Religion in Khorasan of Seljuk

Khorasan of Seljuk era had special religious composition. Religious disputes and conflicts between different religions were the main features of this period. Religious policies of Seljuk government had a major impact on increasing sectarian differences. Sectarian prejudice of Amid al- malik Kondori and Khajeh Nizam al-Mulk Tusi caused intense competition between the Hanafi and Shafei Followers. Invation of the Ghoz on Khorasan inflicted destruction and massacre in this region and consequently took place intense sectarian and religious conflicts. Shafei was dominant religion and Hanafi religion which was authorized by Seljuk kings, ranked the second. Hanbalies had followers in many cities, particularly in Herat. According to the sources, there was no a prominent religious scholar of Maliki in Khorasan. Imami Shi’as enjoy an important position and some of the leading shi’a scholars were living in this era. Ismailis had great influences in different cities and always had engaged in severe political strife with the Seljuks.In this article we survey Islamic sects and the most important of their followers in Khorasan of Seljuk era.