The Analysis of Ma’moon’s Duplicitous Action in Dealing with Imam Reza (PBUH)

The study of events come about in some historical phases is of great significance due to the sensitivity of that era as well as the particular position of actors. Likewise, this issue can be beneficial towards the appreciation of events and deepening of general understanding. In this article, Ma’moon’s duplicitous action in dealing with Imam Reza (PBUH) in time of caliphate are clarified by taking advantage of Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse analysis with the emphasis on two main concepts of equivalence and backgrounding strategies. The findings of research indicate that Ma’moon has taken the equivalence strategies such as pretending to be Shi’a, inviting Imam to Marve, suggesting the guardianship, believing in the end of time as well as applying the Shiite symbols and allurement in different phases according to the situation. Moreover, he has taken advantage of backgrounding strategies such as the management of social relations, concealment of virtues, weakening of the social status and scientific position, terror of personality, limitation of relationships, imprisonment and martyrdom. His strategies in dealing with Imam Reza (PBUH) can be divided into three critical phases namely the beginning of government, the stabilization of government and the limitation of cultural relationship. Yet, none of the strategies can be attributed to a particular time. Ma’moon has mostly applied the equivalence strategy in the first and second phases and backgrounding strategy in the third phase. Likewise, the strategies of backgrounding and foregrounding have been concurrently utilized on occasion.