Kafur: Black Slave Who Became Ruler from Ikhsid Dynasty

 

Source: ToptoneEgypt.com.

Today, we will discuss about Kafur, black slave from Africa who became ruler of Ikhsid Dynasty. And, at his life, Ikhsid Dynasty achieve his golden age. And, he became sultan from Ikhsid Dynasty after started his carries at military commander. Please read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more informations about Islamic History and Civilizations . It is easy verb for you, but have big role for support our blog that focuss at Islamic History and Civilizations  education for people. And, dont forget for read this article until end for get more informations about this topic.

Kafur, is one slave that buyed by one Egyptian s leader with price 18 Dinar. He life at age of Ikhsid Dynasty age at Egypt. This dynasty , ruled Egypt beetwen 935-969 AD. And, this founder is Muhammad ibn Thuguj that have titled Ikhsid that the mean is emperor.And, Ikhsid interest with Kafur s power. According Imam Dhahabi,  Kafur can became commander for Ikhsid. And, Ikhsid prepare Kafur for attack Sayf al Dawla,  Syrian Ruler from Hamdan Dynasty that became rival from his dynasty.

At 946 AD, Ikhsid die, and he replaced by his son, Abu Qasim an-Nujura that still child. Kafur became Atabik ( high prince). And, he became really governor from Ikhsid Dynasty. Kafur, also became leader from Ikhsid Dynasty council. When Kafur s ruled, happened clash beetwen Ikhsid Dynasty and Sayf al-Dawla.  Syria chaos and Sayf al-Dawla can occupied Damascus, Syria. Kafur evacuated Abu Qasim from Damascus and he chased Sayf al-Dawla army to Aleppo and Ikhsid Dynasty Army can defeat Hamdan Dynasty Army at Battle of Marj Adhra. After this, Kafur make covenant with Sayf al-Dawla.  Hamdan Dynasty, ruled Alappo, Mosul, Homs, and also boundaries with Byzantine Empire.

And, Abbasid Caliphate give permission to Kafur for coronated Abu Qasim as ruler from Ikhsid Dynasty that this territories included Egypt, Mecca and Madina, and also  Syria, included city of Aleppo and Tartous.  According Imam Dhahabi, Kafur s goverment s age is beautiful age for Ikhsid Dynasty. According Imam Dhahabi, Kafur respect to poets and he love give  a gift for them. He also loyal to Abbasid Caliphate and show good attitute to Abbasid Caliphate, though according Imam Dhahabi, sometime cheat them . He also love heard history about Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphate. And, he always prayed at Egypt, Syria, Thugur, Tharsus, and Mashisha.

And, Imam Dhahabi said that Kafur has many slaves from Romans and Africans. And, his power more than his former lord, Ikhsid.  Kafur, also love archery sport.  Kafur ruled until 948 AD.  And, at his age, Ikhsid Dynasty Goverment get attack from several state and groups. From them , Egypt and Syria get attack from Qarmatian Sect from the east and also Fathimid Dynasty from the west. King of Nubian, attack Egypt from south.

At 948 AD, Kafur die , may Allah Subhanahuwataala bless him,and Ikhsid Commanders ask Ahmad ibn Ali Abul Hasan who still child as ruler. De facto goverment, lead by Syrian Governor, Hassan ibn Ubaydilla. And, Hassan ibn Ubaydilla , ruled with arbitrary, until he forced back to Syria.  At 969 AD, Ikhsid Dynasty ended, when Fathimid Dynasty at North Africa captured Egypt and they ousted last ikhsid Ruler,  Abu al-Fawaris Ahmad .

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

Imam ad-Dhahabi: Siyar Alam an-Nubala: Mutiara Kisah Pilihan Orang orang Cemerlang Dalam Sejarah Islam ( edisi ringkas oleh DR.Sulaiman al-Asyqar), Penerbit al-Kautsar, 2019 M.

Britannica Editors: Ikhshīdids Dynasty | Middle East, Egypt, Syria | Britannica, accesed 11 October 2025, 06: 37 AM.