A Historical Analysis of the Phenomenon of Antinomianism among Islamic Sects and Intra-Religious Currents

“Antinomianism” is a kind of spirit or mindset according to which, man allows himself to disregard the limits and rules of Sharīʿah and to violate the boundaries of Ḥalāl (lawful) and Haram (unlawful). Therefore, the groups that consider some illegal acts as permissible and commit them are called “Ibāḥīyyeh (antinomian people)”. Using a descriptive-analytical method and paying close attention to the roots and studying the current of Antinomianism among the Islamic sect, we found out that the main roots of Antinomianism are wrong and corrupt beliefs which are in sharp contrast to the true belief of monotheism; thus, among the causes of the emergence of Antinomianism, we can refer to the infidels’ unbelief or negligence of religious people. The prevalence of extreme and exaggerated beliefs of the enemies of a religion, and showing it upside down, and misinterpreting the truths of religion, are among the grounds for the formation of this erroneous doctrine. Among the dangerous effects of this heretical thinking we can refer to destroying and defiling the face of Shi’a, forging some false hadiths, and accusing many narrators of exaggeration, laziness, boredom, being indifferent to divine duties and commands, as well as fearlessness and audacity to disobey divine commands and prohibitions. Infallible Imams (peace be upon them) strongly opposed this wrong thinking; and using some methods such as cursing, and recommending the people to be pious and conduct righteous deeds, they showed their disgust towards the antinomian people.