SHIITE SCHOOLS IN IRAQ DURING THE SELJUK ERA: CHALLENGES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Abstract

Iraq during the Seljuk era (447–590 AH / 1055–1194 AD) experienced a pivotal phase in its political and religious history, marked by a complex sectarian composition and ongoing conflict between Sunni and Shiite centers of power, particularly in major cities such as Baghdad. Despite the dominance of the Sunni-oriented Seljuk Sultanate, Shiite scholarly schools emerged as intellectual and sectarian institutions capable not only of surviving but also of developing amid severe political and sectarian challenges.

The Shiite school of Baghdad is considered one of the oldest scholarly centers that sought to maintain its presence in the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, despite the harassment and restrictions imposed by the ruling authorities. In contrast, Najaf witnessed a remarkable Shiite scientific renaissance, thanks to the sanctity of the shrine of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him), transforming it into a permanent center for jurisprudential and theological production, and a refuge for scholars fleeing the unrest in Baghdad. Meanwhile, Hillah rose to prominence in the second half of the Seljuk era, especially in the sixth century AH, when it established a distinguished scientific school that later became known as the "School of Hillah."

The establishment and development of these schools, along with the challenges faced by Shiite scholars such as political oppression and sectarian persecution, were met with significant scientific achievements in the fields of jurisprudence, theology, language, and debate. These schools played a vital role in preserving and developing Shiite sectarian identity during one of the most complex periods in Islamic history.