Open AccessThe allegiance-offering ceremony of the caliphs and their heirs in the second Abbasid era (550-656 AH / 1155-1258 AD)
Author(s) -
Mohammad AbdAlla Alkadhat
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of arts and social sciences/mağallaẗ al-ādāb wa-al-ʿulūm al-iğtimāʿiyyaẗ
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2522-2279
pISSN - 2312-1270
DOI - 10.24200/jass.vol7iss1pp203-219
Subject(s) - caliphate , allegiance , ceremony , ancient history , islam , institution , history , law , politics , political science , archaeology
The period of this study witnessed a revival of the Abbasid Caliphate Institution after getting rid of foreign control. This was accompanied by a desire to revive the ceremonies that had stopped since the beginning of the fourth century AH. The ceremony of allegiance-offering to the Caliphs and their heirs was among several ceremonies that were revived during this period. The allegiance-offering ceremony was organized according to certain arrangements which begin on the day the former Caliph passes away, and end with a public allegianceoffering ceremony. This study attempts to trace those ceremonies, highlighting the religious and the media dimensions, which the Caliphate Institution was keen on stressing in these celebrations. The Caliphs saw in these ceremonies and the accompanying festivities and celebrations an important tool to enhance the image and aura of the Caliphate in the hearts of the public. They also saw these ceremonies as an opportunity to enhance the spiritual bond between the public and the Caliphate and the Caliphs. They also saw the ceremonies as a chance to assert their religious leadership of the Muslim World.