The Zahiri Revolt: A 14th-Century Conspiracy

In the late 14th century, the Mamluk Sultanate, a powerful regime dominating Egypt and parts of the Middle East, faced an unexpected challenge. This was not just a political uprising but a theological conflict, one that came to be known as the Zahiri Revolt. Set against the backdrop of 1386 Damascus, this conspiracy sought to overthrow the ruling Sultan Barquq and establish a new caliphate. At its heart was Ahmad al-Zahiri, a cleric aligned with the Zahirite school of Sunni Islam.

The Seeds of Rebellion

The revolt found its roots in Egypt, where discontent brewed among ideological agitators. These individuals, inspired by Zahirite theology, began their campaign amid whispers and clandestine meetings. Their movement, however, would only take shape in Damascus, as they rallied support and laid the groundwork for their uprising.

Ahmad al-Zahiri, a charismatic figure, became the focal point of this movement. Together with his followers, they attempted to garner support from local Mamluks and Arab tribes. Yet, without securing their backing, their plans would soon unravel.

The Fateful Plot

In August 1386, Khalid of Homs, a prominent conspirator from Aleppo under the guidance of the ascetic Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isma'il, sought the allegiance of a bedouin chief imprisoned in the Citadel of Damascus. His mission was clear: to gather strength for the coup against Sultan Barquq, who had himself seized power by deposing Caliph al-Mutawakkil Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr.

Khalid's efforts led him to the Citadel's top official, Ibn al-Himsi, who, despite sharing a name, bore no relation to Khalid. Presenting himself as an ally, Ibn al-Himsi feigned interest in the plot, only to betray Khalid by having him and Burhan—another key figure in the conspiracy—arrested swiftly.

The Aftermath of Discovery

With the plot uncovered, the Mamluk authorities, led by Barquq, acted decisively. Ibn al-Himsi, stepping in as the acting governor of Syria, painted a damning picture for Barquq in Cairo. His letters implicated not only Khalid and Burhan but also accused Baydamur, the absent Syrian governor, of complicity. This resulted in the arrest of Baydamur, his family, and close associates in September 1386.

As authorities hunted down co-conspirators, Yasufi was captured, while another, Ibn al-Husbani, went into hiding. Amin ad-Din Ibn al-Najib of Baalbek, though not directly involved, was arrested due to his outspoken opposition to the Sultan.

Trials and Tribulations

By November 1386, Burhan and Khalid were transported to Cairo to face Sultan Barquq directly. The charges were severe: conspiracy to overthrow the Burji dynasty and restore a Qurashi leader to power. During their trial on January 16, 1387, Burhan boldly accused Barquq of misappropriating taxes, challenging the legitimacy of his rule. Yet, Barquq dismissed his arguments, ordering their torture to extract further names of conspirators.

In February 1387, Baydamur's name was cleared posthumously after he died alone in his cell. By March 1389, after two years and seven months of imprisonment, Burhan and Khalid were released due to the intercession of an influential Shafi'ite jurist. Ibn al-Najib returned to Damascus, where other Zahirites were also freed shortly after. However, Yasufi's fate was sealed as he died in captivity in August 1387.

Legacy of the Revolt

The Zahiri Revolt, though quashed, left an indelible mark on the socio-political landscape of the Mamluk Sultanate. Initially driven by Zahirite theology, the revolt evolved into a broader expression of discontent against the marginalization of the caliphate. The historian Al-Maqrizi, himself a Zahirite, documented the revolt, offering a theological justification for the uprising.

This 14th-century coup attempt serves as a testament to the intricate interplay of religion and politics, a reminder of the enduring struggle between conformity and dissent.

Sources

• Chibli Mallat, Introduction to Middle Eastern law
• Cheikh Si Hamza Boubakeur, Traite moderne de Theologie Islamique
• Ignác Goldziher, The Zahiris: Their Doctrine and Their History
• Nasser Rabbat, "Who was al-Maqrizi?" from Mamlūk Studies Review
• Ṭāhā Thaljī Ṭarāwinah, "The Province of Damascus During the Second Mamlūk Period"
• Kees Versteegh, "Ibn Mada as a Zahiri Grammarian"
• Lutz Wiederhold, Legal-religious elite, temporal authority, and the caliphate in Mamluk society
• Michael Chamberlain, Knowledge and Social Practice in Medieval Damascus
• Ibn Qadi Shuhbah, al-I'lam bi Tarikh al-Islam
• Carl Brockelmann, Geschichte der Arabschen Litteratur
• Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, al-Durar al-Kamina
• Al-Maqrizi, Al Selouk Leme'refatt Dewall al-Melouk
• Al-Sakhawi, Al-Daw' al-lami' li ahli al-Qarni al-Tasi
• Al-Maqrizi, Tajrid al-Tawhid al-Mufid

Wikipedia URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zahiri_Revolt