In the previous article, we spoke about the rule of Harun Ibn Khumarawayh over Egypt and the Levant, during whose reign, the country witnessed a state of instability, until he was murdered. His uncle Shayban took over Egypt’s rule during the era of Caliph Al Muktafi Ibn Al Mu’tadid.
Caliph Al Muktafi 289 – 295 AH (902 -907 AD)
Ali Al Muktafi Ibn Al Mu’tadid took over the Caliphate after the death of his father Al Mu’tadid Billah, he was then at Al Raqqa. Upon hearing about his father’s death, he asked his soldiers to pledge allegiance to him, they supported him then he went to Baghdad and took over the state affairs. Historians mention that he was famous with his generosity.
However, the Abbasid State was exposed during that era to strife and serious problems, with which Al Muktafi firmly dealt and managed to overcome the rebels and outsiders, and one of the most serious problems was the conflict with the Qarmatians in the Levant, which ended with destroying Al Qarmati. However, the supporters of the Qarmatians marched towards the Levant and threatened its security; the Caliph sent another army which defeated them, causing them to be dispersed in the wilderness. In 293 AH (906 AD), the Qarmatians raided the convoys of pilgrimages, looted and killed them; so, the Caliph sent a large army to fight them, they were terribly defeated, they had their commander Zukarawayh killed and they were torn apart. Conflicts continued between the Abbasid state and the Romans, in which they exchanged victory and defeat; at the end of Al Muktafi’s rule, they both exchanged prisoners.
Egypt as an Abbasid State
As for the conditions of Egypt, Al Muktafi sent one of his most skilful commanders; Mohammed Ibn Suleiman, he came to Egypt and fought with Shayban Ibn Ahmad Ibn Tulun and defeated him, ending the Tulunid rule of Egypt. As previously mentioned, the Caliph sent his army to fight Harun, who was murdered in Al Abbasa Palace. As soon as the news of his death reached Mohammed Ibn Suleiman, he perceived that the Tulunids became weak, feeble and ripped apart, their resistance against Ibn Suleiman weakened as well, so he moved towards Egypt through Palestine.
Some historians note that with the advance of the Abbasid state armies, the army of Shayban Ibn Ahmad Ibn Tulun retreated until it reached the capital. This led the Abbasid army to continue moving until it reached Al Fustat and Al Qata’I, besieging both of them by land, and by river through the advance of the Abbasid fleet ; The two cities were struck, and the Tulunids valiantly attempted to defend the country.
Historian Ibn al Taghari wrote that in the meantime, Mohammed Ibn Suleiman messaged Shayban, reassuring him of his life, his family, his wealth, and all his companions. He continued: “When he received the message, Shayban considered the few number of men who were with him, and the great armies belonged to Mohammed Ibn Suleiman, as well as what he thought to be loyalty from Mohammed Ibn Suleiman. Thus, he entrusted him with himself, all his brothers and cousins at night, and they all went to Mohammed Ibn Suleiman, falling into his grip…” When Shayban’s men knew about it, some of them joined the Abbasid army. However, the army soldiers didn’t know about the reconciliation took place, so they fought with the Abbasids. The fight ended with the defeat of the Tulunid forces. The Abbasids entered the city of Al-Qata’i, where they carried out acts of vandalism; demolishing palaces and houses after looting and killing a large number of people, and then they burnt the city. Ibn al Taghari continues: “Then the soldiers of Mohammed Ibn Suleiman, who belong to the Arabs of Khorasan entered Egypt, they destroyed its armies and brought out those who belonged to them. Then they attacked the people’s houses, looting them, taking away people’s money, abusing their women, and annihilating the flock… In Egypt, they committed incredible transgressions… “!!
Mohammed Ibn Suleiman spent few months in Egypt with his soldiers, before returning to Baghdad. This period was one of the cruelest and harshest periods of Egypt, as the Egyptians witnessed indescribable violent brutal acts! And… Stories about beautiful Egypt never end.
General Bishop
Head of Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
