Notable Orators of the Abbasid Era
The Abbasid era witnessed the emergence of numerous prominent orators who made significant contributions to public discourse through their various speeches. Below are some of the most distinguished figures:
Abu Ja’far Al-Mansur
Abu Ja’far Al-Mansur, also known as Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ali bin Abdullah bin Abbas, was the second caliph of the Abbasid state, born in 95 AH. He assumed the caliphate after the death of his brother, Abu Ja’far Al-Saffah. Al-Mansur had a profound love for literature, particularly poetry. Renowned for his eloquence, he was a deep thinker, a scholar in religious matters, and a master of the arts. His bravery and valiance were noteworthy, and he passed away in 158 AH.
Daoud bin Ali
Daoud bin Ali bin Abdullah bin Abbas, known as Abu Sulayman, was a prominent orator of the Abbasid period. He was recognized for his eloquent speech and articulate expression and was the uncle of both Al-Mansur and Al-Abbas Al-Saffah. He acquired his knowledge from his father and was considered the most articulate among his siblings.
Abu Al-Abbas Al-Saffah
Abu Al-Abbas Al-Saffah, whose full name is Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ali bin Abdullah bin Abbas, was the first caliph of the Abbasid dynasty. His speeches, especially the one delivered when he was sworn in as caliph, are well-known. Al-Saffah was characterized by his articulate speech, sound judgment, and quick wit, tracing his lineage back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Al-Ma’mun
Al-Ma’mun, known as Abdullah bin Harun Al-Rashid, was the seventh caliph of the Abbasid dynasty, born in 170 AH. His reign marked a period of significant prosperity and flourishing in the Abbasid state, as he had a notable interest in science and literature. He is recognized as one of the wisest and most benevolent caliphs of that era.
Abd Al-Malik bin Saleh Al-Hashimi
Abd Al-Malik bin Saleh bin Ali bin Abdullah bin Abbas, also known as Abu Abd Al-Rahman Al-Hashimi Al-Abbasi, was among the prominent princes of the Abbasid dynasty and a distinguished orator. His reputation for eloquence and rhetoric was widely acknowledged, and he was noted for his bravery and knightly prowess. As noted by Al-Suli, “He was the most eloquent and articulate of his time, unmatched in eloquence, dignity, and grandeur.”
Sulayman bin Ali
Sulayman bin Ali bin Abdullah bin Abbas Al-Hashimi was one of the Abbasid princes, born in 80 AH. He gained fame for his eloquence and delivered numerous impactful speeches during his time.
Khalid bin Safwan Al-Tamimi
Khalid bin Safwan Al-Maqri Al-Tamimi was a notable orator and literary figure during the Abbasid era. He was unrivaled in his abilities in both oratory and poetry, earning the title “the Eloquent Arab.”
Exemplary Speeches from the Abbasid Era
The Abbasid period is renowned for its exemplary public speeches, including the following notable addresses:
Speech of Abu Al-Abbas Al-Saffah Upon His Ascendance to the Caliphate
“All praise is due to Allah, who chose Islam as His religion, honored it, and elevated it. He selected us as its guardians. He bestowed upon us the privilege of bearing witness to the truth after the period of ignorance and dissent, bringing forth harmony among people, allowing them to become unified, and turning foes into friends. Allah guided humanity through us, saving them from the abyss and revealing the truth through our efforts. It was under the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that this endeavor began, and after his departure, his companions took on the responsibility of leadership, consulting one another in unity.”
Speech of Al-Ma’mun on Eid al-Adha
“After the takbeer and praises, he proclaimed: This day has been distinguished by Allah, and its sanctity is immense. It marked the testing of His beloved and the saving of a great sacrifice, making it a key day among the significant ones of the month. It is a day of pilgrimage, called by Allah for His worshippers, and on this day, the magnificent Quran was revealed. Let us approach Allah with our sacrifices and amplify His remembrance in this blessed day, ensuring that our acts of piety resonate from our hearts, for Allah does not accept the flesh or blood of the sacrifices, but rather, the piety from you.”