Definition: The Mihna, or Mihna Inquisition, refers to the campaign initiated by Abbasid Caliph al-Mamun reigning from 813 to 833 CE, designed to enforce the doctrine that the Qur’an was created rather than being eternal. This effort predominantly targeted the Ashab al-Hadith (Traditionists) and notably involved a clash with the celebrated Islamic theologian Ahmad ibn Hanbal, resulting in an inquisitional period affecting Islamic jurisprudence and intellectual history.
Etymology and Background: The term “Mihna” derives from the Arabic root “m-ḥ-n” (مح-ن), meaning to try or test. Historically, the term encompasses the ordeal instituted by al-Mamun to propagate mutazilite theological principles, which embraced a rationalist interpretation of religious texts contrary to the traditionalist view that the Qur’an was part of God’s eternal essence.
Historical Context: The Mihna began around 833 CE, under Caliph al-Mamun’s directive. Motivated by his exposure to Greek rationalist thought and attempts to consolidate political and theological control, al-Mamun decreed that the Qur’an was a created artifact, thereby challenging its eternality—a doctrine contrary to mainstream Islamic belief upheld by the Traditionists (Ashab al-Hadith).
Cultural and Theological Impact:
- Key Figures: The most prominent figure opposing the Mihna was Ahmad ibn Hanbal, who steadfastly resisted despite imprisonment and torture, symbolizing the stance of the Traditionists and contributing to the theological schism.
- Philosophical Schools: The Mihna advocated the Mutazili concept of God’s absolute unity and justice, favoring rationalism which starkly contrasted with the Traditionist doctrine emphasizing literal interpretations of the Qur’an and Hadith.
- Duration and Resistance: Although al-Mamun’s death in 833 CE led to some disruption, the Mihna continued under his successors until about 846 CE. The Abbasid caliphs who maintained this policy exhibited varying degrees of zeal, eventually concluding under Caliph al-Mutawaqqil.
Exciting Facts:
- Ahmad ibn Hanbal’s resistance turned him into a martyr and hero among orthodox Muslims, ultimately establishing the Hanbali school of thought.
- The Mihna marks one of the most notable conflicts between Islamic authority figures and religious scholars, illustrating early Islamic struggles for theological supremacy.
Synonyms:
- Al-Imtihan (الامتحان) - The trial.
- Inquisition (محاكمة - Arabic equivalent).
Antonyms:
- Orthodoxy (ارتدوكس ).
Related Terms and Definitions:
- Mutazili (المعتزلة): A theological school advocating rationalism in Islamic theology.
- Ashab al-Hadith (اصحاب الحديث): Traditionalist scholars emphasizing the Qur’an and Hadith’s literal interpretations.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- Ibn Qutaybah: “The ordeal (mihna) was a test of our scholarly commitment, a phenomenon reaching deep conflicts in our Islamic heritage.”
- Al-Khatib al-Baghdadi: “Ahmad ibn Hanbal’s steadfastness during Mihna redefined the resilience of faith amidst coercion.”
Literature and Further Reading:
- Wilferd Madelung’s “The Succession to Muhammad” - Examines early Islamic historical conflicts, including Mihna.
- Michael Cooperson’s “Classical Arabic Biography” - Provides insights into the biographies of key figures around Mihna.
- “In Defense of the Sunnah: Confronting Muslim Modernists” by I. Soufi - Discusses theological impacts akin to the Mihna debates.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell “To study Mihna is to understand a chapter where faith and reason clashed in pursuit of spiritual truth and power dynamics. It’s a lesson on resilience, intellectual rigor and the timeless quest for theological purity.”
