Batiniyya
Allegoric type of scriptural interpretation in Shi'i Islam
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Ismaili Batiniyya
The term has been used in particular for an allegoristic type of scriptural interpretation developed among early Ismaili Shia groups, stressing the bāṭin meaning of texts.[2] It has been retained by all branches of Isma'ilism and various Druze groups as well. The Alawites practice a similar system of interpretation.[2] Batiniyya is a common epithet used to designate Isma'ili Islam, which has been accepted by Ismai'lis themselves.[3]
Sunni writers have used the term batiniyya polemically in reference to rejection of the evident meaning of scripture in favor of its bāṭin meaning.[2] Al-Ghazali, a medieval Sunni theologian, used the term batiniyya pejoratively for the adherents of Isma'ilism.[2][4] Some Shia writers have also used the term polemically.[1]
Sufi Batinyya
When the Islamic world of the Fatimid dynasty entered an Ismaili age in the 10th century, Batinyya became less practiced.[clarification needed] As Ismailism turned into political conflicts, the Ayyubid Kurds began their de-Ismailization of Upper Mesopotamia and beyond, reversing the Fatimid forced Ismailization policies.[5][failed verification] The Kurdish core of the Ayubid empire itself reverted to Sufi Sunni Islam and appropriated the Batini Ismaili beliefs into Sufi Islam[citation needed].
