Document Type : .
Authors
1 Department History Faculty Litereature and Humanities, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran
2 Department History, Faculty Litereature and humanities, University Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
Karamiya sect was one of the most important and influential religious sects during the 3rd to 6th centuries of Hijri. This sect emerged in the 3rd century of Hijri as a branch of the Hanafi religion. They rejected the followers of other religions including Sunni and Shia and other sects. in contrast, Sunni and Shia scholars and even Sufis considered them atheists and infidels because of their beliefs. Here, the aim is not to examine all the existential, theological, jurisprudential, religious and historical dimensions of the Karamiya sect, but only their economic views based on the prohibition of Kasb, as well as the grounds and reasons for changing their views during the Ghaznavid period.
Material and Methods
This research was conducted based on primary sources and some new research related to the method of historical description and analysis.
Discussion and Results
Karamians basically denied "Kasb" and on the other hand, they believed that God is always the provider. In fact, they turned to the “tradition of reliance on Allah" based on a verse from the Qur'an, which means: "Your sustenance is in the sky". But the question here is why the Karamians gradually turned to extortion, collection and confiscation of property despite their Sufi faith and profession and economic austerity. Part of this tendency and practice is related to the social nature of the supporters and followers of this sect. Most of the supporters of this sect were from the low and poor classes of the society, and whenever they got an opportunity, they greedily sought to eliminate hunger. Also, rural farmers and urban artisans and merchants were among their followers, who, contrary to the slogans and propaganda of Karamiya leaders based on "prohibition of Kasb", business and profession were an integral part of their daily lives. Those Karamians who appeared as Sufis and lived in monasteries were not indifferent to earning, but their way of earning and livelihood was apparently based on the tradition of trusting in God. But in practice, relied on the incomes, gifts and offerings of the monasteries. Apart from this, Karamians lacked codified and coherent jurisprudence regarding economic affairs and financial issues. But their rulings, especially in the field of "the sufficiency of verbal confession for faith", "being a hypocrite and hypocrite believer", "the correctness of prayer, fasting and Hajj without intention" and "the correctness of praying with impure clothes" indicate that they do not adhere to It was the principles. In addition, the political opportunity that the Ghaznavid sultans provided to their leaders caused them to theoretically distance themselves from their first views and turn to gaining status and livelihood and confiscating the property of others, especially the Shiites.
Conclusions
Karamians basically denied "Kasb". In fact, they turned to the “tradition of reliance on Allah", but given the nature of the different social classes of their followers, including rural farmers and urban artisans, “Kasb” was an integral part of their economic life. Some of their beliefs, such as "verbal faith," can also be interpreted as indicating a generalization of tolerance in other matters, especially tolerance in the field of "Kasb". In addition, the political opportunity that the Ghaznavids provided to the Karamians revealed their desire to acquire and accumulate wealth, especially considering their long-standing enmity with other religious groups, who played a major role in extortion, bribery, and confiscation of others' property.
Keywords
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