, whose ideas reflected a mixture of indigenous non-Muslim religious teachings and practices in Iraq in the early centuries of Islamic rule and demonstrates the fluidity of religious boundaries of this period. Particular attention is given to the millenarian expectations and the revolutionary political activities of these sects. Specifically, the author's intention is to define the term 'millenarian', to explain how these groups reflect that definition, and to show how they consequently need to be seen in a much larger context than Shiite or even simply Muslim history. The author concentrates, therefore, on the historical-sociological role of these movements. The central thesis of the study is that they were the first revolutionary chiliastic groups in Islamic history and, combined with the later influence of some of their doctrines, contributed to the tactics and teachings of a number of subsequent Shiite or quasi-Shiite sectarian groups. -- Publisher description Mahdis and Millenarians is a discussion of Shiite groups in eighth- and ninth-century Iraq and Iran, whose ideas reflected a mixture of indigenous non-Muslim religious teachings and practices in Iraq in the early centuries of Islamic rule. It demonstrates the period's fluidity of religious boundaries. Particular attention is given to the millenarian expectations and the revolutionary political activities of these sects. Specifically, it seeks to define the term 'millenarian', to explain how these groups reflect that definition, and to show how they need to be seen in a much larger context than Shiite or even Muslim history. The author concentrates, therefore, on the historical-sociological role of these movements. The thesis of the study is that they were the first revolutionary chiliastic groups in Islamic history and, combined with the later influence of some of their doctrines, contributed to the teachings of a number of subsequent Shiite or quasi-Shiite sectarian groups

Mahdis and Millenarians is a study of early extremist Shiites in Iraq and Iran. These sectarians originated certain doctrines and religious practices that influenced a number of later Shiite religious and political movements. Their millenarian expectations and willingness to use force against perceived enemies gave them a sense of solidarity and coherence that could be effectively mobilized in revolutionary or conflict situations. They should be viewed primarily within the context of world millenarian sectarian movements.

Introduction -- 1. Earlier Movements -- 2. Bayan Ibn Sam'an And The Bayaniyya -- 3. Al-mughira Ibn Sa'id And The Mughiriyya -- 4. Abu Mansur Al-'ijli And The Mansuriyya -- 5. 'abd Allah Ibn Mu'awiya And The Janahiyya -- 6. Influence And Significance Of The Four Sects -- Conclusion -- Epilogue -- Bibliography -- Index. William F. Tucker. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 143-166) And Index. Introduction 1. Earlier movements. 'Abd Allah ibn Saba' and his followers. al-Mukhtar and the Kaisaniyya 2. Bayan ibn Sam'an and the Bayaniyya 3. al-Mughira ibn Sa'id and the Mughiriyya 4. Abu Mansur al-'Ijli and the Mansuriyya 5. 'Abd Allah ibn Mu'awiya and the Janahiyya 6. Influence and significance of the four sects Conclusion Epilogue Notes Bibliography. Mahdis and Millenarians is a study of early extremist Shiites in Iraq and Iran, who originated doctrines and practices that influenced a number of later Shiite religious and political movements. Their millenarian expectations and willingness to use force against perceived enemies gave them a coherence that could be effectively mobilized.