Furthermore, Abd al-Malik’s religious policy cannot be overlooked. The establishment of the currency featuring Islamic inscriptions, particularly the phrase “There is no god but Allah,” illustrates an attempt to anchor his rule in Islam. However, one must ponder: to what extent did this act of piety veil the political machinations behind the Umayyad crown? The dichotomy between authenticity in Islamic practice and the acquisition of power posed significant dilemmas for contemporary scholars and will continue to challenge future generations.
To gain further insight, an examination of the role of religious scholars during Abd al-Malik’s rule is imperative. The caliph’s relationship with scholars exemplifies a complex interplay of respect and tension. While he patronized scholarship to bolster his political narrative, dissenting scholars, particularly those sympathetic to Shia interpretations, found themselves at odds with the regime. This internal conflict led to the solidification of various theological schools, deepening the schism within the Muslim community.
Moreover, Abd al-Malik’s tenure witnessed the emergence of the concept of the caliphate as a political and religious institution. By asserting the caliph as not merely a temporal ruler but as a leader with divine endorsement, Abd al-Malik sought to redefine leadership within Islam. This theological transformation, however, invited skepticism among the Shia, who assert that true leadership resides within the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad. This contention significantly complicates Abd al-Malik’s legacy as it aligns with the broader Shia critique of Umayyad rule and its divergence from authentic Islamic leadership.
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