Maḥmūdīyah (محمودية)
Definition
Maḥmūdīyah (محمودية) - A Shīʿah sect established by Mīr Sharīf, during the rule of Emperor Akbar, in Bengal. The sect draws its name and theological inspiration from Maḥmūd of Busak͟hwān, who lived during the reign of Timur.
Etymology
- Arabic: محمودية (Maḥmūdīyah)
- Turkish: Mahmudiyye
The term “Maḥmūdīyah” is derived from the word “Maḥmūd (محمود),” which means “glorious” in Arabic, reflecting the elevated status its founder aspired to achieve.
Historical Background
Maḥmūd of Busak͟hwān, the spiritual precursor of the Maḥmūdīyah sect, claimed to be al-Mahdī and styled himself as the Shak͟hs-i-Waḥīd (شخص وحید), meaning “the Individual One.” He prophesied a future where a “glorious” individual would arise, leading to the end of Prophet Muḥammad’s (Peace Be Upon Him) dispensation.
Core Beliefs
- Transmigration of the Soul: Maḥmūdīyah doctrine upholds the belief in transmigration, positing that human souls transfer into different bodies over successive lives.
- Earth Atom (Nuqt̤ah): The sect teaches that all beginnings stem from the earth atom, emphasizing an elemental origin for creation.
- Glorious Station: Citing a verse from the Qur’ān (Sūrah 17:81), the sect foresees the emergence of a “glorious” Mahmūd, marking the culmination of human spiritual evolution.
Interaction with Political Power
- Shah ʿAbbās of Persia: Expelled members of the Nuqtawīyah, Maḥmūdīyah, and Waḥīdīyah from his realms.
- Emperor Akbar: Offered refuge and patronage to the expelled sect, not only welcoming them into his dominions but also promoting them to prominent state positions.
Related Terms
- Nuqtawīyah (نقطویه): Named for their belief in the elemental significance of the earth atom.
- Waḥīdīyah (وحیدیه): Another designation based on Maḥmūd’s epithet, “the Individual One.”
Suggested Reading
- “Shi’ism In Islamic History” by Etan Kohlberg
- “The Shīʿites: Ritual and Dynamics of Faith” by Heinz Halm
- “The Empire of the Great Mughals: History, Art, and Culture” by Annemarie Schimmel
Key Takeaways
- Spiritual Lineage: Rooted in the teachings of Maḥmūd of Busak͟hwān, who proclaimed himself to be al-Mahdī.
- Transmigration Belief: Unique concept within Islamic sects, focused on soul transfer and elemental beginnings.
- Historical Interactions: Mixed responses from Muslim rulers, ranging from persecution to patronage.
Conclusion
The Maḥmūdīyah sect occupies a unique niche in the tapestry of Shīʿah Islam. Founded by Mīr Sharīf, inspired by Maḥmūd of Busak͟hwān’s teachings of spiritual transformation and transmigration, it reflects a rich historical interaction with broader Islamic political and cultural landscapes. Understanding this sect contributes to a broader comprehension of Islamic diversity.
