The Umayyad Caliphate
The Umayyad Caliphate began with Hassan ibn Ali’s decision to abdicate his rule in favor of Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, a member of the Umayyad clan. This transition was formalized with the pledge of allegiance from the Muslim community in the year 41 AH (661 AD). The caliphate subsequently passed from one leader to another, with these caliphs demonstrating notable leadership qualities that bolstered the Islamic state, facilitating the spread of the faith and unifying the Muslim community.
However, some caliphs struggled with a lack of wisdom and administrative capacity, leading to significant weakening of the state, increased vulnerability to adversaries, and resulting in various losses. Thus, the Umayyad dynasty is characterized by two distinct phases: a period of strength, vigor, and prosperity, followed by a stage of decline and fragmentation. The Umayyad period effectively came to an end under the reign of Caliph Marwan ibn Muhammad.
Last Umayyad Caliphs
Caliph Marwan ibn Muhammad was the final leader of the Umayyad dynasty, having ascended to power in 127 AH (744 AD) after clashes with supporters of Ibrahim ibn al-Walid. Public sentiment favored Marwan ibn Muhammad, while Ibrahim ibn al-Walid sought to impose his rule by force.
His Name
His full name was Marwan ibn Muhammad ibn al-Hakam ibn Abi al-Aas ibn Umayyah, and he was known as Abu Abd al-Malik. He was given the nickname “Al-Ja’di” after his tutor, Al-Ja’d ibn Dirham, and was also referred to as “the mule” due to his remarkable endurance during the hardships of war in his era. However, some historians argue that a more fitting designation would have been “the lion” or “the brave,” reflecting his courage.
Physical and Moral Attributes
Marwan was described as fair-skinned with a reddish tint, and he had striking blue eyes and a large build. His enemies feared him, often likening his strength to that of a thousand soldiers. He was known for his bravery, manliness, decisiveness, perseverance, astuteness, and intelligence. His tactical military skills, combined with a profound understanding of his opponents, allowed him to execute unexpected strategies, enabling him to defeat larger armies with a smaller force.
His Caliphate and Death
Firmly loyal to the Umayyad legacy, Marwan invested considerable effort into preserving the caliphate and restoring its former glory. He appointed his sons, Ubaidullah and Abdullah, as successors and sought to unite familial ties by marrying them to the daughters of Hisham, aiming to bridge divisions that had arisen due to prolonged internal strife.
However, Marwan’s joy in reconciliation was short-lived as unrest and revolts erupted in the Levant. He endeavored to quell these uprisings, moving from one battlefield to another in a bid to restore order within the Umayyad territories. Unfortunately, he was confronted by the Abbasid Revolution emanating from Khurasan, which surged forth relentlessly, decimating his forces in Khurasan and defeating him at the Battle of the Zab in Jumada al-Akhira of 132 AH (750 AD). Compelled to flee to Egypt, he ultimately met his demise in Dhul-Hijjah of the same year.