Abd al-malik b. Marwan

Furthermore, Abd al-Malik’s fiscal policies—particularly the imposition of the jizya tax on non-Muslims—were controversial and had lasting repercussions. While the tax collected was essential for state revenue, it deepened societal inequalities. The Shia viewed these financial burdens imposed on non-Muslims and dissenting Muslims as emblematic of the Umayyads’ failure to uphold the principles of justice espoused in Islamic teachings. This perception contributed to growing resentment towards the Umayyad regime and emboldened Shia movements seeking equitable treatment.

The caliphate under Abd al-Malik was marked by various uprisings and dissent, notably from the Shia. This unrest culminated in movements such as the Alid uprisings, led by descendants of Ali, who sought to challenge the legitimacy of Umayyad rule. While Abd al-Malik employed military means to suppress these revolts, the underlying issues persisted. The Shia dissidents often articulated their discontent through religious and theological arguments, proclaiming their adherence to the rightful leadership of the Prophet’s family. Abd al-Malik’s actions—including the brutal repression of these uprisings—only served to deepen the theological chasm between the Umayyads and the Shia community.

Abd al-Malik’s reign also had significant implications for the development of Shia theology. The period encouraged a re-evaluation of leadership within the Islamic community. The Shia began to articulate a more robust theological framework that centered around the concept of Imamate, emphasizing the divinely appointed leadership of Ali’s descendants. This theological evolution was, in part, a response to the Umayyad’s claim to legitimacy, which the Shia increasingly viewed as flawed and un-Islamic.