The imam cursed him and ordered his followers to curse and...

The imam cursed him and ordered his followers to curse and disavow him lest he would destroy their beliefs.[^3] Amusement and Diversion Amusement, singing, dancing, and all kinds of diversion were widespread in the age of Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.). Baghdad and Samarra’ were full of debauchery and vices. It was the Abbasid kings who led the society to this corruption. They submitted to their lusts and desires, and their red nights were full of all kinds of vices and sins.

Al-Mahdi, the Abbasid king, was the first who opened the door of music, singing, dancing, and drinking for the other Abbasid kings. He was fond of a songstress called Jawhar.[^4] As for Harun ar-Rashid, he was famous for his indulging in amusement and singing. His nights were full of all kinds of music, singing, dancing, and drinking. He was fond of a bondmaid called Thatul Khal. Once, he swore for her that he would carry out everything she asked him for.

She asked him to appoint some man in charge of war and kharaj in Persia for seven years. He did that and wrote a covenant and made a condition for the heir apparent to carry that out after him if it could not be done in his life.[^5] Al-Ma’mun, who was said to be moderate in conduct, spent many of his nights in singing and playing. He was fond of a bondmaid called Urayb, and he often composed poetry about her.

Al-Mutawakkil, who was contemporary with Imam Abu Muhammad (a.s.), was immature, following after his lusts and desires. He was the most dissolute king among the Abbasids. We shall talk about this and other things when we shall talk about his life in a coming chapter. [^1]: Al-Manaqib, vol. 4 p.424. [^2]: Jawharat al-Kalam, p.154, Akhbar ad-Duwal, p.117. [^3]: Rijal al-Kashshi, p.353. [^4]: Al-Bayan wet-Tebyeen, vol.3 p.370-371. [^5]: Al-Aghani, vol.19 p.116. Previous…