The Social Reflections of Differentiation Between Ash'arism and Hanbalism

Abstract

There is a close relationship between Ash'arism and Hanbalism since the emergence of Ash'arism. However, they often conflicted with each other as they approached to religious matters from different perspectives. These conflicts were not only limited to theological discussions but also turned into social conflicts, which occasionally resulted with deaths. First massive events occurred in 429/1038 in Baghdad between Ash'arites and Hanbalities. When Nizam al-Mulk was appointed as vizier, the conflicts reached a peak. The apparent reason of the conflicts was the theological controversy between these two sects. However, the rise of Ash'arism, which was usually against Hanbalism, was the main reason of the social conflicts. Supports of the Ash'arite thought by the leading statesmen of the era such as Nizam al-Mulk and Ayyubid sultans, and accusations of some Ash'arite preachers about Hanbalities relying on this political support were also among the factors that led to these conflicts. Nevertheless, even if any accusation was not made, it occurred that the members of both sects resorted to violence in case of criticisms about their beliefs. This shows that the most important reason of the conflicts was sectarian fanaticism.