The Effect of the Transfer of Charismatic Authority on the Formation of Muhammad Nafs Zakyya's Uprising

Abstract

Under the leadership of Muhammad ibn 'Abd-Allah ibn Hassan, the Hassanids staged their first uprising in 145 AH. It occurred when there were more influential personalities among the Alavids in terms of eldership, scientific rank, and the number of companions. Imam Ja'far (AS) was at the head of them. Meanwhile, Muhammad's father, 'Abd-Allah al-Mah, held a special position among the Hassanids. By acknowledging the emphasis sources on the Imam's avoidance of any political activity during the late Umayyad's period, the question can be asked what factor played a pivotal role in accepting the leadership of Muhammad ibn 'Abd-Allah and involvement of the various group in his uprising, even though his father was still alive? Based on Weber's charismatic personality theory, the current study's findings suggest that 'Abd-Allah al-Mahḍ possessed charismatic authority. During the late Umayyad period's crisis, he devised a successful strategy to pass charismatic authority to his son Muhammad and have it accepted by his followers by emphasizing the characteristics of Nafs Zakyya, using mythical imitation, and attracting the charismatic community's attention among the Hashimids. As a result of the continuing crisis and 'Abd-Allah's support and propaganda at the start of the Abbasid caliphate, Muhammad revolted during his father's lifetime. Despite his lack of eldership, he was backed by numerous prominent groups.

Keywords

• hassanid
• ‘abd-allāh maḥḍ
• muḥammad nafs zakīyya
• max weber
• charismatic authority