Yaqub ibn Yusuf: Jewish Convert Who Became Fathimid Dynasty Minister

 

Today, we will discuss about Yaqub ibn Yusuf, Jewish Convert who became Fathimid Dynasty s minister. Mentioned by Imam Dhahabi, at  begin from his life, he is one criminal subject, who convert to Islam and also became minister at end of his journey. Please read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more informations about Islamic History and Civilization. It is easy verb for you, but have big role for help our blog that focuss educate people about Islamic History and Civilization. And, dont forget for read this article until end for get more informations about this topic.

Yaqub, has fullname Yaqub ibn Yusuf ibn Ibrahim ibn Harun ibn Dawud ibn Killis , and also mentioned by Ibn Killis. He originated from Baghdad and born at 930 AD. At begin his life, he is Jewish. He moved to al-Ramla, Palestine, and became ruler at this territories. At al-Ramla, he destroy assets and trade, until he escape to Egypt. Ruler of Egypt, Kafur, want employ him.

At Egypt, Yaqub convert to Islam , and he used this chance for studied Nahwu ( Arabic Grammatical). He read Koran ( Islamic Holy Book), and also studied to many scholars. After this, he moved to North Africa that at this time became basic from Fathimid Dynasty.  At this , Fathimid Dynasty basic at Tunisia, and lead by Caliph al-Muiz (ruled 952-975 AD).  When Fathimid Dynasty ruled by al-Aziz ( ruled 975-996 AD), Yaqub became one minister at 365 Hijriyya.

Acording Imam Dhahabi, Yaqub, also became scholar at his age. His books became matery from council at Mosque of al-Atiq. He also became patron for culture and science. At age of al-Aziz, Fathimid Dynasty s basic  was moved to Egypt, after Fathimid Dynasty conquer Egypt at 969 AD.

Al-Aziz s age, mentioned by Philip.K.Hitti as golden age from Fathimid Dynasty.  At his age, Fathimid Dynasty s territories achieve Yemen, Mecca, Damascus, and Mosul, other Egypt and North Africa.  At 369 Hijriyya, he held study at Mosque al-Atiq about Fiqh ( Islamic law).

After leave his legacy, Yaqub die at 991 AD. May Allah Subhanahuwataala bless him.

Refrences:
Imam ad-Dzahabi: 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.

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

 Eliot, Samuel, and Affair, Saltillo: Yaqub ibn Killis, accesed 29 November 2025, 07: 45 AM.