Ghulat
Ghulat (Arabic: غلاة, Turkish: Gulat). A term referring to those Shii groups that were critically opposed to the centrist tendencies of Islamic doctrine and government during the initial centuries of Islam. Their speculative beliefs concerning the elevated status of Ali—the first Shii Imam—and subsequent Shii imams were met with rejection by Sunni Muslims. As Shii groups evolved and established their own orthodoxies, these “exaggerators” were also condemned by mainstream Shii communities, although certain aspects of their doctrines were integrated over time.
Etymology
The word “Ghulat” comes from the Arabic root gh-l-w (غ ل و), which means “to exaggerate” or “to exceed proper bounds.” Hence, the term “Ghulat” implies those who exaggerate in belief and practice, particularly regarding theological and spiritual issues.
Historical Context
The Ghulat emerged in the formative period of Islamic history, finding ground during and after the Fitan (minor civil wars) and under the expanding Islamic empires. Dissent against the political and doctrinal mainstream, these groups offered a stark alternative by adopting and promoting extreme historiographical reverence for Ali and the imams, attributing near-divine or supernatural qualities to them.
Key Groups
Several Shii sects have been historically categorized as Ghulat:
- Bektashis (Turkey): A Sufi order incorporating some Ghulati elements along with traditional Shii theology.
- Qizilbash (Turkey): Militant supporters of the Safavid dynasty who combined Shiism with Ghulati doctrines.
- Ali-Ilahis (Iran): A sect that amplifies devotion to Ali to an extent considered beyond orthodox practice.
- Nusayris/Alawis (Syria and Lebanon): A group recognizing divine attributes in Ali and later successors, implementing a unique syncretic belief system.
Doctrinal Characteristics
Ghulati beliefs include the spiritual or even divine elevation of Imam Ali and his descendants, who are viewed not merely as religious leaders but as manifestations of divine light (nur). Some factions attribute miraculous abilities or pre-existence to these figures. Additionally, Ghulat groups may adopt esoteric practices and doctrines, veering away from mainstream Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and theology (kalam).
Rejection by Sunni and Shii Mainstream
The speculative veneration characteristic of the Ghulat was robustly opposed in classical Sunni writings. Al-Ghazali and Ibn Taymiyyah, among other scholars, criticized their beliefs. Major Shii scholars like Al-Kulayni and Al-Tusi also distanced mainstream Shii orthodoxy from Ghulati exegesis, yet some theological concepts subtly persisted within Shii thought.
Further Studies
To dive deeper into understanding the Ghulat and their historical context, the following works are suggested:
- “The Origins and Early Development of Shia Islam” by S. H. M. Jafri.
- “Shiism in the Maghrib and Al-Andalus, Volume One” by Amira K. Bennison.
- “Encyclopedia of Islam, 2nd Edition” edited by P. Bearman et al.
Takeaways
Ghulat represents a historical and theological challenge within Islam. Understanding its ramifications provides insight into the diverse and sometimes contentious spectrum of early Islamic thought, emphasizing the complexities faced by Islamic orthodoxies in maintaining doctrinal purity.
Conclusion
The term “Ghulat” encapsulates a spectrum of Shii groups characterized by their radical theological stances, which navigated evolving orthodoxy and doctrinal disputes within early Islamic society. Despite their historical rejection by both Sunni and Shii centrists, Ghulati ideas contribute to the rich tapestry of Islamic intellectual history.
