To what extent did rifts and divisions within the ‘Abbasid Empire contribute to its decline?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the suggestion that rifts and divisions contributed to the decline of the ‘Abbasid Empire. Candidates may argue that these rifts and divisions were wholly or partially responsible for the decline, or they may suggest other factors, and consider them as being more significant. However, whichever method is chosen, candidates are required to deal with the issue of rifts and divisions in their responses. These may include geographic factors such as the vast extent of the empire, ethnic factors such as rivalries between Arabs and non-Arabs, political differences such as dynastic conflicts, economic factors such as growing wealth disparities, or religious differences such as those between Sunni and ‘Shia. Other relevant factors such as the impact of warfare may be referred to in candidate responses.