Abu Muslim al-Khorasani
Abu Muslim al-Khorasani, also known as Abdul Rahman ibn Muslim or Ibrahim, holds a prominent position in the Abbasid state as a key leader of its revolution. Historians have debated his origins, as he himself did not clarify them, famously stating: “My religion is Islam, my allegiance is to the family of Muhammad, and I am on the right path.” This statement indicates his intention to withhold specifics about his origins. Various accounts suggest that he claimed to be of Arab descent, though the most prevalent narrative posits that he hailed from a village near Isfahan called Mahbousra. His father was Persian, and his mother was a concubine; reports suggest that his father faced significant financial difficulties, leading him to sell the pregnant concubine to Isa al-Ajjali. She later gave birth to Ibrahim, who grew up in the household of Al-Ajjali, assisting them with collecting revenues from their farms in Isfahan and Kufa, and eventually became their freedman.
The change of his name occurred when he traveled to Kufa, where he met with Abbasid activists and learned the principles of Shi’ism from individuals such as Bakir ibn Mahan. He soon dedicated himself to the service of the Ahl al-Bayt. Recognizing his exceptional talents and intellect, the Abbasid leaders sought to recruit him for their cause, introducing him to Imam Ibrahim. After Imam Ibrahim was impressed by his intelligence and insight, he informed the Abbasid Shi’ites of his potential support for the revolution. Consequently, he changed his name to Abdul Rahman and was given the kunya (nickname) Abu Muslim when he was merely nineteen years old.
Abu Muslim al-Khorasani and His Governance of Khorasan
Imam Ibrahim appointed Abu Muslim as his deputy in Khorasan, thereby designating him as the leader of the covert Abbasid organization. However, his appointment was met with skepticism by some Abbasid leaders due to his young age. Nevertheless, he displayed remarkable courage and exceptional capability in the mission entrusted to him. As the Umayyad state began to decline, the Abbasid revolution erupted under Abu Muslim’s leadership, achieving significant victories. He successfully took control of Khorasan, gradually conquering its cities as the Abbasid armies advanced. His prior knowledge and familiarity with these regions, acquired through frequent visits, aided him greatly. Notably, the cities of Balkh and Jurjan held out against the Abbasid forces for a considerable duration, only succumbing after extensive efforts.
Subsequently, Abu Muslim focused on eliminating prominent Abbasid politicians, forging alliances with numerous factions until he achieved his goals, effectively becoming the dominant leader in the area. His authority extended beyond Khorasan; through his strategic aptitude, he acquired governance over Fars, Khwarazm, and regions beyond the river, consolidating approximately half of the Abbasid territory under his control. He governed his domains autonomously, largely disregarding the commands and messages from the Abbasid caliphate, to the extent that he became known as a rebellious governor unconcerned with authority.
The Death of Abu Muslim al-Khorasani
Abu Muslim al-Khorasani’s life came to an end at the hands of Abu Ja’far al-Mansur. As his influence expanded, and his army grew substantially, he successfully defeated Abdullah ibn Ali, seizing control of provinces including Egypt and Syria, and also dismissed him from Khorasan while confiscating his remaining soldiers and resources. Consequently, Abu Ja’far al-Mansur sent a delegation to Abu Muslim to account for the spoils obtained from Abdullah’s army. Abu Muslim refused to comply, expressing indignation at being viewed as trusted with blood yet not with wealth, crafting a hostile reception for the delegation sent by the caliph. In response, al-Mansur named a deputy to represent him in the caliphate and journeyed from Anbar to Madain to confront Abu Muslim. While they corresponded, Abu Muslim delayed his arrival until he ultimately presented himself to the caliph, greeted him respectfully, and departed. The following day, he returned to speak with al-Mansur, where he began apologizing for his actions. The caliph, however, had ordered that if his guards heard Abu Muslim clap his hands, they were to execute him. Indeed, after concluding his apologies, Abu Muslim clapped his hands, leading the guards to carry out the execution of Abu Muslim.