A Comparative Study of the organization of Imamiya Wekālat and the Abbasid's Da wa Organization (Organizational Structure and Duties)

The Abbasid Da’wa (invitation) and the Imāmiyya Wekāla (representation) were two secret organizations active in various areas of Islamic lands. Shiite Imams, in their presence, were using Wekāla organization for communicating with Shiites. Abbasids were also making use of Dā’īs (inviters) for diffusing their Da’wa (invitation). Through a comparative study of these two organizations, we may have a better historical judgment of the Imams’ performance and that of the Shiites as well as the Abbasids and their followers.The main question of this article is as follows: “what were the differences and similarities of these two organizations?” The organizational structure of the two organizations was in a pyramid form and both enjoyed three-level geographical stations. However, they had differences as to the degree of complexity and the scope of supervision. Both organizations had financial and relational duties; however, the Wekāla organization had scientific and guiding functions as well.