Zaydism

Zaydism is a specific branch of Shia Islam. It is also known as "Fiver" Shi'ism. This name comes from the belief that Zayd ibn Ali was the fifth imam, or leader. Zaydism emerged in the eighth century. It began after Zayd ibn Ali led an unsuccessful rebellion against the Umayyad Caliphate. He believed the Umayyad rulers were corrupt and tyrannical. This movement is one of the three main branches of Shi'ism. The other two major branches are Twelverism and Ismailism.

The core of Zaydi belief involves the role of the imam. Zaydis believe a true leader must be willing to fight against unjust rule. This concept is known as khurūj, or revolt against unjust leadership. Unlike some other Shia groups, Zaydis do not rely heavily on hadith, which are recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet. Instead, they use hadith that are consistent with the Qur'an. They also prioritize rationalism, which is the use of human reason, over literalism. This focus on reason makes Zaydism quite close to Sunni Islam in many ways.

Zaydi theology has historically been shaped by two different currents of thought. These are called Batrism and Jarudism. Batri ideas were more similar to proto-Sunni views. Batris believed that Ali was implicitly designated as a caliph. They felt that legal authority belonged to the whole Muslim community. They also believed that opponents of Ali were victims of bad judgment rather than apostates. Jarudi ideas were more similar to other Shia views. Jarudis believed Ali was clearly named by Muhammad. They held that only the descendants of Ali and Fatima could hold legal authority. Over time, these two currents merged into the mainstream Hadawi form of Zaydism.

Throughout history, many Zaydi dynasties have ruled various territories. In the eighth century, the Idrisid dynasty ruled the western Maghreb from 788 to 985. They were named after their first leader, Idris I.

In northern Iran, the Alavids established a Zaydi state in 864. This state was located in the Daylam and Tabaristan regions. Another group, the Buyid dynasty, was also initially Zaydi. In the ninth and tenth centuries, the Banu Ukhaidhir ruled in al-Yamama. Even in southern Spain, the Hammudid dynasty was a Zaydi power during the eleventh century.

In Yemen, Zaydism has had a very long and complex history. The Rassid dynasty was founded around 893 by al-Hadi ila'l-Haqq Yahya. This dynasty helped establish Zaydi influence in the region. For many centuries, the Zaydi capital was the city of Sa'dah. Later, the Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen existed from 1918 to 1962. This kingdom was located in northern Yemen. Its capital was Sanaa until 1948, and then it moved to Taiz. The Zaydi Imamate eventually ended with the creation of the Yemen Arab Republic in 1962.

The end of the Imamate led to significant political changes. After 1962, a North Yemen Civil War took place from 1962 to 1970. Some Zaydis wanted to restore the imamate because the new rulers did not follow Zaydi requirements. A national reconciliation in 1970 paused the fighting. Since then, Zaydi communities have taken different paths. Some joined the new political system. Others focused on restoring their spiritual and cultural heritage. In recent decades, the Houthi movement has emerged as an armed group. They began an uprising in 2004 to defend their community from perceived discrimination.

Zaydi law, or fiqh, is based on the teachings of Zayd ibn Ali. These teachings are documented in his book, Majmu' Al-Fiqh. Zaydi legal practices are similar to the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam. They are also similar to the Ibadi school. One major difference is that Zaydis dismiss the practice of taqiyya. Taqiyya is the practice of concealing one's religious beliefs under pressure. Zaydi thought emphasizes social justice and human responsibility. They believe Muslims have an ethical obligation to depose leaders who are unrighteous. This connection between religion and political action remains a central part of the Zaydi identity.