Zarāmīyah (زرامية) in Islam
Definition
Zarāmīyah (زرامية) is a sect within Shi’a Islam, asserting the Imamate succession after ʿAlī through several distinct historical figures, diverging significantly from mainstream Shī’ah doctrines. They believe in a specific lineage of Imāms, namely, Muḥammad ibn Ḥanafīyah, ʿAbdullāh, ʿAlī ibn ʿAbdillāh ibn ʿAbbās, and their progeny, up until Manṣūr. The sect purports that ultimately the Divine power entered into Abū Muslim, whom they claim was not actually slain.
Etymology
The term “Zarāmīyah” is derived from Arabic (زرامية), though the exact roots of the name are debated among scholars. It has historical roots within the context of Shīʿah factions that arose following internal disputes over leadership and spiritual authority.
Historical Figures and Succession
- ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (علي بن أبي طالب) - The first Imam in Shia Islam.
- Muḥammad ibn Ḥanafīyah (محمد بن الحنفية) - Considered the next Imam by the Zarāmīyah sect, son of ʿAlī by another wife.
- ʿAbdullāh (عبد الله) - The lineage continues through him according to this sect.
- ʿAlī ibn ʿAbdillāh ibn ʿAbbās (علي بن عبد الله بن عباس) - Another significant figure.
- Manṣūr (منصور) - The succession culminates in the progeny up to this figure.
- Abū Muslim (أبو مسلم) - Believed by Zarāmīyah to have had divine power enter him and whose death they contest.
Theological Implications
- Imamate: Unlike the mainstream Twelver Shia belief in the Twelve Imams, the Zarāmīyah present an alternative succession which impacts both theological and socio-political dimensions within Shia Islam.
- Divine Intervention: The belief that Abū Muslim was not slain and had divine power indicates a blend of esoteric components within their doctrine.
Cultural Practices and Beliefs
Though less prominent today, Zarāmīyah likely followed rituals and cultural practices distinct from mainstream Twelver Shia path, particularly in venerating their line of Imams.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: زرامية
- Turkish: Zarāmīyye (While specific Turkish adaptation could vary, this is a close transliteration.)
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Shi’i Islam: An Introduction” by Najam Haider – Offers a broad overview of Shīʿah Islam, including various sects.
- “The Origins and Early Development of Shia Islam” by S. Husain M. Jafri – Provides historical context about the emergence of Shīʿah groups.
- “The Shi’is of Iraq” by Yitzhak Nakash – Although centered on Iraq, it explores various Shīʿah factions.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Zarāmīyah (زرامِية) sect represents a unique theological and historical branch of Shīʿah Islam. Their belief in a distinct line of Imams and their notion of divine empowerment in Abū Muslim reflect broader patterns of intra-faith sectarianism and the diverse interpretations of leadership in early Islamic history. For scholars and students of Islamic sects, the Zarāmīyah offer an intriguing case of doctrinal divergence and historical evolution within Shīʿah Islam.
Understanding the Zarāmīyah emphasizes the complex tapestry of beliefs and practices that have shaped Islamic thought and the importance of considering lesser-known sects in the broader narrative of Islamic history.
