The Wajīhids of Oman

The downfall of the first Omani imamate in 280/885 represented the beginning of clashes between Ibāḍī ideology and the emerging family dynasties in different Omani provinces. The dynastic rulers sought to abolish the imamate system in the country, which led to serious conflict between distinguished political families and Ibāḍī scholars. Perhaps Wajīhid's reign in the fourth/tenth century symbolizes this best. This important family's rule of the country brought about fundamental changes in the areas of politics and commerce, which in turn has occupied the interest of many historians and archaeologists. This paper focuses on the emergence of the Wajīhid, their relations with Omani Ibāḍīs, and the subsequent political and economical changes in Oman. Finally, the paper examines this development in relation to the centre of the caliphate in Baghdad, the Būyids and Qarmatians (Carmathians).