Abu Muslim al-Khurasani
The Abbasid leader, Abd al-Rahman ibn Muslim, was born in the year 100 AH (718 CE) in the city of Basra, which is known as Isfahan. He dedicated his life to propagating the Abbasid cause, ultimately becoming one of the most significant leaders within the Abbasid movement. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Abbasid state, fighting tirelessly for his cause until his death in 137 AH (755 CE) at the hands of Abbasid caliph Abu Ja’far al-Mansur.
Early Life of Abu Muslim al-Khurasani
Abu Muslim al-Khurasani grew up alongside the children of his stepfather, Isa al-Ajli, who owned several farms in Kufa and Isfahan. Abu Muslim initially worked for him, collecting revenues from the farms in Kufa, and later ventured into leatherwork for saddles. During this time, he gradually became acquainted with the secretive political organization of the Abbasids, displaying a strong dedication to the Ahl al-Bayt. His intelligence and acumen caught the attention of Abbasid Imam Ibrahim, who invited him to stay by his side and appointed him as the head of the organization. Consequently, he emerged as a leading figure in Khurasan, where his responsibilities included the spread of the Abbasid message while navigating the political currents in the region with caution.
Abu Muslim effectively overcame Nasr ibn Sayyar, the Umayyad representative in Khurasan, and established control over Merv, the capital of Khurasan. He also defeated Ali ibn Jad’i al-Kurmani and subsequently took command of the cities in Khurasan one after another, thereby increasing his influence and authority. This newfound power allowed him to govern according to his desires. However, his increasingly reckless and defiant behavior began to concern Caliph Abu Ja’far al-Mansur.
Characteristics of Abu Muslim al-Khurasani
Abu Muslim al-Khurasani was known for his eloquence in both Persian and Arabic. He had a passion for poetry and a keen interest in various sciences, though he was recognized for his stern demeanor and lack of compassion, often exhibiting a serious disposition. Physically, he was described as handsome, with a dark complexion, a short stature, and strikingly deep-set eyes. He also sported long hair, a broad forehead, and a thick beard, contributing to his notable presence.