Tafwiz from Outset to the Sixth Century (AH): With Emphasis on Religious-Narrative Resources and Science of Sects

Nayyereh Dalir [1]

Abstract

Considering religious-narrative resources and science of sects and cults, the present study aims at studying the way the Mofawiza and their doctrines were introduced; the historical changes to Shia intellectuals’ confrontations and skirmishes from the third to sixth centuries and their point of zenith. The questions posed are: How did Shia intellectuals react on and confront Tafwiz from its outset up to the sixth century (AH) and how have sect scholars depicted the Mofawiza? The findings reveal that contrary to sects-related sources, religious-narrative sources have fully elaborated on the trend. This indicates the concerns of religious intellectuals about widespread dissemination of Tafwiz doctrine within Shia society and their due attempts for invalidating various claims made by the Mofawiza. Other findings reveal that Shia intellectuals’ movement rose towards its zenith during the fourth century (AH) and followed a descending trend thereafter.