Story Of Muhammad ibn Tumart: Founder from Al-Mohad Dynasty

 

Source: Republika.ID.

Today, we will discuss about Muhammad ibn Tumart, founder from Al-Mohad Dynasty at North Africa and controvertial issues about this figure who found this dynasty at North Africa. He is one controvertial figure who found a big dynasty at North Africa and this dynasty, ever saved Muslim at Spain after his die. Please read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more informations about Islamic History and Civilizations. It is simple verb for you, but have big role for help us develop our blog that focuss at Islamic History and Civilization s education for people.

Muhammad ibn Tumart, originated from Tribe of Mashmuda, one branch from Berber ( North African Natives) who born at 1180 AD at Atlas Mountain,  Morocco, North Africa. He is Arabian Descedant and originally, descedant from Idrisid Dynasty. Ibn Tumart , studied at Baghdad, Iraq that at this time became capital from Abbasid Dynasty.  At Baghdad, mentioned that he studied Fiqh from Abu Bakr as-Shasi and also studied Hadith from Al-Mubarak ibn Abdul Jabbar.

After his voyage, he back to Africa and at way, stopped at Alexandria for studied to Abu Bakr al-Thurtusi. He back to Morocco , at this place, he get influence, and invited by Al-Moravid Ruler, Ali ibn Tashfin. Ali ibn Tashfin collect several scholars for debate againt Ibn Tumart and Ibn Tumart can defeat them. Several adviser advise to Ali ibn Tashfin for kill him. And, Ali, command Muhammad ibn Tumart for went to place that he love.

Ibn Tumart moved to Aghmat and Al-Jabal. Many people join him and he started tell story about Al-Mahdi ( figure that will appear at end of the world for delete all mistakes at earth according Islamic faith). Ibn Tumart get many followers, and one his follower is Abd Mukmin. Abd Mukmin considered Ibn Tumart is Al-Mahdi. And, many people came for give confess that he is Al-Mahdi. Ibn Tumart s position became strong and it is threat for Al-Moravid Dynasty. Followers from Muhammad ibn Tumart, named by Almohad ( Al Muwahhidun at Arabic, mean people who unfyed Allah Subhanahuwataala).

According Historian Jihad at-Turbani,  Ibn Tumart is adherent from mixed Zoroastrianism-Greek s philosophy. He also studied to Sect of Mutazila, until he considered himself as Al-Mahdi.  And, Muhammad ibn Tumart, also fight againt Al-Moravid Dynasty that ruled North Africa and Muslim Ruler at Andalusia ( Spain) send army for attack Muhammad ibn Tumart. Ibn Tumart defeated Andalusian Army and he started fight againt Almoravid Dynasty  since 524 Hijriyya . At his war againt Almoravid Dynasty, Ibn Tumart faced Almoravid Commander, Abu Bakar ibn Muhammad al-Lamtuni.  Ibn Tumart also considered Almoravid People as apostate people, because they dont confess himself as “Al-Mahdi.” Abdul Mukmin, his student became his commander when fight againt Almoravid Army.

Al-Mohad Army, moved to Marrakesh and they want captured this city from  Almoravid Dynasty. Emir of Sijjilmasa, came to Marrakesh and defeat Ibn Tumart s army . Emir of Sijjilmasa also open Siege of Sijjilmasa.  And, after several time, Ibn Tumart die because die, he die at 1130 AD.

Though controvertial at his begin, Ibn Tumart s dynasty, Al-Mohad take big role for protect Islamic Territories at Andalusia from Christiants s invasion. At 591 H, one Ibn Tumart s successor, Abu Yaqub Yusuf Manshour al-Muwahhidi, defeat European Coalition under King of Castille, Alfonso VII, who invaded Islamic Territories at Spain.

Refrences:

At-Turbani, Jihad: 100 Tokoh Islam Yang Mengubah Sejarah, Penerbit Aqwam, 2016 M.

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

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica: Ibn Tūmart | religion, Qurʾān, & doctrine | Britannica, accesed 18 October 2025, 09: 30 AM.

Nafisah, Zahrotun: Muhammad bin Tumart Mengaku Sebagai Imam Mahdi | Bincang Syariah, accesed 18 October 2025, 09: 32 AM.