First Caliph: Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah
Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah, whose full name is Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Abdullah ibn Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib, holds the distinction of being the first Abbasid caliph. He is known by titles such as al-Saffah (the bloodshedder), al-Qa’im (the one who stands firm), and al-Thair (the revolutionary). Al-Saffah was a forerunner in promoting the Abbasid cause and advanced to Kufa in 129 AH, journeying through Dumat al-Jandal alongside his uncles, relatives, and brothers.
His official pledge of allegiance took place in the Grand Mosque of Kufa in 132 AH, where he delivered a sermon outlining the rationale behind the Abbasid revolution against the Umayyads. Al-Saffah’s caliphate lasted four years and nine months, culminating in his death at the age of thirty-three in 136 AH in Anbar.
Second Caliph: Abu Ja’far al-Mansur
Abu Ja’far al-Mansur, born as Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Ali ibn Abdullah ibn Abbas, became the second Abbasid caliph following the success of the Abbasid movement under Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah. Early in his reign, he faced a rebellion from his uncle, Abdullah ibn Ali, who believed he had a stronger claim to the caliphate. Al-Mansur dispatched Abu Muslim al-Khurasani with a sizable army, ultimately leading to his uncle’s imprisonment.
Additionally, al-Mansur confronted an uprising led by Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyyah, who was supported in Medina and Mecca as a rightful caliph. However, al-Mansur successfully quelled this rebellion. His caliphate extended for nearly twenty-one years.
Third Caliph: al-Mahdi
Abu Muhammad al-Mahdi assumed the Abbasid leadership in 158 AH. His reign was marked by wisdom and compassion, as he worked to release all those imprisoned by Abu Ja’far al-Mansur. Al-Mahdi personally addressed injustices, which fostered urban development and stability within the state. During his reign, he led military campaigns into Khurasan and the Byzantine territories, overseeing a decade of governance.
Fourth Caliph: al-Hadi
Musa al-Hadi served as caliph for only one year and is believed to have died from poisoning. He was recognized for his honorable character and generosity, coupled with his political acumen. His governance philosophy emphasized prompt punishment for offenders and forgiveness for minor transgressions to reduce greed for power.
Al-Hadi advocated for direct engagement with the populace, instructing his attendants to allow people unrestricted access to him. He passed away in 170 AH.
Fifth Caliph: Harun al-Rashid
Abu Ja’far Harun ibn al-Mahdi became caliph in 170 AH and governed for twenty-three years until 193 AH. His era is renowned for military expansions and intellectual advancements. Al-Rashid was deeply devoted to worship, frequent pilgrimages, and held scholars in high esteem. Politically, his reign experienced the notable conflict involving the Barmakids.
Other notable Abbasid caliphs from the early Abbasid period include:
- Muhammad al-Amin ibn Harun al-Rashid.
- Abdullah al-Ma’mun ibn Harun al-Rashid.
- Muhammad al-Mu’tasum billah ibn Harun al-Rashid.
- Harun al-Wathiq billah ibn Muhammad.
- Ibrahim ibn al-Mahdi.