Rise and Quiddity of Mutarrafiyyah

Mutarrafiyyah is one of the most important branches of Yemeni Zaidi that emerged in the fifth century AH. Raising some challenging beliefs different from theological tradition of Zaidi, this sect provided a basis of theological conflict and polemics between other Zaidi sects and themselves. Establishing various places called Hijrah used for dwelling and educating, they succeeded in freely promoting and disseminating their thoughts among Yemeni people. The reformist attitude of Mutarrafiyyah which was based on equality of men as well as their following of Mu`tazilite theological attitude of Baghdad was considered as intellectual rebellion against Zaidis. For the reason it was ended by the Zaydi rulers after two centuries of presence in Yemen. Nevertheless, scrutinizing the few sources left from them along with the sources of the Zaidi sects opposing them, one can say Mutarrafiyyah’s tendency toward naturalism, scientism, rationalism as well as adherence to Zuhd (piety) constituted their most important differences with the mainstream of Zaidis in Yemen. This article tries to examine the origins of Mutarrafiyyah and then shed light on the true nature of it