العائد المعرفي التاريخي من رسالة الخليفة عبد المؤمن بن علي إلى أولي الحكم والمسؤوليات بالأندلس (543ه/1148م) ــ قراءة تحليلية
The historical knowledge derived from the message of caliph Abd al-Mu'min ibn Ali to the rulers and authorities of Al-Andalus (543 AH/1148 CE) - An analytical reading
Abstract
It is well known that serious research in the historical field specifically goes beyond relying on a specific type of source, rather, it seeks to trace historical knowledge across various books and blogs, with the goal of arriving at a comprehensive understanding of the historical aspect to be studied, even if the blogger is not primarily seeking to obtain historical information. Perhaps the most prominent example of this concept is the historical knowledge contained in the Diwani letters, which is no less valuable than that provided by reference books Therefore this research, in its subsection aims to reveal the status of the Diwani letters and their narratives within the list of historical sources. The central focus is to provide a historical overview of the transitional phase witnessed by the Almohad state, through an analytical reading of the contents of a letter written by Jaafar bin Atiya (d 553 AH/1158 CE), which was sent by Caliph Abd al-Mu'min (d. 558 AH/1163 CE) to the officials in Al-Andalus in 543 AH/1148 CE, This study is based on the following research question: What is the nature of the cognitive contribution that official correspondence, such as the letter in question, offers to the field of history? The optimal study of this subject requires adopting an analytical method with a critical approach, as the letter contains valuable information about a turbulent historical context. When the Maghreb is mentioned, the Almoravid-Almohad hostility and the series of revolutionary uprisings against Almohad rule immediately come to mind. In Al-Andalus, by contrast, social and moral ills were widespread, such as alcohol consumption, highway robbery, and the trafficking of women.
The research content falls within the general framework of the topic, beginning with a definition of the letter in its linguistic and historical contexts. It then clarifies its types and themes, and the cognitive contributions it brings to the construction of historical events. Attention is also given to the caveats that must be considered when approaching these letters and historical sources. The second part consists of an analytical reading of the letter under study, following a set of methodological guidelines. This includes defining the text, analysing and commenting on it, and concluding with the results drawn from the analysis of this document.
One of the results of this research is that it reveals the extent of the aggression inflicted on the people of Al-Andalus by the two brothers of Ibn Tumart - Isa and Abdul Aziz – as well as the general state of governance in the region, especially in light of the apparent indifference of the sheikhs and officials. Another significant conclusion is Abd al-Mu'min's desire to uphold justice, continuing the reform project introduced by Ibn Tumart, whose main slogan was "enjoining good and forbidding evil". This becomes evident to the reader of the letter through the dual rhetorical strategies used by Abd al-Mu'min in his discourse, both persuasive and intimidating, This balanced discourse stems from a desire to maintain stability within the Almohad state.
