In the historical study of the 'Abbasid Caliphate, the
period between the years 247-256/86l-870, when the whole ft
structure of the Islamic State threatened to collapse into
self-destructive anarchy, is probably the most neglected.
The four Caliphs who reigned during this period of instability
have been largely ignored by scholars as it was thought that
their rule was little more than an irrational interlude in
the history of 'Abbasid domination. However, this thesis is
an attempt to demonstrate that, on the contrary, both the
decade itself and the consequences resulting from the internal
politico-social struggles' are indeed of sufficient value and
relevance to merit a detailed study of this nature
