Allegoric type of scriptural interpretation in Shi'i Islam
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Batiniyya (Arabic:باطنية,romanized: Bāṭiniyyah) refers to groups that distinguish between an outer,exoteric (zāhir) and an inner,esoteric (bāṭin) meaning in Islamic scriptures.[1]
The term has been used in particular for an allegoristic type of scriptural interpretation developed among earlyIsmaili Shia groups, stressing thebāṭin meaning of texts.[2] It has been retained by all branches ofIsma'ilism and variousDruze groups as well. TheAlawites practice a similar system of interpretation.[2]Batiniyya is a common epithet used to designate Isma'ili Islam, which has been accepted by Ismai'lis themselves.[3]
Sunni writers have used the termbatiniyya polemically in reference to rejection of the evident meaning of scripture in favor of itsbāṭin meaning.[2]Al-Ghazali, a medieval Sunni theologian, used the termbatiniyya pejoratively for the adherents of Isma'ilism.[2][4] Some Shia writers have also used the term polemically.[1]
When the Islamic world of theFatimid dynasty entered an Ismaili age in the 10th century, Batinyya became less practiced.[clarification needed] As Ismailism turned into political conflicts, theAyyubid Kurds began their de-Ismailization ofUpper Mesopotamia and beyond, reversing the Fatimid forced Ismailization policies.[5][failed verification] The Kurdish core of the Ayubid empire itself reverted to Sufi Sunni Islam and appropriated the Batini Ismaili beliefs into Sufi Islam[citation needed].
1These are traditional areas of settlement; the Turkic group has been living in the listed country/region for centuries and should not be confused with modern diasporas. 2State with limited international recognition.
