Al Andalus (Islamic Spain)(Part 7)

UMMAYAD CALIPHATE OF CORDOBA

(929-1031 AD)

1. Ameer ul Momineen ABDUR REHMAN III BIN MUHAMMAD 

(912-961 AD)

Abdur Rahman III ascended the throne at a very crucial time when Andalus lost its unity. At a very mature age he came to power and his superiority was accepted by Ummayads. Firstly he ordered all Amirs who proclaimed their kingship to surrender and accept his superiority, and cleverly defeated his rivals by showing justice and mercy over non Muslims. However in a very short time he united Andalus under his rule.

After taking control over Al Andalus he focused on African territories of Fatimids and conquered most of the area even till Mediterranean sea. After conquering south, he focused on Northern states and launched organized military campaigns against Galicia, Banbolona, Leon etc. In a series of hard fights he defeated the alliance of his enemies. In 929 AD After all these Victories he proclaimed himself as Caliph by breaking superiority of Abbasid caliphate and called as AMEER UL MOMINEEN And Took the title of AL NAASIR UL DEEN UL ALLAH. 

His period was a time of high prosperity and seen as Golden Age of Al Andalus. His superiority accepted by Super powers of Europe Including Constantine of Constantinople, German, French and other rulers send their Ambassadors with huge gifts and extended their hand of Friendship to the new Caliph in Andalus. Cordaba was the highly developed city of that time in Europe with its well organized Agricultural system and Economic development. His period was famous for the co-operation among Muslims, Christians and Jews, they shared Abrahamic traditions and followed their own traditions freely. Students from across the globe reached Andalus to seek education in the universities of Andalus, its large libraries having valuable works on every branch of knowledge was famous for its uniqueness. 

He built a palace called Madinatuz Zahra, it was not a palace but a small city with numerous small buildings and beautiful parks having 15000 doors of entrance.It was the pride of Andalus at that time. He took personal interest to built it and he wanted to present the greatness of his Caliphate through Madinatuz Zahra. 

After successfully ruling Andalus for almost 50 years, at the age of 73 he died in the year 961 AD and left a unified Andalus for his successors. 

2. HAKAM II BIN ABDUR REHMAN III 

(961-976 AD) 

Hakam ascended the throne after death of his father. He continued the progress and development of his state, and led his army to new Victories specially in Africa. His tenure marked a peak of Andalus in every aspect strong, rich and safe state. He established good relations with his neighbor Christian rulers and they were frequent guests of Caliph in Cordaba. 

He was fond of knowledge, he invited great scholars to his court like Abu Ali Baghdadi, Sifr ul Baghdadi, Ismail bin Abdur Rahman etc. He himself was a master of Literature and Philosophy, his library was the largest library in the world he spent huge money and collected books of different authors from across the globe, at his time one can easily find any book in Andalus. Approximately there were 4 lakh books available in his library he also initiated publishing books in Andalus on every subject and branch of knowledge. He was very pious person. He spent his last days in divine service and died in the year 976 AD. 

3. HISHAM II BIN HAKAM II

(961-1012 AD) 

Caliph Hakam nominated his minor son Hisham as his legal heir for the throne and Caliphate of Andalus. As per the will of Late Caliph, Hisham ascended the throne at the age of 11 ONLY. It was a weird decision but it happened. A person called Mohammed bin Abi Amir (Al Mansoor) made regent of the minor Caliph, and he was the person who knowingly or unknowingly destroyed the Ummayad system in Andalus. He took control over all the affairs of the Caliphate and even he got his command on the Andlusian royal army. He made Caliph Hisham an internee in the Palace and run the whole State on his name. 

Though he took control over the state illegally but he does whatever he can to spread the Caliphate. By seeing a minor on the throne of Cordoba neighbor kingdoms attacked on Andalus, Al Manoor came out with the Royal army and fought courageously against the enemies and defeated them. Then he marched towards their lands and successfully conquered key cities like Leon, Gyan, Albira, Basca, Todmir, and Valencia etc. He also got conquests in Africa. It was the time of Al Mansoor when Andalus reached its Zenith and expanded its ever larger territories. He earned huge wealth from the newly conquered territories specially after the victory of Santiago. By seeing all these great victories no one opposed him. It is said that he fought more than 50 battles and became victorious.

Like other rulers during his period there was also a development of literature and science. He was exceptionally talented commander and very able politician, but he has no relevant strategy, instead of all such glorious victories he creates conditions for immediate collapse of the state after his death in the year 1002 AD. 

After his death his son Abdul Malik became Prime Minister and as usual Caliph gave all control to him he followed his father's path and invade Galicia. Soon he died and his brother Abdur Rahman came to power. 

Fall of Ummayad Caliphate :

Whatever Al Mansoor did, but he presented himself as royal slave working under the Caliph. But Abdur Rahman bin Al Mansoor declared himself as Caliph and dethroned Caliph Hisham openly. Which sparked a revolt against him. When he was out of Cordoba for military campaigns, different Arab Amirs took control over Cordaba and made Mohammed bin Hisham a descent of Abdur Rahman III as Caliph. 

After him there were numerous caliphs and rulers who ruled Andalus. Some were Ummayads and some non Umayyads. In between there were various civil wars between Ummayads, Berbers and Arabs which led to the collapse of Ummayad Caliphate in Spain. And as a result new Taifa(independent) kingdoms emerged. And Spain broke into different Small kingdoms led by various Arab and Berber Amirs.

And the amirs declared their independence, a great Islamic civilization came into end due to lack of weak central power. It give a lesson that don't hand over all power to one post or position, we read how much Tariq taken pain to won this place, now this is how downfall started.... 

To be continued... 

Al Andalus (Islamic Spain)(Part 6)

Independent Emirates of Umayyads In Cordoba (756-929 AD)

1. AMIR ABDUR REHMAN BIN MUAWIYA 

 "AD DAAKHIL" (756-787 AD)

In 750 AD Ummayads of Damascus were defeated by Abbasids of Baghdad which resulted for the end of Ummayad Caliphate. Abbasids wanted to kill every Ummayad who may proclaim Caliphate. As a result almost every person belongs to Ummayad Royal family sentenced to death and killed. However few of them managed to escape and save their lives, amongst them Abdur Rehman son of Caliph Muaviya who was killed by Abbasids, successfully escaped from Damascus.

Abdur Rahman knew that there were still huge number of people in Andalus who were loyal to Ummayads. So he migrated towards Andalus with lot of difficulties and hurdles he lonely reached Africa and then to Andalus.

In May 756 AD Abdur Rahman defeated Yusuf al Fehri the last governor of Andalus and proclaimed himself as the Amir of Andalus and laid the foundation of newly Ummayad Dynasty in Andalus which last long for centuries and brings a Golden age of Islamic civilization. Andlusian people were fed up with ongoing civil war and accepted Abdur Rehman as their new ruler. To establish a new order he has to face a lot of revolts from inside and attacks from outside but he was courageous enough to successfully defeat every one and came out victorious. 

He was very pious and adjudicator, he himself led the Friday prayer and addressed Friday Sermons. In 786 AD He build a great mosque in Cordaba which became the symbol of Islamic civilization for centuries. 

2. HISHAM BIN ABDUR REHMAN 

(787-796 AD) 

After the death of Abdur Rehman I his second son Abul Waleed Hisham ascended the throne. He was very intellectual mind from his childhood and was keenly interested in learning of literature like history, etc. That's why his father choosed him instead of his big brother Sulaiman. Because of this he has to face very first war with his brothers only. 

He launched military campaigns against his neighbour kingdoms and successfully recaptured Saragosa, Narbone and Gerinda. He also invaded Gelicia. His reign was a nightmare for his rival kingdoms. 

Though his duration was for short period of time but marks a great importance. He encouraged literature, art and architecture, poetry, science etc. He was very much influenced by the Great Imam of Islamic Jurisprudence Imam Malik. Scholars said he was like great Caliph Umar Bin Abdul Aziz. His administration was based on the true principles of Quran and Sunnah which was the unique feature of his tenure. 

He died in the year 796 AD. 

3. HAKAM BIN HISHAM 

(796-821 AD) 

Hakam ascended the throne at a very young age, though his brothers was not revolted against him but his uncle came out against him the same fellow Sulaiman and Abdullah bin Abdur Rehman I, who were revolted against his father Hisham. Anyhow like his father he defeated them. Many other Amirs also revolted against him and he has to fight with his own people. 

For His French and Christian neighbour kingdom it was a great opportunity to launch a new attack. While he was busy in fighting against rebels. French Captured Barcelona and Christians captured Girinda. This was a great loss for his kingdom. He launched a new expedition under the command of his great commander Abdul Karim bin Mughiz who fought courageously and recaptured the lost territories. 

Hakam was not pious like his father he has indulged in many bad practices which sparked a great wave against him. Cordaba was the center of Sufi Saints and Scholars. They seem to be very angry on their rake ruler. They try to explain him but he refused every good suggestion and disrespected the scholars. Due to this his own people stood up against him and his rule, which resulted in huge resistance and protests in Cordaba and all of Al Andalus. To curb the revolts he blindly ordered a massacre of all who stood against him as a result there was a carnage over scholars and common people. To protect himself from rebellions he gathered a self body guard unit which is appointed at the door of his palace for 24X7. 

By facing all such revolts he died in the year 821 AD. 

4. ABDUR REHMAN II BIN HAKAM

(821-852 AD) 

Abdur Rahman II was born in 792 AD at Toledo. At the age of 31 he ascended the throne after his father Hakam's Death. His reign was seen as a time of progress and prosperity of Umayyads in Andalus. He defeated his rivals who entered his territory like armies of Galicia, Castile and France. 

At the time of Abdur Rahman II different emperors including the Roman Emperor of Constantinople send their ambassadors to Andalus and raised their wish to establish friendship with Ummayads of Andalus. Few wanted to use Umayyad power against Abbasids but Abdur Rehman refused them and maintained good relationships with the great empires of his time. 

During his reign some pirates attacked on costs of Andalus and invaded some coastal parts. Soon Abdur Rehman kicked them out and he feel the necessity of a strong navy. He established industries to build war ships and strengthen the naval power which became world's strongest navy in upcoming years. He was fond of Music, during his period Music was on its zenith in Andalus he invited many famous musicians to his court. Famous musician Ali bin Naqi came to Andalus leaving Abbasids during his time. 

He died in the year 852 AD. 

6. MOHAMMED BIN ABDUR REHMAN II

(852-886 AD) 

He ascended the throne after his father Abdur Rehman II, like his father he was interested in warfare. He made Musa bin Musa as his military commander and send him to conquer Castile, also send a battalion towards Barcelona. In between King of Galicia attacked on Andalus, Amir Muhammad himself led his army and came out to fight against this enemy. He was a military genius, he send a small unit ahead of his army, and left main army in forest, when enemies pushed them back and start chasing he ordered main army to attack from other three sides. Huge number of soldiers of Galicia killed and made prisoners. 

Like his father he was also very brave, and fond of knowledge. He respected scholars, his court was full of men of art and literature like Abdur Rehman Qartabi. He died in the year 886.

7. MUNZIR BIN MUHAMMAD 

(886-889 AD)

After Muhammad his son Munzir Ascended the throne. He was a brave person and died in the battle field in the year 889 AD. Very little is known about his short reign of 3 years. 

8. ABDULLAH BIN MUHAMMAD 

(889-912 AD) 

After the death of Munzir his brother Abdullah ascended the throne. He was an incapable ruler who was not able to control such a vast empire. During his time many Amirs of different provinces revolted and declared themselves as King. Neighbor kingdom usually attacked Andalus and invade its properties. Many key ministers left Capital city and migrate to their fields and declared their autonomy. Abdullah was king for the sake of name only, no one obeys him and everyone is working according to their wish and will. It is not far away that this great Empire founded by Abdur Rehman The Great will fell down, Abdullah died in 912 AD and his Grandson Abdur Rahman III ascended the throne and regain the lost prosperity of this Great Empire of Al Andalus.

To be continued..... 

Al Andalus (Islamic Spain) (Part 5)

DEPENDENT EMIRATES UNDER UMAYYAD CALIPHATE OF DAMASCUS

(713-756 AD)

Meanwhile Musa bin Nusair was leaving for  French campaigns he appointed his son Abdul Aziz as the Governor of Al Andalus. He was the first Governor, but unfortunately Musa was called to Damascus and expelled by Caliph. After Musa took control over Spain and named it as "Al Andalus" his son managed it.

Then Nearly 20 governors were took the positions and run the administration during 713-756 AD. Some of them were choosen by the Andalusian and some of them were send from Damascus, few were appointed by the army at the battle field after death of a Governor in the battle field.

It was a founding reign of Al Andalus as well as a period of new Victories  and a period of historic civil wars. Firstly Abdul Aziz Bin Musa made Seville as the capital but after him  Ayyub bin Habib Lakhmi made Cordoba as the capital of Al Andalus which remains a capital for centuries.

During the Caliphate of Great Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz, Amir Samah bin Malik appointed as the Governor, and he started state developmental works in Andalus, be build various bridges, strengthen the city walls, adopted various administrative reforms and also continued military campaigns towards France. During a battle he got martyrdom and  Abdur Rahman Al Ghafaqi choosen as Amir.

Battle of TOURS: (732 AD)

After Defeat at the hands of French new Governors continued their struggle towards France and successfully captured Septimania. During the time of Amir Abdur Rahman Al Ghafaqi, a decisive war took place. Amir decided to capture whole of France, and firstly recaptured Arl then Defeated Count of Acviten, he was successful in capturing Bordeaux which was a very rich city, he also invaded the provinces of Poiters.

By seeing all these Arab advancement in France, Count of Acviten asked his arch rival Charles Martel to assist him in stopping Arab invasion. Charles Martel was a frankish ruler and Founder of Carolingian Dynasty and a champion of Christianity in west. He was the illegitimate son of Pepin Mayor of Austrasia. 

Charles gathered all the European including German, French  and Bergan warriors at his side and stand against the Arab Armies. Abdur Rahman crossed Pyrenees and landed at Tours with his Army. A Historical battle was fought and unfortunately Abdur Rahman got Martyrdom during the war and Arab armies were dismantled and pushed back, a huge number of soldiers got killed. Historians see it as a Historical Turning point because if Abdur Rahman got victory here then Arabs will enter Europe and the World history may written in a complete different way. 

CIVIL WAR IN AL ANDALUS :

In early 740s Al Andalus was broken from inside, the local Berbers who were the champions for the Spanish victories seems to be neglected by the Arab rulers. There was a inferiority feelings among Berbers that their rulers did not treat them equal to the Arabs. And to some extent Arab forget the true teachings of The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings upon him) that Islam never discriminate on the ground of Race or Colour, and the superiority lies with piety. Arabs gradually understand that they are superior to the Berbers. 

This led to a long Civil war and bloodshed in Andalus every now and then Arabs and Berbers indulged in infighting among each other and all the new campaigns, development, progress got held and everything developed by the early rulers got ruined in this bloody Civil War. By seeing this neighbor Christian rulers expanded their rule. Charles Martel come forward and  captured Lugdunum, Province, Avennis, Narbone, Languedoc, Agde etc. 

Not just Arab and Berber were infighting but also Syrian and African, Syrian and Yemeni Arabs were also indulged in horrible infightings. There were many subgroup among Arabs and Berbers and everywhere was a civil war on its heat. This led to a tribal war among African tribals living in Andalus. 

Hence till Abdur Rahman bin Muawiya (Ad Daakhil) reached Andalus this civil war continues and Andalus was on fire for at least 15 years.

To be continued..... 

Al Andalus (Islamic Spain) (Part 4)

MOOSA BIN NUSAIR

(712-714 AD)

Moosa bin Nusair was born in 640 AD in Syria. Caliph Abdul Malik Bin Marwan appointed him as the Governor of Africa. And he was responsible for the large area of expansion in Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula under Umayyad rule.

Before his arrival in the Spain His Deputy TAARIQ bin Ziyad conquered Toledo the capital of Visigoths, Mughiz al Rumi conquered Cordoba and others captured the major cities and castles in Spain.

In middle 712 AD Musa Bin Nusair with 18000 troops landed at the Iberian Peninsula to join the conquests. Count Julian advised him to march towards the remaining cities of Spain. Firstly he conquered Seduna and Carmona then he focused on Seville, which is captured after a long siege. After that he conquered Merida. 

After the victory of Merida Musa Bin Nusair turned his way to Toledo where TAARIQ bin Ziyad welcomed him. Both the great generals meet each other. Now TAARIQ bin Ziyad is under the command of Musa bin Nusair and he was appointed as the commander in chief of the combined army. 

Musa bin Nusair was determined to open roadway towards Damascus the capital of Umayyads via Eastern Constantinople and to connect Spain with Damascus. To attained such an ambitious dream he rearranged his army and moved forward. 

With great determination and hard fights Musa bin Nusair conquered Saragosa, Barcelona, Portugal, Lyon and Narbone at the South of France. With this Muslim armies entered France which alarmed the French rulers and they gathered under the command of Pepin of Herstal. A large army was organized to stop the Muslim invasion at Arbone. At the other hand Muslim armies were almost 1000 miles away from their centre Cordaba and fighting in a hostile land. In this siege they were defeated and pushed back. This was the last point of Muslim army's extension at that time in Northern Spain and Southern France.

Meanwhile Musa bin Nusair asked permission from Caliph Walid bin Abdul Malik to go further and defined his ambitions about connecting Al Andalus to Damascus. But the defeat at Arbone marked a stop and Caliph send Mughiz Al Rumi (Conqueror of Cordaba, who returned to Damascus after winning Cordoba) to stop Musa bin Nusair and called him with TAARIQ bin Ziyad to Damascus as early as possible. 

Mughiz al Rumi reached to Musa Bin Nusair and asked him to go to Damascus. Then to follow the command of Caliph he ordered his armies to go back. Then Musa bin Nusair and TAARIQ bin Ziyad returned to Damascus and NEVER CAME BACK TO AL ANDALUS. 

Caliph Walid bin Abdul Malik welcomed both the great victorious generals at the Damascus the capital city of Umayyad Caliphate. Unfortunately soon Caliph died and his brother Sulaiman bin Abdul Malik made Caliph and he deposed both Musa bin Nusair and TAARIQ bin Ziyad and expelled them due to some personal clashes. Then the history is silent about the last days of these great leaders. But in the History of Muslim world they will be remembered as the greatest generals. 

To be continued... 

Al Andalus (Islamic Spain) (Part 3)

TAARIQ IBN ZIYAD "THE CONQUEROR" (711-712 AD) 

TAARIQ was a berber of Africa and a freed "SLAVE" of Amir Musa bin Nusair. He was serving under his military, and became the Governor of Tangier. He was the right arm of Musa. When Musa got the permission of military expedition over Spain he appointed his bravest and trusted commander Taariq over the Berber army and send to Spain.

In 711 AD Taariq landed on a Mountain which later became famous as "Jabal al Taariq" now called as Gibraltar. They landed from merchant vessels so nobody had any doubts about them and it was Count Julian who showed the way and escorted them to the new lands.

There is a famous story about Taariq during this journey that he had a dream in which he saw Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) with his companions encouraging Taariq to conquer Spain and guiding him. This was enough morale booster for him and his small army towards the new Victories.

Another story is that Before Muslim Conquest King Roderick who ascended the throne illegally as he dethroned the Visigoth Ruler, violated the the Royal custom. There is a  sacred ark in a holy  shrine of Toledo which belongs to King Solomon the shrine was closed. Every new king has to visit the shrine and add a lock. But Roderick was not a royal member he has the curiosity to know what is inside the shrine or temple. He ordered to open the door, priests and others refused and warned not to open but he opened it. He find the ark which is having few pictures of people whome they had not seen yet. They are shown as men carrying bows on their shoulders and turbans on their heads, they were exactly like Arabs of that time. He also find a writing on a wooden base as "IF THIS TEMPLE BE OPENED AND THESE PICTURES TAKEN OUT, THEN AL ANDALUS WILL BE INVADED BY THE PEOPLE SHOWN IN THE PICTURES AND CONQUERED BY THEM!".

At the very beginning TAARIQ marched his men and conquered Aljuciras after a small battle. He also captured Catajena and Tarifa. He also defeated Theodomir who is the governor of this region. After this defeat he wrote to his king that a strange army arrived at our lands we don't know where they had came from and I am unable to defeat them I request help from You. Roderick was shocked by such a news and reached to Theodomir with his brave horse riders. He has to confront the armies of Mughis al Rumi who was the champion of African conquest. After a harsh battle Roderick was defeated by Mughis.

BATTLE OF GUADALETE :
(711 AD)
By successfully capturing Al Juciras and Sidona Taariq arrived at valley of Lakuh on the ground of GUADALETE with his Braveheart men approximately 12000 in numbers. After defeated by Mughiz, Roderick roam around Spain and encouraged his people to fight against the Arabs for the sake of their lands. Number of soldiers joined him and reached at GUADALETE, and all the armies of different provinces joined too, they were approximately 100000 in Numbers!!! All most ten times more than Arabs.

Though the Spanish army was over numbered but they were not enthusiastic due to the oppression of Roderick. Specially the Royal men and sons of Visigoth Ruler. They secretly joined hands with Taariq. There was a rumor in Spanish army that Roderick is not a descendants of Visigoth and he wrongly ascended the throne which makes the army disturbed from within. The spies of Roderick informed him that these people are exactly like those who were shown in the pictures of that Ark in the temple of Toledo, and "THESE PEOPLE HAVE BURNED THEIR SHIPS AND ARE DETERMINED TO EITHER BE VICTORIOUS OVER US OR DIE", Roderick was demoralized after listening this.

Here Arabs were in a state of tension by seeing such a biggest army. But Taariq manages to encourage his men. He addresses his men as follows :
"O ARABS! WHERE IS ESCAPE? OCEAN IS BEHIND YOU, AND ENEMY IS IN FRONT OF YOU"!!!!!!!........................
With this encouraging address Arabs were determined to be victorious or die.
A historical battle was started and both armies fought courageously but the armies of right and left side which is under the command of Sons of Visigoth left Roderick in mid of war and joined Arabs. This was a decisive moment. Anyhow Roderick did not left his Men and stand in the middle and try everything to defeat the Arabs.

Now TAARIQ decided to march directly towards Roderick and gone exactly in the heart of enemy, his men followed him. Soon they reached to Roderick by seeing them Roderick managed to escaped arabs followed him but did not find his traces, some sources states that he fell in a sea and died. This was the final step the Guadalete was won by Arabs and the victory of whole Spain followed this victory TAARIQ was the Winner.

Then TAARIQ marched towards other provinces like Almadovar, Carmaona, Ecija etc was fell down on the hands of  TAARIQ.
To be continued....

Al Andalus (Islamic Spain) (Part 2)

Spain located on the south west side of Europe, Atlantic Ocean separates Spain and Africa, Mediterranean sea is at the east and Pyrenees at North which separates Spain from France.

Spain marks the first Muslim foot on to Europe. It has a long history different people ruled over Spain, at the time of Muslim invasion Spain was ruled by Visigoths. King Roderick ascended the Throne wrongly and an unfortunate incident took place that he disrespected Florinda the daughter of a noble Royal member Count Julian Governor of Ceuta. It was a tradition that Royal members send their children to the capital for their education.

This incident marks the rebellion against King Roderick. Julian was a merchant too he had good relations with African Muslims, he approached them and encouraged TAARIQ IBN ZIYAD to March his military over Spain and he assured full support of locals and nobles! At that time people were oppressed by the authorities specifically Jews living as a Minority in Christian ruled Spain suffered a lot even a decree was issued to expel Jewish community from Spain. To safeguard themselves this minority community also supported Muslim armies.

After analyzing all these factors Tariq  wrote to MUSA IBN NUSAYR the then Governor of Africa under Umayyad Caliphate of Damascus. Musa directly approached to Julian and listened him, Musa was wise enough, he asked Julian to invade first, he accepted and attempted. When Musa was satisfied he wrote to Caliph WALID IBN ABDUL MALIK and asked his permission to launch a military campaign but he refused for a large military expedition and allowed just small ones.

With the help of Julian and others Muslim Armies began their preparation. And an army of nearly 7000-12000 strong Barber men gathered and boarded on 4 merchant vessels of Julian under the Command of The Great Muslim General TAARIQ IBN ZIYAD who later known as The Conqueror of Al Andalus.

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To be continued....

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