Journal of Razavi Culture

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 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.

Abstract Shiite leadership for the first time in the era of Imam Javad (A.S.) faced different questions. This led to a special position for the Imam. Although, he achieved the successorship (Imamate) at early ages, he was successful in facing the forthcoming problems, both in politics and society and beliefs and thoughts. He directed Shiite successorship in an appropriate path in a way that there was no other persistent split in Shiite religion and Imamate. Imam Javad (A.S.) had a particular mission compared to other Imams due to his presence in a special period of history; which was the mission of being a role model and making role modeling for the future of religious thinking. This continued to the absence of the twelfth Imam. This article attempts to demonstrate him being a role model briefly and to answer this question that why this Imam has been distinguished to such a concept? The main hypothesis of this paper is that Imam Javad (A.S.), due to his presence in the period of rationalism and influx of critical thoughts, took the position of cleaning the Islamic thought by presenting an excelled criterion and could turn to a persistent role model in Shiite history despite all political and intellectual invasions.

Abstract One of Shia’s most important questions is Imams’ positions toward Alavian’s political movements against various Abbasid caliphs. This article examines the contexts for the rise of Abbasid and the situations under their Caliphate. It also explores Imam Reza’s position toward Alavian political movements. To analyze Imam Reza’s position, an understanding of political and historical conditions during the Abbasid and the situation of Alavian during this period is required. Thus, Alavian’s most important political movements since the rise of the Abbasid (including Mansour’s caliphate and the uprising of Nafs Zakia, establishment of advocacy organization, Hadi’s caliphate and the uprising of Hossein-ibn-Ali-Ibn-Hassan, Haroun’s caliphate and the foundation of Edrissian government, Alavian during Amin’s and Mamoun’s caliphates) as well as Imams’ positions toward these movements are explored. At the end of this discussion, Alavian’s movements during Imam Reza’s Imamate are particularly explored.