Abu Jaafar Al-Mansour
Abu Jaafar Al-Mansour is recognized as the second caliph of the Abbasid state. He was born in the region of Al-Humayma in Jordan in 95 AH (after Hijra). His full name is Al-Mansour Abdullah ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Abbasi, and he is commonly referred to as Abu Jaafar. He is often regarded as the true founder of the Abbasid dynasty, having established the state’s political framework and instituted lasting policies. Furthermore, he provided significant support for the Abbasids’ claims to leadership and designed the religious policies that would underpin their rule. Through his interactions with people and his exposure to various experiences and trials, Al-Mansour successfully propelled the Abbasid state to become a center of Islamic civilization, thanks to his efforts and sound governance.
Characteristics
Abu Jaafar Al-Mansour possessed several notable traits, including:
- He was tall, slender, and had a dark complexion.
- He had a broad forehead and a prominent face.
- He was courageous, resolute, and carried an air of authority and intellect.
- Al-Mansour was known to be frugal and focused on wealth, avoiding frivolity and leisure.
- He was both knowledgeable and articulate, renowned for his scholarship and engaging discourse.
Leadership Qualities
Abu Jaafar Al-Mansour was known for his diligent and hardworking approach to leadership; he did not indulge in worldly distractions or authority, but rather devoted himself to the well-being of the state and its affairs. He understood the value and significance of financial resources, ensuring that expenditures were directed towards beneficial purposes rather than wasteful activities, which led some historians to characterize him as miserly. Al-Mansour also meticulously selected governors to maintain oversight of all regions of his state, delegating judicial and police tasks to qualified individuals while holding accountable those who fell short in their duties.
Contributions to the Abbasid State
Abu Jaafar Al-Mansour ascended to the Abbasid caliphate after Abu Al-Abbas in 136 AH. Once in power, he prioritized three significant threats to his authority:
- The rivalry with his uncle Abdullah ibn Ali, which he sought to eliminate by deploying an army led by Abu Muslim Al-Khorasani. After six months of conflict, Abu Muslim’s forces triumphed, and Al-Mansour captured Abdullah and his allies.
- The growing influence of Abu Muslim Al-Khorasani, which posed a potential threat to Al-Mansour’s rule. As a strategic measure, he appointed Abu Muslim as governor of Egypt and the Levant instead of Khorasan.
- Fear of uprisings from the descendants of Ali ibn Abi Talib, leading him to detain them in prison in Iraq.
Once he neutralized these threats, Al-Mansour initiated the construction of a stronghold for the Abbasids in Baghdad, built at great expense. Baghdad distinguished itself from other cities with its grandeur and significance, becoming a hub for scholars and knowledge, as well as a center for Islamic civilization. Al-Mansour invited intellectuals from all regions, resulting in a population of around two million residents. The construction of Baghdad took four years, featuring a circular layout and three walls, each with four gates: the Gate of Syria, the Gate of Basra, the Gate of Khorasan, and the Gate of Kufa. In 151 AH, Al-Mansour also began the construction of the city of Al-Rusafa for his son Al-Mahdi, reaffirming his and his son’s caliphate.
Military Campaigns
During Abu Jaafar Al-Mansour’s reign, there were no significant military conquests, only repeated skirmishes. Notably, the Byzantine Emperor (Constantine) managed to encroach upon their territories, breaching the walls of Malatya, while they were preoccupied with internal conflicts. Once these disputes were resolved, Al-Mansour returned to military campaigns, regaining control over territories adjacent to the Byzantine Empire, and sent a military expedition led by his son Al-Mahdi to conquer Tabristan in 141 AH.
Numerous conflicts and uprisings kept Al-Mansour occupied, including the Sanbad Rebellion in 137 AH, ignited by Sanbad the Magian seeking revenge for the death of Abu Muslim Al-Khorasani. He gathered significant support in Khorasan, attacking Rei, Qum, and Nishapur, plundering and causing devastation. They even claimed intentions to demolish the Kaaba. In response, Al-Mansour dispatched an army led by Jumhur ibn Marar Al-Ajli, who eventually quelled the uprising. Additionally, Al-Mansour faced the strange movement of the Rawandiyya in 141 AH, who mistakenly idolized him. Upon rejecting their beliefs, they revolted against him, and he personally led the fight against them, achieving victory alongside his supporters.
Commitment to Knowledge
Abu Jaafar Al-Mansour aimed to elevate the Abbasid state through education and knowledge. He corresponded with the Byzantine emperor, requesting translated educational texts, receiving works on natural sciences and Euclid’s elements in return. He contemplated establishing a library dedicated to Muslims, promoting the translation of non-Arabic works. Under his direction, the translation movement commenced, incorporating various languages including Greek, Persian, and Syriac. He urged scholars to translate important texts in medicine, mathematics, and philosophy, notably including ‘Kalila wa Dimna,’ ‘Sindhind,’ and works of Aristotle.
Death
Abu Jaafar Al-Mansour passed away in 158 AH while journeying toward Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. He was buried in Mecca, and his chamberlain, Al-Rabi, did not announce his death until securing the allegiance of the Hashimite leaders for Al-Mahdi, following which he disclosed the caliph’s demise. It is recorded that Al-Mansour’s last words were, “O Allah, bless me in my meeting with You.”