Shiism and Approximation of Islamic Denominations in the Period of Adil Shahi Dynasty

Adil Shahi was a Shiite religious government that was established as a local government in Deccan at the same time as the establishment of the Safavid government. The founder of this government declared the Shiite religion as the official religion of his territory. Since the Muslims of Adil Shah's dominion were mostly Sunnis, Adil Shah adopted peaceful attitudes towards them after declaring Shiism as the official religion of his government. During the reign of Yusof Adil Shah's successors, various Islamic denominations were supported due to the existing political currents. In this study, using library sources, the support of the kings of this dynasty of different Islamic denominations, their strategies to create unity between Sunnis and Shiites, the peaceful coexistence of these two Muslim sects in the dominion of the Adil Shahs and the consequences of these policies in the political and social life of Muslims of different denominations in Adil Shahi period are examined. The adoption of such policies allowed the Shiites and the Sunnis to live well together in the realm of Adil Shahs. The rivalries between the two religious sects were more influenced by the current political situation than religious competitions.