In the previous article, we tackled Isa Ibn Muhammed al Nusahri’s assuming the power of Egypt by Caliph Al Muktafi, his conflict with Muhammed Ibn Ali Al Khalangy who managed to conquer Egypt with no considerable resistance. Conflicts continued between them until Caliph Al Muktafi sent an army from Iraq to support Al Nushari; wars between the two sides lasted for a long time, dragging the country into worse conditions and raising the costs of living in Egypt. Wars ended with arresting Al Khalnagy, ending his eight month rule over Egypt, which was pervaded with sedition and turmoil, the Abbasid army entered Egypt and Al Nushari came back to begin a second ruling period over Egypt.
Isa al Nusahri (293 – 297 AH) (905 – 909 AD)
The first thing done by Al Nushari after he assumed the power of Egypt was demolishing Ahmed ibn Tulun’s square, which was, along with Tulun’s palaces, the most beautiful constructions built in this world! Then he sold its ruins at the lowest prices! Al Nushari also forbade mourning and announcing the funerals. He ordered the mosque to be closed between the two prayers, yet he ordered it to be opened a few days later.
During that period, Caliph Al Muktafi died in 295 AH (907 AD). Knowing about his death, the soldiers rioted against Al Nushari, demanding money from him. Yet when Al Muqtadir became a Caliph, he confirmed Al Nushari’s rule over Egypt.
In 296 AH (908 AD) Ziyadat Allah Ibn Ibrahim Ibn al Aghlab of Africa wanted to enter Egypt after he was defeated by Abu Abdallah al Shi’i, but Al Nushari prevented him, as a result, fighting broke out between the two parties until a reconciliation was reached, in which Al Nushari allowed entry to Ibn Al Aghlab alone to Egypt without his soldiers. It was not so long until Isa Al Nushari got ill and was bedridden until his death in 297 AH (909 AD). His entire period of ruling Egypt was five years and two months, including the period in which Al Khalnagy ruled Egypt. Then, his son Abu Al Fath Muhammad Ibn Issa succeeded him, and was followed later by Takin Al Harbi.
Caliph Al- Muktafi’s Death
In 295 AH (908 AD), Caliph Al Muktafi died in Baghdad at a young age of thirty two (or thirty three) after fighting with illness for several months. His ruled for nearly six years and a half, and a few days. Then he was succeeded by his brother, Jaafar al Muqtadir, who was still a minor at the age of thirteen. The era of Al Muktafi had witnessed a number of incidents, like a great earthquake that lasted for days and impacted entire Baghdad greatly, and many people were killed in it, fierce winds blown that was likened to none other to the people of Basra and the increase of Tigris waters until it flooded over the lands, houses and plants.
Caliph Jaafar Al Muqtadir Billah (295 – 320 AH) (907 – 932 AD)
After the death of Al Muktafi, his minister Al Abbas Ibn Al Hassan gathered wise opinioned men of the country, and consulted with them on whom they could pledge allegiance to, they all agreed on assigning Al Muqtadir, to satisfy the will of Al Muktafi and to implement the advice of a head of a Diwan (ministries). When the news reached the people, they revolted, and were joined by the commanders and judges, all demanding the removal of Al Muqtadir and the assigning of Abdullah Ibn Al Mu’taz. Yet they only faced resistance by Minister Al Abbas led to his murder in 296 AH (908), then they removed Caliph Al Muqtadir and pledged allegiance to Abdullah Ibn Al Mu’taz, giving him the title “Al Ghalib Billah”.
Al- Muqtadir wanted to leave Baghdad, leaving the rule to the new Caliph, but his friends instigated him to embark on fighting, so they attacked the house of Ibn al Mu’taz who fled out of Baghdad. The throne returned to Al Muqtadir, and… Stories about beautiful Egypt never end!
The General Bishop
Head of Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
