Between mu‘tazilism and syncretism: a reappraisal of the behaviour of the caliphate of al-Ma’mun

The history of the ʿAbbāsid Empire in the first half of the ninth century is associated with the al-Maʾmūn caliphate and the development of Muʿtazilite theology. To better understand the complexity of the thinking underpinning this regime of twenty years’ duration, it is necessary to address the topic using a wide-ranging approach. While the connection between the Muʿtazilite theological school and the seventh ʿAbbāsid caliph has to be accepted as one of the major aspects of this period, the relationship between these two eminent protagonists persists in showing some interpretive difficulties. This analysis focuses its attention on the peculiar factors concerning the cultural and religious approach of al-Maʾmūn. The Muʿtazila were unquestionably capable of working out a theological and dogmatic methodology, but which was al-Maʾmūn’s real intent: the development of an autocratic system, the reunification of the umma—or both?