Banu Hashim: Difference between revisions

In most of the Umayyads period, Banu Hashim despite the differences of clans, had a single political appearance. But in the late of Umayyad's period, Banu Hashim had two social presences as the descendants of Imam 'Ali (a) [Banu 'Ali] and the descendants of 'Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib [Banu 'Abbas].

The growth of the social discontent over the rule of Banu 'Umayya, caused the formation of uprisings in the first half of the 2nd/8th century. The growing tendency of people towards Ahl al-Bayt and their rejection of the request for an uprising (for the loss of proper conditions), made the opportunity for Banu 'Abbas.

Banu 'Abbas, because of the social status of Banu Hashim, exaggerated their relationship with Banu Hashim, and started their activities under the slogan of "the Hashimi call".

The social background of the conflict of Banu 'Umayya and Banu Hashim, which Umayyads had provoked, effected the choice of the title of "Hashimi". The allegiance of Banu 'Abbas was with the title of "Hashimi allegiance", with the justification that the rule is the right for Banu Hashim, and Banu 'Abbas are from this tribe.

So with the insistence of Banu 'Abbas over faking themselves as the progeny of the Prophet (s), the rule of Abbasids was famous as the rule of Banu Hashim. In contrast, Shi'as who didn't tolerate the abuse of the title, mentioned them as "Banu 'Abbas".

After all, till the end of Abbasid period, the title of Banu Hashim was mostly used for Banu 'Abbas, and was against the title of Banu Abu Talib and Banu 'Ali (or Alawis); but before this period when Kumayt b. Zayd al-Asadi composed his famous poem "Hashimiyyat", his intention was to mention the passions of the descendants of Imam 'Ali (a); and today in Shi'a societies Banu Hashim is only told to the descendants of the Prophet (s) who are only remained from his daughter lady Fatima and his groom Imam 'Ali (a).

The political conflict of Abbasid and Alawis, caused that Abbasid rulers supported the Sunni scholars against the Shi'a belief which considers Ahl al-Bayt as the only rightful successors of the Prophet (s).