The Madhhab (School of Thought) Orientation of Baghdad's Chief Judge Abu Abdillāh ad-Damaghāni and the Mu‘tazili Politics in the Seljuk Empire

Abstract

The early period of the Great Seljuks is marked by a prominent alignment between the Hanafi and Mu‘tazili schools. During Sultan Tughril Bey’s rule, this alignment held significant importance across the Great Seljuk territories. This union found support both politically and intellectually. Politically, key figures included the Great Seljuk Sultan Tughril Bey and his vizier, Amid al-Mulk al-Kunduri. However, the most crucial aspect of this topic lies in its intellectual dimension. When examining this aspect, it becomes essential to clarify how this alliance was viewed or supported by the scholars of that era beyond its political influence. One of the most notable figures in this context is Abu Abdillah Muhammad b. Ali b. Muhammad ad-Damaghani (d. 478/1085), who served as the Chief Judge of Baghdad for nearly thirty years during the foundational years of the Great Seljuk state. Throughout his tenure, Hanafi-Mu‘tazili policies were widely accepted in Seljuk territories. Furthermore, as the Chief Judge (Qadi al-Qudat), he held authority over the appointment of other judges, thus playing a role in the spread of Hanafi-Mu‘tazili policies across the Seljuk Empire. This study aims to shed light on Abu Abdillah ad-Damaghani’s role in advancing Hanafi-Mu‘tazili policies in the Seljuk territories during the early period of the Great Seljuk Empire, particularly under Sultan Tughril Bey and Sultan Alp Arslan, as well as to explore his association with the Mu‘tazili school.

Highlights

• The religious politics of the Great Seljuk period offered multiple alternatives. In the founding era, particularly during the reign of Tughril Bey, Hanafi-Mu‘tazili politics were predominant, whereas under Sultan Alp Arslan, this focus shifted towards Ash'ari-Shafi'ite practices.
• Key figures in Seljuk religious politics included the sultans, viziers, and those appointed to judicial positions.
• Viziers, along with the judges they appointed, were the most influential figures in shaping and directing the religious policies of the realm, with Baghdad’s Chief Judge, Abdullah ad-Damaghani, being one of the most prominent among them.
• The most notable aspect of Abdullah ad-Damaghani’s religious identity is his Hanafi affiliation. However, given the political atmosphere of his time and the appointment of judges and madrasa teachers, it is evident that Mu‘tazilism also held significant influence.
• This article aims to explore the relationship between Baghdad’s Chief Judge, Abdullah ad-Damaghani, and the Mu‘tazili school in addition to his Hanafi identity.