Al-Baatiniyyah: Their Principles and Beliefs-I

Al-Baghdaadi said in Al-Farq bayn Al-Firaq, "You, may Allaah please
you, should know that theeffect of Al-Baatiniyyah is more adverse and
harmful on all Muslim groups than that of the Jews, Christians and
Magians. Rather, it is more destructive than Ad-Dahriyyah and all the
other sects of disbelievers." Al-Baatiniyyah is not an Islamic sect or
an Islamic school of thought. Rather, it is a methodology, with which
its founders aim to undermine the religion of Islam and invalidate its
beliefs and the Sharee'ah (Islamic law), as Imaam Al-Ghazaali
mentioned in his book Fadhaa'ih Al-Baatiniyyah.
The Emergence of Al-Baatiniyyah
Researchers hold different opinions regarding the time of the birth of
Al-Baatiniyyah. However, it is a justifiable difference, because the
principlesof their sect dictate hiding their beliefs and ideas. They
take promises and oaths from those who adopt their belief not to
disclose any part of it. They regard that principle as one of the
basics of their religion and itspillars that should be maintained and
not to be breached. The viewof Imaam As-Suyooti is that the first
appearance of Al-Baatiniyyah was in 92 A.H. Some others believe that
their appearance was in 205 A.H. while others say that it was 250 A.H.
There are some who believe that it appeared in 276 A.H., when their
leader Maymoon Al-Qaddaahfounded the sect.
The names of Al-Baatiniyyah
The names of Al-Baatiniyyah represent the descriptions of their
characteristics and there is a specific reason behind every name.
Amongst their names are:
1. Al-Baatiniyyah (the Esoterics):
They were named so for they claimed that there is an inner, esoteric
level of meaning of the Noble Quran and the Hadeeths (narrations) of
the Prophet in addition to the outer, exoteric level of meaning like
the core andthe skin of everything. Such inner esoteric meanings act
as symbolsand indications to specific facts and the mind that cannot
probe such secrets and inner meanings will be afflicted by 'burdens
and shackles' which mean, according to them, the religious
obligationsfrom which only the one who realizes the inner esoteric
meanings will be released.
2. Al-Qaraamitah (Qarmatians):
They were given this name after aman called Hamdaan Qarmat. He was one
of their callers and leaders, so his followers were named after him
Qaraamitah and Qarmatiyyah.
3. Al-Khurramiyyah:
They were given this name from the root word 'Khurram' which isa
non-Arabic word that means 'a good thing, which makes one feel happy
and excited whenever he sees it'. This title indicates the essence and
the core of their doctrine. It suggests transgressing the obligations,
easing the burdens of the rulings of religion for the worshipers,
giving the green light for people to follow different kinds of
pleasures and follow their desiresand lusts, enjoying all that is
allowed and forbidden. Perhaps they were named as such because of the
reasons that will be mentioned later while discussing the title of
"Al-Baabakiyyah".
4. Al-Baabakiyyah:
They were thus named after one of their leaders and tyrants, whose
name was Baabak Al-Khurrami. He appeared in 201 A.H. in Azerbaijan. He
was an atheist who fought the Muslim armies and defeated them. Thus,
he became wicked and tyrannical,spreading great fear among the people.
He ruled for twenty years causing mischief on the earth and killing an
estimated 255, 500 people. Whenever he heard that someone had an
attractive daughter or sister, he asked him for her. If she was not
sent to him, he would take her by force. He brutally routed the Muslim
armies, destroying and scatteringthem.
Then Allaah The Almighty decreedhis total destruction. Caliph
Al-Mu'tasim Billaah sent his armies to fight him and they defeated him
and his followers. They arrested Baabak and crucified him. Thus, his
followers dispersed and scattered everywhere. Historians mention that
there is still a group of Al-Baabakiyyah and they have a night in
which they all gather with their men and women and extinguish their
lights and candles. Then every man jumps on a woman to amuse himself.
They claim that whoever capturesa woman then she is lawful for him by
hunting.
5. Ismaa'eeliyyah:
They were given this name after Ismaa'eel Al-A'araj (the Lame), the
son of Ja'far As-Saadiq, who they claimed was their Imaam. They also
believe that he is the last heir of the imamate because he was the
seventh Imaam after Muhammad .
.
6. Al-Muhammirah:
They were named so because they dyed their clothes red (In Arabic,
'Ahmar' means red) during the time of Baabak Al-Khurrami. They wore
red clothes and it became their symbol. It was also said that theywere
named thus because they claimed that all other groups that do not
agree with them and the people of truth are Hameer (donkeys).
7. At-Ta'leemiyyah:
They were named so because their belief is based on invalidating
reasoning and ignoring the action of the mind and calling all creation
to learn from the infallible Imaam and that it is impossible for
anyone toattain knowledge except throughhim.

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And Allah Knows the Best!

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Published by :->
M NajimudeeN Bsc- INDIA

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