Abdurrahman Al-Ghafiqi: Muslim Commander Who Entered France.

 

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Today, we will discuss about Abdurrahman Al-Ghafiqi, Muslim Commander  from Umayyad Dynasty who entered France and from end of this story, we will know, why France cannot ruled by Umayyad 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 role for help us flow our blog that add your perspective about Islamic History.

Abdurrahman Al-Ghafiqi is one Tabiin ( generation after Propeth Muhammad Shallahu Alaihi Wasallam s shahabas) from Yemen. He studied to One Shahaba, Abdullah Ibn Umar Ibn Khattab. And, at 8 TH Century,  when Caliph Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz , Umayyad Caliph, appointed As-Samh Ibn Malik Al-Khaulani as Umayyad Governor at Spain.As-Samh Ibn Malik appointed Abdurrahman as his assitant for ruled Spain under Umayyad Dynasty.

Umayyad Province at Spain, at this time, in instability condition. At 717 AD, broke Battle Of Covadonga. One Visigoth Noblemans, Pelayo who escaped after Umayyad captured Spain from Kingdom Of Visigoth,  collect several Visigoth Knights and natives at Pyrenees Mountain. Pelayo ruled them with capital at Asturias, North Spain. At 717 AD, Pelayo collect army for resistance to Umayyad Dynasty . Umayyad Dynasty send 187.000 army under Commander Alqama. Battle broke, Pelayo defeat Alqama and according Historian Hugh Kennedy, many Umayyads Army die  at this battle. As-Samh, feel important to annexed Pyrenes, included Duchy Of Aquitane for keep Umayyad Province at Spain from danger. 

At 721 AD, As-Samh lead expedition to Duchy Of Aquitane that lead by Duke Eudes. Abdurrahman join As-Samh as commander assistant.  As-Samh and his army conquer City Of Narbonne and he moved to City Of Tolouse, Capital from Duchy Of Aquitane. Duke Of Aquitane, Eudes  escape from city when As-Samh and his army besieged his capital.

Duke Of Aquitane escaped from battle and ask helped to several European Kings. European Kings send his army for defend City Of Tolouse. Battle broke and Muslims Army defeated at this battle. As-Samh killed at battlefield and Abdurrahman Al-Ghafiqi can saved Muslims Army and bring them retreat to Spain . He will make new strategy for conquer France s Territories behind Pyrenees Mountain.  At this time, happened conflict beetwen Muslims Society at Spain, primely beetwen Arabians and Berber ( North African Natives). 

Anbasah Ibn Sahim Al-Kalbi  became Governor Of Spain , replaced  As-Samh. He managed situation at Spain. Anbasah next expedition to France until River Of Rhone, City Of Valencia, Vini, Lyon, Cyelon , Dijon, Langer, Autun and City Of Sanz. Kingdom Of Frank, biggest kingdom at France send army for block Anbasah s expedition. Anbasah die and his army back to Narbonne. At 110 H, Adhrah Al-Fihri became Governor Of Spain and next expedition until conquer Lake Of Rhone. Abdurrahman replaced Adhrah became Governor Of Spain under Umayyad Caliphate.

Abdurrahman, doesnt only prepared army. He also tried to repair internal condition at Spain. He erased coruption and build bridge at Cordova, Capital Of Umayyad Spain Provinces. And, he also united Muslim Societies at Spain. He also defeat betrayer Ibn Abi Nusah , Umayyad Commander who became son in law from Duke Aquitane. Ibn Abi Nusah tried to rebel to Abdurrahman, but he die killed by Abdurrahman s army. Duke Of Aquitane, also captured by Umayyad Army.

After this, Abdurrahman prepared his army and attack Kingdom Of Frank. King Of Frank, Charles Martel collect army from Austrasia s people and faced Abdurrahman and his army at Poitiers, at 732 AD/ 733 AD. At this time, Umayyad Army split. Umayyad Army consist from Syrian, Berber, and Arabians. Battle broke and Frankish Army tried to attack place that used by Umayyad Army for saved spoils. Umayyad Army tried to protect their spoils and forget formation, they can defeated and Abdurrahman Al-Ghafiqi die at this battle.

After this, Umayyad Caliph, Hisham Ibn Abdul Malik tried to next France s conquest. He send army under Commander Abdul Malik Ibn Quthun Al-Fihri. Abdul Malik can occupied two France s city, Arles and Provence. His effort next by Commander Uqbah Ibn Hajjaj As-Saluli who conquer East France until his die at 123 H. After this, Umayyad Dynasty dont next trial to conquer France.

Refrences:

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

Kennedy, Hugh: Penaklukkan Muslim Yang Mengubah Dunia, Penerbit Alvabet, 2019 M.

Basya, DR.Abdurrahman Rafat: Para Tabiin Rahimahullah: Kisah Perjuangan dan Keteladanan, Penerbit Darul Haq, 2016 M.