Quality of Mutual Interactions between Al-Muzaffar and Sufis

Abstract

One of the focal features of Al-Muzaffar government (1314-1393 AD) is the excessive application of religion in political practices and governmental behaviors. Aimed at preserving their interests and gaining legitimacy, MozaffariShafei'i rulers considered approaching various religious groups (Sufis, Sadats, and Shiites) and politically exploiting their popular position.The conversion of Sufism in this period into a social movement – even though the claim has no political power – led the Sheikhs of Sofia to be viewed as rivals in terms of social power.Owing to the prominent position of this religious group in Al-Muzaffar sovereignty, inclination of some Muzaffari rulers towards Sufism, and their efforts in compromise and tolerance with the Sheikhs , paved the ground for mutual interactions between some Sufis and the mentioned rulers. The findings of this research,which has been done with a descriptive-analytical method in the framework of library studies,indicate that various aspects of Al-Muzaffar interactions with Sufis, including the cases such as expressing devotion to Sheikhs, building monasteries and considering economic privileges for Sufi Sheikhs, had their own mainstreams such as exploiting their social base to gain legitimacy and popularity, fluctuating belief in the miracles and extraordinary deeds of Sufi Sheikhs ,and the avoidance of Sufi leaders towards worldly and governmental issues. On the other hand, to influence Al-Muzaffar government, though slightly and reduce the suffering of the people, some Sufi sheikhs welcoming the favours of the Muzaffari rulers established fine interactions with them through warning and advising Muzaffaris, praying and interceding for them as well ...

Keywords

• sufis
• -al-muzaffar
• -al-muzaffar government-sufi sheikhs -social movement