Overview

Al-Suyuti says that al-Mahdi pursued the heretics (zanadiqa) and destroyed a great many of them. He holds that al-Mahdi was the first to order books of disputation written to refute the heretics and the unbelievers. ²

After 166 AH

He adds that al-Mahdi pursued them with great energy in 166 AH and after, searched for them in every region, and killed people on suspicion. ²

This is al-Suyuti's account alone in the event data. The academic view and other views need an additional source.

The execution of Salih ibn Abd al-Quddus

Salih ibn Abd al-Quddus of Basra was denounced to al-Mahdi for zandaqa and the caliph meant to kill him; 'I repent to God,' he said, and recited: 'what foes inflict on a fool is less than the fool inflicts on himself — and the old man never leaves his ways until buried in the dust of his grave.' Released and nearly gone, he was called back: 'Did you not say the old man never leaves his ways?' 'Yes.' 'So you will not leave yours until you die' — and ordered his execution.

Pursuit of the zanadiqa under al-Mahdi

At a glance

In time

Overview

After 166 AH

Connections

People and things also explored

Sources

Time

The execution of Salih ibn Abd al-Quddus