The Karramiyyah sect is one of the most important and influential sects that emerged between the fourth and sixth centuries AH. This school of thought had already gained influence in Khorasan during the third century AH and gradually spread to major cities. Greater Khorasan, during the fourth to sixth centuries AH, experienced one of its most flourishing periods. In this era, numerous scientific and religious centers and institutions emerged, especially in Nishapur, where there was a significant religious and scholarly boom. Most adherents of this sect resided in these regions. The leaders and prominent figures of this sect held significant roles in government positions during their time. Most of the followers of this sect were uneducated individuals, laborers, and farmers.
In this study, we aim to explore this sect and, first and foremost, understand where it emerged and who founded it. We will attempt to answer these questions in the best possible manner.
Keywords: Karramiyyah, Muhammad ibn Karram, Ghaznavids, Khorasan, Nishapur
Introduction
The Karramiyyah sect is considered one of the most influential sects in the history of the Islamic Ummah. This sect was primarily active in Khorasan, and the city of Nishapur was, at the time, one of the main centers for various religious sects, including the Karramiyyah. The leaders and scholars of this sect, through specific methods and various behavioral and doctrinal characteristics—such as asceticism and their unique interpretation of faith—were able to attract many ordinary people and even some rulers of the time. Thus, they had a profound impact on the cultural and social developments of Khorasan, especially in Nishapur.
In the fourth century AH, the Karramiyyah sect gained significant prominence in Khorasan due to their ascetic teachings, attracting a large number of followers. When the Ghaznavids took power in Khorasan and consolidated their rule, they established ties with the leaders of this sect. This was because the Turkish Ghaznavids had become acquainted with Islam through the Karramiyyah. The Ghaznavids supported them in Khorasan, and under their patronage—as well as through various strategies employed by the sect—the Karramiyyah managed to gain influence in the hearts of many people and draw them toward their movement. Although their preaching was hypocritical and deceptive, the uneducated and uninformed populace were easily misled by outward appearances. As such, these individuals were deceived by the ascetic lifestyle and piety of the Karramiyyah and their preachers, and they accepted their beliefs and doctrines.
An examination of the beliefs and state of this sect reveals that it was indeed a deviant and misguided sect, far removed from the path of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). The rise and growth of this sect were fundamentally based on lies, fabrications, and deception.
Studying such individuals and sects is vital and essential so that future generations do not fall prey to such doubts and are not deceived by the appealing and misleading façades of their beliefs. Today, widespread propaganda is seen in all areas, and this study seeks to unveil the hidden and ambiguous face of this sect.
In the present research, we aim to introduce the Karramiyyah sect and explain its founders, beliefs, and doctrines.
