Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

Reinterpretation of Quran and hadith, both of which had been mainly seen two basic sources of Islam, was a critical issue of the late 8th century when the last tabiins were died. Esbab-ı nüzul which only could place each verse of Quran in the context of early 6th century of Mecca and Medina gave way to diversified interpretations of Quran in new conquered lands, especially in Zoroastrian culture of Iran and in Hellenistic culture of Near East. However, these varied theological understandings on the basic sources of Islam to disclose its “real interpretation” were related to politics more than theology. Before cahilliyye, Banu Hashim and Banu Umayya were two dominant families in Mecca, which had always conflicted with each other to control governance of the city and the struggle rose again when Prophet was died in 632. The critical turning points were the murder of third caliphate Uthman, being family member of Banu Umayya and be accused of usurping the divine right to rule of Ali given by Prophet Muhammed, and rising of Muaviye who also member of Umayya clan and claimed sovereignty against the caliphate of Ali, being Hashimi. After the murder of Hussein, son of Ali, by Yazid in 680, most of the opponents against Umayyads gathered around uninstitutionalized Shia identity.