The Abbasid Caliph Al-Muntasir Billah and the Alawites

Abstract

Between the policies of the Abbasid Caliph al-Muntasir Billah and his father al-Mutawakkil, my research addresses the position of the Alawites. The revolts of the Alawites were among the most significant issues that profoundly impacted Islamic history in general and the Abbasid Caliphate in particular. These revolts were considered a starting point for resisting oppression, tyranny, and Turkish interference. However, during the era of al-Mutawakkil, these revolts held no real influence, as he subjected the Alawites to severe persecution and displacement.

When al-Muntasir Billah came to power, he shifted the balance by establishing his authority and dominion through a policy of peace and leniency toward the descendants of Abu Talib. This approach greatly influenced the Abbasid Caliphate, as he opposed and corrected the wrongful practices of his father al-Mutawakkil, including the killing and bloodshed inflicted upon the Alawites.

My research necessitated dividing the topic into several sections. The first discusses the life of the Abbasid Caliph al-Muntasir Billah, including his birth and upbringing. The second examines his caliphate and the events that accompanied it. The third explores his death and the circumstances of his assassination at the hands of the Turks. Lastly, the fifth section analyzes the caliph's policy toward the Alawites.