A Historical Report on Natural Disasters during the Abbasid Era after the Destruction of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.) (An Explanation of the Narrations of Imam Reza (A.S.) regarding the Impact of Violating the Sanctity of the Soil of Karbala on the Reduction of Disasters)

Golmakani, Vajihe

doi:10.22034/ijs.2025.410035.1024

A Historical Report on Natural Disasters during the Abbasid Era after the Destruction of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.) (An Explanation of the Narrations of Imam Reza (A.S.) regarding the Impact of Violating the Sanctity of the Soil of Karbala on the Reduction of Disasters)

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Vajihe Golmakani

Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Theology, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22034/ijs.2025.410035.1024

Abstract

The teachings of Imam Reza (A.S.) are replete with precise and subtle points, attention to which can reveal the divine laws governing the universe for profound thinkers and researchers. One such law, inferable from the practical conduct of His Holiness, is the relationship between respecting the sacred soil of the Master of Martyrs (A.S.) and the reduction of natural disasters. This research, using a descriptive-analytical method and relying on primary historical data, seeks to answer whether the volume and intensity of natural disasters within the Abbasid Caliphate changed noticeably after the heinous destruction of the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.) by the Abbasid caliph Al-Mutawakkil in 236 AH. The findings of the research, based on a systematic examination and categorization of natural disasters during the early Abbasid period (from the beginning until the end of Al-Mutawakkil›s rule), indicate that the greatest quantitative and qualitative volume of these disasters—characterized by diversity, vast geographical spread, very high human casualties, and unprecedented financial losses—occurred during the years of Al-Mutawakkil›s rule, especially after the destruction of the Hussaini Shrine. This shows a remarkable concordance with the content of the narrations from Imam Reza (A.S.) concerning the role of desecrating the soil of Karbala in increasing calamities and disasters.

Keywords

Imam Reza (A.S.)

The Soil of Imam Hussain (A.S.)

Natural Disasters

Abbasid Caliphate

20.1001.1.29811341.1403.2.6.3.1

Subjects

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