Abdurrahman Ad-Dakhil: First Umayyad Caliph At Spain.

 

Source: Flickr.

Today, we will discuss about Abdurrahman  Ad-Dakhil, Umayyad Spain Caliphate Founder who found new Umayyad Dynasty at Spain. He can found Second Umayyad Dynasty when Umayyad Dynasty ruin after ousteds by Abbasid Dynasty. Ok, please read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more information about Islamic History. It is easy verb for you, but have big contribution for flow our blog that educated people about Islamic History. Ok, happy reading.

At end of Umayyad Dynasty , happened rebellion from Persian Ethnics that get discrimination from Umayyad Caliphate. And, this revolution lead by Abu Al-Abbas As-Safa, descedant from Abbas, Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam s uncle. At this time, Umayyad Dynasty lead by Marwan Al-Himar, who incompetent at his goverment. At 750 AD, Abu Al-Abbas and his rebels army can ousted Marwan Al-Himar, and one Umayyad Prince, Abdurrahman Ibn Muawiya Ibn Hisham tried to escaped  from Abbasid Army.

At 750 AD, Abdurrahman and his little brother, at this time was 20 years old,  Abdurrahman escaped from Abbasid Army who cased him. His brother killed by Abbasid Army and Abdurrahman can escaped to North Africa after  along Palestine, Egypt, and North Africa. At 755 AD, Abdurrahman achieve Ceuta, Morocco. He escaped to Umayyad Territories at Spain, who still ruled by Umayyad Dynasty and lead by weak Umayyad Governor, Yusuf Al-Fihri. Abdurrahman with his slave, Badr cross to Spain and at this time, several Umayyad Batalyons from Palestine and Jordan , join with Abdurrahman Ad-Dakhil. 

At 14 May 756 AD, Abdurrahman and his army face to face with  Yusuf s army  at Battle Of Guadalquivir. Abdurrahman get support from Abu Al-Shabba, Umayyad Commander at Seville, Spain. Yusuf can defeated at this battle and Cordova, Umayyad Capital Province at Spain, can occupied by Abdurrahman.  Yusuf killed at Toledo.  Abdurrahman can became Umayyad Ruler at Spain. Abbasid Dynasty , send several agents to split Abdurrahman s new goverment. Many Berber, Yemeni, and Shia rebellion to Abdurrahman s goverment .

At 761 AD, Abbasid Caliph, Al-Manshur tried to appointed Al-Ala Ibn Mughits to became Abbasid Governor at Spain. But, Al-Ala killed and Abdurrahman send Al-Ala s head to Caliph Al-Manshur.  At this time, Abu Al-Ala who get support from Caliph Al-Manshur, for became Abbasid Governor at Spain, rebel to Abdurrahman . Abdurrahman and his army can destroy Abu Al-Ala s rebellion and send Abu Al-Ala s head to Caliph Al-Manshur.  After this event, Abbasid Caliphate dont tried to attack Umayyad Caliphate.

Several Arabians, under Sulayman Ibn Yaqzhan Al-Kalbi, Ruler Of Barcelona, Spain,  who still son in law from Yusuf Al-Fihri,  jealous to Abdurrahman. They went to Charlemagne, King Of Frankish and Holy Roman Emperor.  At 778 AD, Charlemagne and his army moved to City Of Zaragoza, Spain and Abdurrahman send his army to help this city.  Charlemagne must retreat and when they achieved Pyrenes, they attacked by Tribe Of Basques and natives until many Frankish Army die and Charlemagne must retreat from Spain with big loss.

According Historian Philip.K.Hitti, Abdurrahman also build strong army. He build 40.000 army that dominated by Berbers ( Noth African Natives ) People.  At 786 AD, He also  re build Mosque Of Cordova. 

 According Islamic Historian, Ibn Kathir, Abdurrahman s goverment age at Spain called by Sanatul Khasab ( Arabic: year of fertility). Abdurrahman also tried make national community at Spain who consist from Arabians, Syria, Numidians, Spanish,and Visigoths. He also  observe  his people s wealth.  Different with Umayyad Dynasty when still ruled from Capital Of Damascus that discriminated several groups, such as Persians Ethnics.

Abdurrahman die at 788 AD, after establishes new Umayyad stabil state without discrimination at Spain. May Allah Subhanahuwataala bless him.

Refrences:

Hitti, Philip.K: History Of The Arabs: Rujukan Induk dan Paling Otoritatif Tentang Sejarah Peradaban Islam, Penerbit Serambi, 2006 M.

Tim Riset dan Studi Islam Mesir: Ensiklopedi Sejarah Islam, Pustaka Al-Kautsar, 2019 M.

Imam Ibnu Katsir: Al-Bidayah Wa an-Nihayah, Penerbit Insan Kamil, 2020 M.

Sullivan, Richard E.: Charlemagne | Biography, Accomplishments, Children, & Facts | Britannica, accesed at 22 January 2025, 10: 00 AM.