The word "Karmathians" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription method as /kɑːmɑːθɪənz/. The first syllable is pronounced as "kar" with a long "a" sound, followed by the syllable "ma", pronounced as "mah". The third syllable "thi" is pronounced with a soft "th" sound, and the fourth syllable "ans" rhymes with "dance". The Karmathians were a sect of Shia Islam that existed during the ninth century, known for their radical beliefs and rebellion against the ruling Abbasid Caliphate.
The Karmathians were a religious and political sect that emerged during the ninth and tenth centuries CE. They originated as a branch of the Ismaili sect, which itself emerged as a split within the broader Shia Islamic community. The Karmathians were primarily based in the region of Bahrain and parts of present-day Saudi Arabia.
The Karmathians were characterized by their unique beliefs and practices. They rejected the authority of the traditional Sunni and Shia religious structures, instead following their own interpretation of Islam. They believed in an egalitarian society, promoting social equality and communal ownership of property. Additionally, the Karmathians rejected the idea of pilgrimage and held a strong emphasis on intellectual pursuits and education.
Politically, the Karmathians were known for their radical stance against the Abbasid Caliphate, which they viewed as illegitimate. They conducted a series of uprisings and military campaigns against the Abbasids, aiming to establish their own autonomous state. Their military prowess and ideological fervor allowed them to temporarily control several significant cities, disrupting the political stability of the region.
The Karmathians eventually declined due to internal divisions and external pressures. Despite their relatively short existence, their impact on religious and political developments within the Islamic world was significant. Their rejection of traditional authority and hierarchical structures influenced subsequent movements and sects, leaving a lasting legacy on Islamic thought and history.
The word "Karmathians" or "Qarmatians" refers to a medieval sect within Islam known as the Qarmatians or Qarmatiyyah. The term "Qarmatian" is derived from the Arabic word "Qarmat", which means "date palm".
The Qarmatians were a religious and political movement that originated in the 9th century in the region of Bahrain, which is now part of present-day Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The movement was founded by Hamdan Qarmat, a leader who gained followers among the Arab Bedouin tribes.
The etymology of the term "Qarmat" is speculated to have multiple origins. One explanation suggests that it is derived from the name "Carmathah", which was the ancient capital of the Qarmatians.