ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib in the Works of al-Jāḥiẓ

Document Type : Research/Original/Reqular Article

Authors

1 PhD student, Department of History and Civilization of Islamic Nations, Faculty of Theology Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of History and Civilization of Islamic Nations, Faculty of Theology, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad Branch, Mashhad, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of History and Civilization of Islamic Nations, Faculty of Theology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Examining the works of authors to delineate the portrayal of Imām ʿAlī  offers insights into the perspectives of their intellectual elite towards him. Al-Jāḥiẓ al-Muʿtazilī, a prolific scholar active in Baṣra and Baghdād, is one such figure whose writings present seemingly contradictory views regarding him. Despite the richness of his literary output, his stance on ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib has received limited scholarly attention. This article aims to ascertain al-Jāḥiẓ's position concerning the first Imām of the Shīʿa by analyzing his complete works that contain information about him. The study of al-Jāḥiẓ's writings reveals a significant tension between his apparent support for ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib and expressions of animosity towards him. The central question of this research is to determine the underlying reasons for these contradictory positions held by al-Jāḥiẓ. The findings suggest that al-Jāḥiẓ, leveraging his scholarly and literary prowess, effectively reflected the diverse perspectives of various sects towardsʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib as an ostensibly impartial milal wa niḥal writer. Simultaneously, he emerges as a staunch defender of the him in numerous treatises, skillfully employing his intellectual and scientific capabilities, shaped by his association with the Muʿtazila, to advocate for the ʿAlī b. Abī Ṭālib and articulate sharp criticisms against his adversaries.

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Iranian Journal for the History of Islamic Civilization
Volume 57, Issue 2
February 2025
Pages 281-306

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  • Receive Date: 06 March 2024
  • Revise Date: 04 March 2025
  • Accept Date: 12 April 2025

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