The Umayyad CalpihateThe Umayyad CalpihateClass Lecture

By Dr. Ziaur Rahman

IntroductionIntroduction

The Umayyad Dynasty can be divided into two branches, namely:

I. The sufyan branch: Mu’awiyah I (661-680) Yazid I (680-683) Mu’awiyah II (683)

II. The Marwan branch: Marwan I (683-685) Abd al-Malik (685-705) Walid I (705-715) Sulayman (715-717) Umar II (717-720) Yazid II (720-724) Hisham (724-743)

Walid II (743-744) Yazid III (744) Ibrahim (744) Marwan II (744-750)

Mu’awiyah Establishes Mu’awiyah Establishes a Dynasty (661-80)a Dynasty (661-80)

The Umayyad house was one of the major clans of the Quraysh tribe.

Technically, Uthman ibn ‘Affan r.a., the third of the Righteous Caliphs, was the very first Umayyad caliph.

During his tenure (644-656), he appointed members of his clan to various posts; in particular, Mu’awiyah bin Abi Sufyan was given the governorship of Syria.

Upon the accession of ‘Ali to the caliphate, Mu’awiyah refused to pay him allegiance (issue of ‘Uthman r.a.’s assassination), and in 658-60 the Syrians acknowledged Mu’awiyah as caliph.

That same year he gained control of Egypt; following Ali's death in 661, he subdued Iraq and then formally established himself as caliph.

Mu’awiyah was thus, proclaimed Caliph at Jerusalem in 40 A.H. (660), and with that proclamation, the Umayyad Dynasty was established.

With his accession to the seat of the provincial government, Damascus, became the capital of the Muslim empire, though that empire was somewhat confined.

During the arbitration, ‘Amr ibn al ‘Aas, Mu’awiyah’s representative, had wrested Egypt from the ‘Alids (followers of ‘Ali r.a.), but ‘Iraq now declared Hasan r.a., the legitimate successor of ‘Ali.

Makkah and Madinah were, in contrast, lukewarm in their loyalty to the Sufyanids (descendants of Abu Sufyan).

Meanwhile, al-Hasan’s interest were more at home in the haram than on the throne.

It was not long before he retired to al-Madinah for a life of ease and pleasure, persuaded by Mu’awiyah, with an annual pension of 5 million dirhams.

He was allegedly poisoned in 50 A.H. (669 C.E.) The Shi’is however believe that he was killed by

Mu’awiyah and consider Hasan to be an Imam and a martyr.

Among Mu’awiyah’s administrative works, he is credited with raising a highly-trained army of Syrian soldiers which was used to expand Muslim authority east into Khorasan and west into North Africa.

During his reign, Rhodes (672) and Crete (674) were temporarily occupied.

Mu’awiyah also led excursions into Anatolia beginning in 672 which culminated in an unsuccessful three-year siege of Constantinople (674-677).

The perpetual conquest all throughout the Umayyad Dynasty extending up to the Abbasid period was that of the Byzantine Empire (Constantinople).

Relations with the Relations with the ByzantinesByzantines While Mu’awiyah was insecure in his new

position, he thought it was best to purchase a truce from the Emperor Constans II in 658-659.

But soon afterward, the tribute was repudiated and hostilities against the Byzantine possessions were laid by Mu’awiyah, both by land and by sea.

Mu’awiyah stretched out his mighty arm against the enemy capital (Constantinople) twice, but failed.

In 669, Mu’awiyah sent his son, Yazid, the then crown prince to lead the attack against Constantinople.

Byzantium at the time had a new and energetic emperor, Constantine IV.

Yazid emerged victorious and was recognized hero of the siege which made it easier for Mu’awiyah to proclaim him heir to the Caliphate.

Three times was Constantinople attacked by the Umayyad forces, and the only occasions on which the Syro-Arabs ever succeeded in reaching the high triple wall of the mighty capital.

The first was under the leadership of the crown prince Yazid in 669. The second of the three attacks took place during the reign of Mu’awiyah from 674-80.

However, prior to the siege, a Christian refugee from Syria named Kallinikos (Callinicus) had recently invented for the Byzantine Empire a devastating new weapon that came to be known as "Greek fire".

In 677, the Byzantine navy used the weapon to decisively defeat the Umayyad navy in the Sea of Marmara, resulting in the lifting of the siege in 680.

Among those killed in the siege was Abu Ayyub al-Ansari; to Muslims today, his tomb is considered one of the holiest sites in Istanbul.

Mu’awiyah Nominates YazidMu’awiyah Nominates YazidBefore his death, Mu’awiyah secured

allegiance to his son, Yazid, thus introducing dynastic succession to Muslim rule.

Mu'awiyah convinced the most powerful to recognize his son, Yazid, as the next caliph.

Technically, Yazid was still elected; in reality, he was selected by his father to succeed him.

This would become the model of caliphate succession—the reigning caliph would name his successor and the notable would elect that named successor. So the Umayyad caliphate was essentially a hereditary dynasty. It is for this reason that Islamic historians do not call the Umayyad period a caliphate, but rather use the term "kingdom" (mulk).

Yazid ensues the Yazid ensues the Legacy (680-83)Legacy (680-83)

Second Second Fitnah Fitnah (61 a.h. 680 c.e.)(61 a.h. 680 c.e.) The Second Fitna was a time of complexity in the

Islamic world, involving a number of different occurrences that were seemingly not directly connected with one another. A brief sketch of the major events of the period may however be given as follows.

Yazid's first opposition came from supporters of Husayn.

As soon as Yazid I became caliph, Husayn and ‘Abdullah ibn Zubayr refused to pledge allegiance to him.

In response to the urgent and repeated appeals of the ‘Iraqis, who had declared Husayn the legitimate caliph after ‘Ali and Hasan, he left Madinah at the head of a weak escort of relatives for al-Kufah.

It was then that the Battle of Karbala was fought.

Husayn in his path toward Kufa encountered the army of Ubayd-Allah ibn Ziyad, the governor of Kufa, led by al-Hurr al-Riyahi (a top commander in the Umayyad army who later changed sides).

On 10 October 680 (Muharram 10, 61 AH), he and his small group of his followers and family members, who were between 72 or more, people of Husayn fought with 4000 troops under the command of Umar ibn Sa'ad ibn Abi Waqqas.

Husayn and all of his men were defeated. Today, the death of Hussein ibn Ali is

commemorated during every Muharram by Shiite Muslims. This annual passion play is enacted in two parts, one called ‘Ashura (the 10th day) in al-Kazimayn (close by Baghdad), and the other 40 days after the 10th of Muharram in Karbala entitled “the Return of the Head”.

The Battle of KarbalaThe Battle of Karbala

Mausoleum of Husayn at Karbala

Following these occurrences, Yazid faced a second revolt from ‘Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr, who had previously revolted against the caliphate with ‘Ali.

Ibn al-Zubayr's rebellion was seen by many as an attempt to return to the pristine values of the early Islamic community, and his revolt was welcomed by a number of parties that were unhappy with the Umayyad rule for various reasons.

Yazid was quick to dispatch against the rebellions of al-Madinah a disciplinary force which included many Christian Syrians, and was headed by Muslim ibn ‘Uqbah.

The punitive expedition encamped on the plain of al-Harrah , east of al-Madinah, gave battle in 683, and was victorious.

Revolt from ibn al-ZubayrRevolt from ibn al-Zubayr

The army then proceeded to Makkah.On the way, Muslim died and was succeeded in chief

command by al-Husayn ibn Numayr al-Sakuni, who had his catapults rain stones upon the haram of Makkah.

Meanwhile, ibn al-Zubayr was taking refuge in Makkah.

While these operations were proceeding, however, Yazid, met his end, and the caliphate was bestowed to his adolescent son, Mu’awiyah II (683).

Marwan establishes a Marwan establishes a New Umayyad Dynasty New Umayyad Dynasty

(683-85)(683-85)

Mu’awiyah II had ruled for no more than three months, that he died (683) and ibn al-Zubayr gained widespread recognition as caliph.

But soon after, the Islamic world fell into disarray over competing claims to the caliphate - Two tribes based in Syria, the Qays and the Kalb, rallied around two separate candidates for caliph: Marwan ibn al-Hakam and Ibn al-Zubayr.

A bitter war was fought between the two tribes and Marwan, backed by the Kalbites, became caliph in 684 and founded a new Umayyad dynasty.

His ascendance to the caliphate in 684 established the Marwanid line of Umayyad caliphs.

Marwan recaptured Egypt for the Umayyads, but died in 685, having reigned for only nine months.

As he died a year later, the task of reunification was placed in the hands of his son, ‘Abd al-Malik.

Reign of ‘Abd al-Malik Reign of ‘Abd al-Malik (685-705)(685-705)

When 'Abd al-Malik became caliph, all of Arabia was under the control of his rival, ibn al-Zubayr, while much of Iraq had fallen under the control of a rebel named al-Mukhtar.

Al-Mukhtar hoped to elevate Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah to the caliphate, although Ibn al-Hanafiyyah himself may have had no connection to the revolt.

The troops of al-Mukhtar engaged in battles both with the Umayyads, in 686, at the river Khazir near Mosul: an Umayyad defeat, and with Ibn al-Zubayr, in 687, at which time the revolt of al-Mukhtar was crushed.

In 691, Umayyad troops reconquered Iraq, and in 692 the same army captured Makkah. Ibn al-Zubayr was killed in the attack by the general, al-Hajjaj.

Thus, al-Mukhtar was defeated by Ibn al-Zubayr and, 'Abd al-Malik defeated Ibn al-Zubayr. Thus, order was gradually restored to Iraq and Arabia.

Revolt of Al-MukhtarRevolt of Al-Mukhtar

Marvelous administration to restore Unity, Peace and prosperity in the Islamic State.

Appointed the most capable personalities on the key posts like: Hajjaj bin Yousuf ( in-charge of the Eastern Part of

Islamic State- Iraq and all the provinces of old Persian Empire)

Brothers of Abdul Malik; like Bishr bin Marwan, Mohammad bin Marwan and Abdul Aziz bin Marwan the Governor of Egypt ( about 20 years 65-85 A.H.)

Conquest of Northern Africa:The Hero of Northern Africa: Musa bin Nusair;

appointed as governor in 79 A.H.Played a good role to establish Islam among Berbers.He improved Navy, established shipyards in Tunis.

An exceptional example of architecture; Tomb of Sakhrah (Qubbatus Sakhra) (Dome of the Rock), the ascending point of Prophet in Jerusalem which was completed in 692.

Administration & Achievements of Administration & Achievements of ‘Abd al-Malik‘Abd al-Malik

A doubt about building of the Tomb:1. To draw the attention of people for Tawaf

(incorrect)2. It was built against Christian architecture of Bait al-

Maqdis. I think: it was built in remembrance of the miraculous

journey of the Prophet. Personal follow up the governors, princes and viceroys. Observation and Intelligentsia. No mercy for rebellions. Marvelous achievements in administrative system:

Diwan al-Khiraj, Arbic Currency, reorganization of Diwan al-Bareed,

Intelligent bureaus to watch and ward in the state. Abd al-Malik is credited with centralizing the

administration of the caliphate, and with establishing Arabic as its official language.

Byzantine coins were replaced with a new Islamic-style coinage, marked by its anionic decoration.

Abdul Malik died in 86 A.H. Following Abd al-Malik's death, his son, Al-Walid I (705-

15) became caliph.

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem

Dinar Khalifah Abdulmalik ibn Marwan, Shahadatain,

77 Hijrah.

Reign of al-Walid Reign of al-Walid (705-(705-15)15)

Born on 50th of Hijrah. Brought up with extra care of his father . Pious and practicing Muslim . Memorizer of Quran .

Early LifeEarly Life

KhilafaKhilafa Ascended on throne at the age of 36. Inherited a vast, enriched, well in resources,

strong and integrated empire.

Whole north Africa (West). Andalus (Spain). Central Asia (East). Sindh in Indian Sub-continent (South East).

New fronts opened in his timeNew fronts opened in his time

Prominent commandersProminent commanders Hajjaj bin Yousuf Qutaiba bin Muslim al-Bahili (Conqueror of

central Asia) Muhammad bin Qasim al-Thaqafi (Sindh) Musa bin Nusair and Tariq bin Zyad (Andalus) Maslama bin Abdul Malik ( Struggling with

Byzantine empire).

A major figure during the reigns of both al-Walid and Abd al-Malik was the Umayyad governor of Iraq, Al-Hajjaj bin Yousef.

Many Iraqis remained resistant to Umayyad rule. The ‘Alids and the Kharijites had continually made trouble for the Umayyads, and al-Hajjaj imported Syrian troops to maintain order, whom he housed in a new garrison town, Wasit.

These troops became crucial in the suppression of a revolt led by an Iraqi general, Ibn al-Ash'ath, in the early eighth century.

The unexpected arrival of al-Hajjaj at the famous mosque of al-Kufah, in disguise, the mounting of the pulpit and removal of the heavy turban which veiled his face, and the proclamation of his policy showed the ‘Iraqis that this would be no kid-glove method of dealing with a disloyal populace.

Al-Hajjaj – a Prominent FigureAl-Hajjaj – a Prominent Figure

Musa bin Nusair and the conquest of Morocco. Spreading Islam in Morocco. Conquest of Andalus (Spain). Cause of conquest. Faderik, The ruler Spain. Demand from the people of Spain to attack. Tariq bin Zyad, the governor of Morocco. Permission from the caliph to proceed. Army comprising 6000 soldiers under the command of

Tariq. Musa bin Nusair joined him with 18000 soldiers. The whole Spain including Qurtuba, Gharnata, Taitala

were conquered in 93- 95 A.H. The hero of the conquest of Central Asia was Qutaiba

bin Muslim. In the east, Islamic armies made it as far as the Indus River in 710 A.D.

ConquestsConquests

The long history of Islamic architecture really begins with al-Walid ibn ‘Abd al-Malik.

Al-Walid was an active builder; he sponsored the construction of Al-Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina and the Great Mosque of Damascus.

This is also the period in which Islamic court culture begins to germinate.

It was also al-Walid I that coupled ‘islamicization’ with ‘arabicization’. With more and more people converting to Islam and as a result, more and more Muslims were non-Arabs, the status of Arabs and their culture became threatened. In part to alleviate that threat, al-Walid instituted Arabic as the only official language of the empire. He decreed that all administration was to be done only in Arabic.

Death of Waleed bin Abdul Malik : 15th Jamadi al-Thani, 96 A.H.

Walid’s WorksWalid’s Works

Great Mosque of Damascus, Syria

Reign of Sulayman Reign of Sulayman (715-17)(715-17)

First:◦ Fate of Qutayba bin Muslim al-Bahili◦ Fate of Muhammad bin Qasim◦ Fate of Musa bin Nusair

Second:◦ Siege of Constantinople (Maslima bin Abdul

Malik)◦ Big log in the siege◦ Withdrawal of army (by the order of Umar bin

Abdul Aziz) Third:

◦ Accession of Umar bin Abdul Aziz◦ Untraditional succession

Three important events in his timeThree important events in his time

◦ Umar bin Abdul Aziz was Sulaiman’s advisor and minister.

◦ Good habits cultivated in him because of Umar.◦ Sulaiman a man of Justice and Jihad.◦ Was a great orator.◦ Eliminated old traditions.

Nomination of his son Ayyub (he died). Desire to appoint another son Dawood (busy in

Constantinople siege). Suggestion of Rija bin Hayat about the

succession of Umar bin Abdul Aziz. Suggestion accepted. Nomination of Yazid bin Abdul Malik after Umar

bin Abdul Aziz to avoid the revolt from within the family.

Question of HeirshipQuestion of Heirship

Reign of Umar ibn Reign of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz Abdul Aziz (717-20)(717-20)

Full name: Abud Hafs Umar bin Abdul Aziz bin Marwan bin Hakam.

Mother: a grand daughter of Umar bin al-Khattab Born in Madinah in 62 Hijra. Inherited many of the characteristics from his

great-grandfather. Brought up in Madinah with special care of his

father. Excelled in Fiqh, Arabic Language, History and

other religious studies. Care taker of expansion of Masjid Nabwi in Abdul

Malik’s time.

Early LifeEarly Life

Followed the way of the rightly guided caliphs. Possessed a sense of accountability to Allah. Accepted the caliphate after being

acknowledged by the masses.

CaliphateCaliphate

Governor of Madinah in Waleed’s time. Advisor and minister of Sulaiman bin Abdul Malik. Lived a very smart and luxurious life before

succession. Experienced a drastic change after succession.

Political reforms:◦ Changed the kingship into caliphate.◦ Changed the governing system.◦ Policy of peace and justice.◦ His order: not to punish any one over silly things.◦ Removal of unjust and bad-tempered governors.◦ Good control over treasury.

Social reform:◦ Equal distribution of treasury.◦ Fixing stipends even to the newly born babies.◦ Sponsoring the socially weak and handicaps.

Achievements & EstablishmentsAchievements & Establishments

◦ Very humble personal expenditure.◦ Some examples of his simplicity…apple from

son, candle and guest.◦ Returning illegal properties to their owners.◦ Some churches were also returned.◦ Protection of human rights and equality.◦ Facilitation roots, inns for travelers.

Islamic renaissance:◦ Every thing against Shari’a was banned.◦ Prayers were performed on time.◦ Wine, bars and dance were banned.

Morals and Ethics

Reign of Yazid bin Reign of Yazid bin ‘Abdul Malik ‘Abdul Malik (720-24)(720-24)

Yazid Bin Abdul Malik bin Marwan. Born in Damuscus in 71H. Succeeded Umar bin Abdul Aziz in Rajab 101H. Tried to follow Umar bin Abdu Aziz but for few days. A plan was set to misguide him. He indulged in all forbidden things. Began to drink wine openly. Brutality and injustice started again. All the reforms of Umar bin Abdul Aziz were

cancelled. Standards of revolts started to come up in different

sects of Islamic state.

IntroductionIntroduction

Abbasids and Hashmites started to take advantage of the time.

Heavy taxes were levied in Yaman by Mohammad bin Yusuf which were withdrawn by Umar bin Abdul Aziz.

Yazid bin Mohallab-imprisoned by Umar bin Abdul Aziz- escaped from the jail.

He was sure that Yazid bin Abdul Malik would not spare his life.

He reached Basra and was supported by Basrans. Ahwaz and Basra were captured and he announced

a separate state. A vast army was prepared to attack Syria. Fierce battle was fought.

Beginning of the down fall of Umayyad Beginning of the down fall of Umayyad DynastyDynasty

Yazid bin Mohallab and his Brother Habib were killed

Regained the whole area by Muslima bin Abdul Malik and appointed as governor of whole Iraq.

Muslimah bin Abdul Malik was replaced by Amr bin Habirah.

Standard of revolt was raised in Bukhara, Saghad and Samarqand.

Revolts were suppressed and the situation came under control.

Revolt in Armenia, An army, under the command of Jerrah bin

Abdullah, was sent. Jerrah captured the vast area, Nobles and kings were subjugated. The whole area was dominated by Muslims….

Abdur Rahman bin Zahak was the governor of Hijaz. People were not happy with him. He wanted to marry the grand daughter of Hussein bin

Ali. But the proposal was refused. Abdul Wahid bin Abdullah was the governor of Madinah. The people were happy with him. Wasim and Salim - sons of Abdullah bin Umer – were

also his advisors.

Yazid appointed Hisham bin Abdul Malik as caliph after him.

Yazid died at the age of 38 out of tuberculosis in 105 H.

Reign of Hisham bin Reign of Hisham bin Abdul Malik Abdul Malik (724-43)(724-43)

Muslim bin Sa'id was governor of Khurasan. Campaign against Turk leaders. A big army towards Bukhara and Farghana. Turk Leaders were arrested. Situation was not under control. Asad bin Abdullah Qasari was appointed as

governor of Khurasan. Missionaries for propagating Islam. ( Ashrash bin

Abdullah Aslami) A large number of Turks accepted Islam. Equal right for all Muslims according to Islam Jizia was levied on converted too. It resulted in discontentment and revolt.

Campaign in Khurasan (106 A.H / 724 Campaign in Khurasan (106 A.H / 724 A.D.)A.D.)

Abdul Saida ; a local officer reported to the authorities.

But he was forced to collect Jizia.A force of seven thousand newly converts

revolted under Abdulla Saida.Abdullah was arrested by the ruler of

Samarqand.Abu Fatima a new leader of newly coverts.Governor was forced to exempt them from Jizia. Internal differences among neo-Muslims.They were suppressed by authorities. It resulted in their abandoning Islam.Help from Khaqan of China to the rebellions.Many skirmishes, but finally he was defeated

and peace treaty was signed.

Mohammad bin Ali bin Abdullah bin Abbas; A campaign was launched with the help of Alids.Movement started under the pretext that they

are supporters of Ali.Terms: Ahl-al-bayt and Hashmites.Supporters of Alids did not realize the slow shift.Abu Muslim; a native of Asfahan.Entered into the service of Mohammad bin Ali..Deputed to work for Abbasid Movement..Mohammad bin Ali died in 120 A.H.

Abbasid MovementAbbasid Movement

He had three sons;◦ Ibrahim◦ Abul Abbas Abdullah ( al-Saffah)◦ Abu Ja'fer Mansur.

Nasr bin Sayyar; a new governor of Khurasan in place of Asad bin Abdullah.

A very good administrator.Appointed especially to deal with the

abbasid movement..A policy of reconciliation with newly

converted Muslims.

Effort to regain the position in France. In 106 A.H. (724 A.D.) Muslim advanced upto

the valley of river Rhone. In 114 A.H. Bourdeaux was captured by Abdur

Rahman bin Abdullah but the Muslims faced defeat at Tours and the Muslim commander was killed.

An advance was made in 119 and Avignon was captured but soon it was lost by French forces.

After the defeat at Tours Muslim forces withdrew from France.

Campaign in FranceCampaign in France

Many Byzantine forts were captured.Mu'awiyah bin Hisham; son of Khalifa was died in

one of the campaigns. Islands of Majorca, Minorca and Ivica were occupied

during the reign of Walid bin Abdul Malik.Later the naval superiority was challenged.Several successful naval expeditions were executed.All the naval bases of Majorca, Minorca, Ivica,

Corsica, Sardinia, Crete and Rhodes were again occupied.

The Mediterranean Sea came under full control of Muslims.

Campaign against the Byzantines:Campaign against the Byzantines:

The Fall of the The Fall of the Umayyad Dynasty Umayyad Dynasty

(750(750))

When Hisham died in 743, the empire collapsed into a series of rebellions mostly by disaffected non-Arabs and by the Kharjites.

It was one such rebellious group, the 'Abassids, that would finally overthrow the dynasty.

The 'Abassids were descendants of al-Abbas, the paternal uncle of Muhammad.

Like the followers of 'Ali and the Kharjites, the 'Abassids believed that the spirit of Islam had been betrayed by the secular-minded Umayyads—as relatives of Muhammad, their pietism had a concrete character to it.

It was when the 'Abassids allied themselves with the 'Alids that the death-knell of Umayyad power was sounded.

With their combined forces, they defeated the last of the Marwani calphis, Marwan II (744-750/127-32), who was later murdered.

The leader of the 'Abassids, Abu'l-'Abbas, went about systematically and ruthlessly killing as many Umayyads as he could find.

   Expansion under the Prophet Mohammad, 612-632

   Expansion during the First three caliphs, 632-656

   Expansion during the Umayyad Caliphate, 661-750

Overview : Early Muslim ExpansionOverview : Early Muslim Expansion

……The End…The End…