Seyed Alaeddin Shahrokhi
Abstract
From the beginning of the Abbasid rise to power, the Barmak dynasty effectively took control of the vast lands of the Islamic Caliphate. Yahya Barmaki and his sons enjoyed unlimited ...
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From the beginning of the Abbasid rise to power, the Barmak dynasty effectively took control of the vast lands of the Islamic Caliphate. Yahya Barmaki and his sons enjoyed unlimited influence and power during the first 17 years of Harun al-Rasheed's caliphate. Coinciding of this period with the Imamate of Imam Mūsā Kāẓim (as), the leader of the Imami Shiites, caused the caliphate system to harass and even martyr that Imam and many of his family and relatives under various pretexts. How he relates and the behavior of this Iranian family with the Imam and his family is quoted in the sources; but in this regard, there are ambiguities and sometimes doubts and contradictions that need a comprehensive and accurate study. This research tries to reveal some relevant facts by descriptive-analytical method and by reviewing these reports. The long-standing devotion of the Iranians to the family of the Prophet (pbuh), as well as the fact that the Barmakians are Iranians, doubles the importance of this study along with the need to reveal historical facts. The findings of this study indicate the fact that the Barmaki family, despite their complete dependence on the Abbasid Caliphate and using their managerial power to survive it in the face of Imam Kāẓim (as) did not have the same method. Some of them did not want to take part in shedding the blood of that Imam under any circumstances, while others did so for the consent of the Caliph; also, contrary to a number of reports about their inclination towards Shiism and the Imam, there are no confirmed reports in support of this hypothesis.
