Zaydis
Etymology
The term “Zaydis” derives from the Arabic word “زيدية” (Zaīdiyyah), named after Zayd ibn Ali, grandson of Husayn ibn Ali. In Turkish, the term is “Zeydilik.”
Historical Context and Origins
Zaydis are a moderate branch of Shii Islam that formed in the 8th century due to a succession dispute within Shii communities. They diverged from other Shii denominations by supporting Zayd ibn Ali as the fifth imam. Zayd ibn Ali was known for his revolutionary stance against the Umayyad dynasty, which resonated with those who sought a proactive response against perceived injustices.
First Zaydi State
The first Zaydi state was established in northern Iran in 864 and lasted until 1126. This state played a crucial role in defining the Zaydi political and religious identity, emphasizing active opposition to unjust rulers and governance based on Islamic principles.
Zaydi State in Yemen
A more enduring Zaydi state was established in northern Yemen in 893. This state lasted until 1962, becoming a significant cultural and political force in the region. The Zaydi imamate in Yemen was both a religious authority and a governing institution, significantly influencing Yemeni history and society.
Beliefs and Practices
The Zaydis are the closest of all Shii factions to Sunni Islam due to several shared beliefs and practices. They have their own distinct law school, which diverges from other Shii branches primarily in its political theories and conceptions of the imamate.
- Succession Controversy: Zaydis acknowledge the legitimacy of Abu Bakr and Umar, the first two caliphs in Sunni Islam. They partially accept Uthman, the third caliph.
- Imamate: Unlike other Shii groups, Zaydis do not perceive the imam as a supernaturally endowed or infallible figure. Rather, the qualifications for the imamate include descent from Ali and Fatimah, personal piety, absence of physical flaws, and the ability to wield the sword—either offensively or defensively.
- Rejection of Hidden Imams: The Zaydis do not accept the concept of hidden or occulted imams, advocating instead for active leadership.
- Moral Teachings: Zaydis tend to be puritanical in their moral teachings, often disapproving of Sufism partially due to its mystical elements, which they believe detract from the Qur’anic and prophetic tradition.
Significant Figures
- Zayd ibn Ali: Central figure after whom the Zaydi branch is named. Known for his militant stance against the Umayyad unjust rule.
- Yahya ibn Muhammad: Another significant Zaydi leader who played an important role in furthering the political and religious tenets of Zaydism.
Further Reading
To derive a more nuanced understanding of Zaydism, the following books and articles are recommended:
- “Zaydī Law in Yemen: A Short History of the Muṭrah al-Janāḥīyah” by Bernard Haykel
- “The Zaydi Revolt, Again: Struggles for Power and Remembrance in Yemen” by Brinkley Messick
- “Imams of the Valley: A History of Northern Yemen’s Zaydi Imamate” by Enrique Javier Díaz Díaz
- “The Zaydiyat-in-Yemen” by E. van Donzel
- “The Muqaddima of Ibn Khaldun” provides insights into the wider context of Islamic history, particularly helpful to understand the place of Zaydism within the broader Islamic narrative.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Zaydis represent a unique branch of Shii Islam with a distinct ideological and doctrinal framework. They emphasize the importance of activism, moral rigor, and a qualification-based imamate while maintaining closer ties to Sunni practices. The development and sustained existence of Zaydi states, especially in Iran and Yemen, highlight their historical impact and the continuous evolution of their beliefs.
Understanding Zaydism contributes significantly to comprehending the diversity within the Islamic world, both historically and in contemporary settings, shedding light on how religious, political, and cultural factors intertwine to shape unique religious identities.
Through the study of Zaydism, one gains valuable insights into the complex and dynamic interactions that define Islamic thought and governance across different epochs and geographies.
