فهرست مطالب فاضل گرنه زاده

Despite the rationalistic approach of the Zaydis of Yemen, at the turn of the 5th lunar century (11th century CE) a ghuluww-oriented current developed. This current took form after one of the Zaydi Imam called Husayn ibn Qāsim al-`Ayānī had been slain on the basis of his occultation and propounding unfamiliar and exaggerated beliefs about him and was most known as "Husayniyyah". The claims of Husayn ibn Qāsim al-`Ayānī had their effects on the origination of this current, however, the main role should be given to his successors and followers. Preserving the political authority in the al-`Ayānī family, resistance against the opponents of the Zaydi faith, and protecting the relations with certain of political allies are among major motivations of the propounding of the occultation of Husayn ibn Qāsim and holding exaggerated beliefs about him. While the existence of ghuluww-oriented inclinations among certain of Yemeni tribes had intellectually paved the way for development of this current. Having applied a descriptive-analytical approach this study intends to address the causes and effective grounds for development of this sect among the Yemeni Zaydis.

Mutarrafiyyah is one of the most important branches of Yemeni Zaidi that emerged in the fifth century AH. Raising some challenging beliefs different from theological tradition of Zaidi, this sect provided a basis of theological conflict and polemics between other Zaidi sects and themselves. Establishing various places called Hijrah used for dwelling and educating, they succeeded in freely promoting and disseminating their thoughts among Yemeni people. The reformist attitude of Mutarrafiyyah which was based on equality of men as well as their following of Mu`tazilite theological attitude of Baghdad was considered as intellectual rebellion against Zaidis. For the reason it was ended by the Zaydi rulers after two centuries of presence in Yemen. Nevertheless, scrutinizing the few sources left from them along with the sources of the Zaidi sects opposing them, one can say Mutarrafiyyah’s tendency toward naturalism, scientism, rationalism as well as adherence to Zuhd (piety) constituted their most important differences with the mainstream of Zaidis in Yemen. This article tries to examine the origins of Mutarrafiyyah and then shed light on the true nature of it

The position of the Prophets and Imāms is one of the theological problems that has resulted in the development of various points of view amongst the Shiite scholars such as the Imāmis, Zaydis and Ismāilies. Every Shiite theological sect faces the problem according to its own methodology and epistemological principles. The Imamis take three different approaches toward it namely rational, mystical and Narration-oriented. The Zaydis often maintain a rational approach toward it while the Ismāilies tend to study the problem based on implicit interpretations.