Akbar declares himself the final arbiter in…

Akbar declares himself the final arbiter in all disputes of law derived from the Quran and the sharia.

He backs his religious authority primarily with his authority in the state.

In 1580 he also initiates a syncretic court religion called the Din-i-Ilahi (Divine Faith).

In theory, the new faith is compatible with any other, provided that the devotee is loyal to the emperor.

In practice, however, its ritual and content profoundly offends orthodox Muslims.

The ulama find their influence undermined.

The concept of Islam as a superior religion with a historic mission in the world appears to be compromised.

The syncretism of the court and its tolerance of both Hindus and unorthodox Shia sects among Muslims triggers a reaction among Sunni Muslims.

In the fratricidal war of succession that closes the reign of Akbar's grandson Shah Jahan in 1658, the aristocracy supports the austere military commander Aurangzeb against his learned and eclectic brother Dara Shikoh, whom Aurangzeb defeats in battle and later has decapitated in 1662.