THE GOLDEN AGE OF ABBASIDS :A STUDY OF AL MA'MUN

AL MA'MUN

Abul Abbas Abdullah Iba Harun al-Ma'mun
Al-Ma'mon was the 7th Abbasid Caliph who ruled for 20 years from 813 until 833.
He is the son of the Harun al-Rashid and his mother was of Iranian origin.
He had a brother, al-Amin who was a result of his father's marriage with a woman with royal Arab ancestry
This condition later leads to the civil war between these two brothers when their father died
Al-Ma'mun was also well-known for his generosity, respect for the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and justice in actions as well as love for poetry.
Al-Ma'mun was highly educated and due to his deep interest in scholarship, championed the Translations Movement in Baghdad
He facilitated the publication of al Khwarizmi's book, which is now known as "Algebra."

Moreover, Al-Ma'mun is known for following three things

1. Support of the Mu'tazilite doctrine,

2. Imprisonment of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbel;

3. Involvement in renewed large-scale conflict with the Byzantine Empire.

Al-Ma'mun: The Patron of Mu'tazilites.

In 827 C.E., Mamun published an official order by which the Mu'tazilites doctrine was declared the religion of the State and the Mu'tazilites were the rationalists

The Mu'tazilah, or Mu'tazilites, were an Islamic theological school that emerged in the 8th century CE

Their name is derived from the Arabic word "I'Tazal," meaning "to separate "to withdraw," reflecting their separation from mainstream sunni Views

The Mu'tazilah believed that reason should be used to interpret the Quran and Hadith, and they sought to reconcile Islamic teachings With philosophical reasoning .

Islam experienced internal conflict with the Mu'tazilah group that mixed philosophy with religion and tried to reconcile faith with reason

This approach clashed with traditional scholars who saw it as damaging.
Caliphs al-Ma'mun, a strong supporter of the Mu'tazilites, gave them significant power and enforced their belief that the Qur'an was created.

This led to strong resistance from traditionalists like Ahmad bin Hanbal who strongly opposed this view.

He maintained that the Quran was the eternal, uncreated word of God His refusal to accept the Mu'tallite position led to his severe torture

Despite the harsh conditions, Ahmad Bin Hanbal remained steadfast in his beliefs, refusing to recant or modify his position.

After the deaths of pro -Mu'tazilite caliphs Mutasim and Wathiq, the new Caliph Mutawakkil, took office and reversed their policies

He opposed the Mu'tazilites, removed their followers from power, and sought to restore traditional Islamic beliefs, shifting the empire away from rationalist approach of his predecessors