Book: Siyar A'lam An-Nubala by Ad-Dhahabi - سير أعلام النبلاء ـ الإمام الذهبي

The Patronage of Scientific Activity by the Mamluk Sultans

The Mamluk Sultans cultivated scientific activity by establishing schools, in addition to other institutions that sometimes served the function of schools, such as mosques. It is well-known that Sultan Salah al-Din showed special concern for founding schools and established some famous ones, including the Nasserite School, the Salahi School, and the Kamhiya School. However, while Salah al-Din and his successors from the Ayyubid dynasty aimed to use these schools principally as centers for spreading the Sunni doctrine and combating the Shiite creed in the land, the Mamluk Sultans multiplied the establishment of schools as an expression of piety and a means to draw closer to the public. They also used these schools as a tool to secure their rule and bolster their position in the eyes of the populace.

Among the numerous schools founded by the Mamluk Sultans was the Zahiri School, attributed to Sultan al-Zahir Baybars, who laid its foundation in the year 1261 AD. Attached to this school was a magnificent library containing a vast array of reference works in various sciences. The Mamluks also established many schools in diverse regions of Egypt, the Levant, and the Hijaz.

The religious activity during the Mamluk era was directed towards serving the Sunni doctrine and combating the Shiite doctrine. Despite the significant efforts made by Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi and the Ayyubid Sultans who succeeded him to combat Shiism in Egypt, many remnants of Shiite practices persisted during the Mamluk era.

At times, the Mamluk Sultans resorted to using violence to suppress the Shiites. Sultan al-Zahir Baybars, in 1267 AD / 665 AH, decreed the adherence to the four Sunni schools of thought, prohibiting all others. He also mandated that no judge be appointed, no witness's testimony accepted, and no one be nominated for positions of preaching, leading prayers, or teaching unless they adhered to one of these schools [1].

In the era of the Mamluk Sultans, Sufism spread widely and expanded its influence. Ignorance prevailed, and people came to believe in superstitions and fables. Polytheistic practices became widespread, such as offering sacrifices at graves and making vows to their occupants. The Mamluks took an interest in these Sufis and believed in them. Sultan al-Zahir Baybars, who died in 676 AH, had a Sheikh named al-Khidr ibn Abi Bakr ibn Musa al-Adawi, who was an influential figure.