Religion in Abbasid Caliphate
The predominant religion in the Abbasid Caliphate was Islam, which served as the foundation of the state’s legitimacy and governance. The Abbasids were Muslims who claimed descent from Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, an uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, which they used to justify their right to rule over the Islamic world. Under the Abbasid Caliphate, Islam experienced significant intellectual, theological, and jurisprudential development, leading to the Golden Age of Islamic culture.
The Abbasid period was marked by religious diversity and a degree of tolerance towards non-Muslim communities, known as “dhimmis,” including Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians, who were allowed to practice their religions and participate in the caliphate’s social and economic life under certain conditions and in exchange for paying a tax (jizya).
The Abbasids played a crucial role in the consolidation of Sunni Islam by supporting the ulama (Islamic scholars) and the madrasas (Islamic schools) that promoted Sunni jurisprudence and theology. However, they also witnessed the emergence and spread of various Islamic sects and movements, such as Shi’ism, which at times led to political and social tensions within the caliphate.
Additionally, the Abbasids were instrumental in the translation and preservation of knowledge from ancient civilizations, including Greek, Persian, and Indian cultures, into Arabic. This contributed to significant advancements in science, medicine, mathematics, and philosophy, which were often facilitated by the multicultural and interfaith interactions within the caliphate’s territories.
Abbasid Caliphate ( 750-1258)
The Abbasid Caliphate was established in 750 CE and marked a golden age in Islamic history known for advancements in science, culture, arts, and political influence. The Abbasid era witnessed significant advancements in various sciences. Baghdad was founded in 762 CE by Caliph Al-Mansur. It became the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. It served as a political, cultural, and economic center, attracting scholars, artists, and merchants from across the Islamic world.
In this article, we are going to learn about the Abbasid Caliphates – Capital, History, Their Rise, Achievements, and Facts. Let’s get started.
Table of Content
- About Abbasid Calipahte
- Abbasid Caliphate – Overview
- Abbasid Caliphate – History
- Abbasid Caliphate – Golden Age
- Rise of the Abbasid Caliphate
- Abbasid Caliphate – Achievements