What was al-Mahdi's attitude toward the Shi'as?
a. He viewed them as opponents of his dynasty and attempted to eliminate them.
b. He accepted the fundamental doctrines of the Shi'as and abdicated.
c. He appealed to the moderate factions of the Shi'as to support the Abbasid dynasty.
d. In order to placate the Shi'as, al-Mahdi lived a pious life of poverty and simplicity.
e. He instituted a program of conversion so they would become Sunni.
Answer: C