[^5] This action of al-Nadir shows not only the influence of the Shiites...

[^5] This action of al-Nadir shows not only the influence of the Shiites, but exposes the latter's confrontation with their opponents, a contradiction which he had tried to resolve for his own advantage. This polarization continued for several centuries and surfaced every year in conflicts on two particular days, 'Ashura' and Ghadir.

The details of these conflicts have been recorded in al-Bidayah wa al-nihayah of Ibn Kathir, in al-Muntazam of Ibn al-Jawzi, and in the Shadharat al-dhahab of Ibn al-'Imad al-Hanbali. In the latter period, Shi'i influence in the Abbasid administration was of such magnitude that many of their ministers were Shii.

Aside from manifesting the Shi'ite acumen in administrative affairs, this fact cannot be regarded as being unrelated to efforts at inducement of Shi'is to accept the Sunni supremacy over the entire Islamic society. The last Abbasid caliph, al-Mustasim, appointed Mu'ayyid al-Din ibn 'Alqami, a Shi'i, as minister, and the latter held the post until the fall of Baghdad and the execution of the caliph.

Despite the Abbasid caliphs' policy, some Sunni elements inside the regime tried to make the caliph take occasionally an anti-Shi'i stand, which would result in riots and carnage in Baghdad causing tremendous losses to both the groups. Once such conflict occurred even in 654/1256, one year before Baghdad fell. [^6] It aggravated the hostility of the Shi'ah against the Abbasid caliphate.

In this regard a letter written by Ibn Alqami to one of the Shi'i elders, al-Sayyid Taj al-Din Muhammad ibn Nasr al-Husayni, clarifies the Shi'i position vis-a-vis the caliphate: Karkh (a locality In west Baghdad where the Shiis resided), this venerable town, has been destroyed and the legacy of the Noble Prophet has been ravaged. The house of Ali have been pillaged and their Hashimite followers have been taken captive.

That which happened is not surprising, for they are followers of al-Husayn - upon whom be peace - whose sanctuary and sanctity were violated and whose blood was spilled. No doubt, Satan has deceived this group (the opponents). Now, what can be done save maintaining fair patience? .... The announcement has been made (by the caliphal regime) that so much troops are to be sent to the town so that the inhabitants are driven away from the place in disgrace and misery.

[^7] The foregoing background was the established general rule which was, however, occasionally broken. But sectarian prejudice adversely affected both the sides.