Factors Leading to the Downfall of the Umayyad Dynasty
All praise is due to Allah and may Allah’s peace and blessing be on the Last Prophet Muhammad pbuh, and all those who follow the path of righteousness until the Last Day.
The first Muslim dynasty to pass down power within their family was the Umayyad. Under the rule of Umayyad, Islamic State achieved largest territorial expansion. They ruled the Islamic world for around hundred years and then overthrown by the Abbasids. They changed the administrative and political policies of Rashidun caliphate guided by the instructions of messenger of Allah pbuh and established first monarch dynasty in the history of Islam.
First caliph from Umayyad clan was Uthman ra. After his murder, there was a political split between Umayyad and Hashemite. After the murder of the last Rashidun caliph Ali ra, his son Imam Hasan ra gave the power to Muawiya ra. From then Islamic world entered into a new era. Though Muawiya ra was the founder of this dynasty, he was a sahabi of the messenger of Allah pbuh and he was not intended to start monarchy. He chose his son Yazid to be caliph for avoiding split on the decision of selecting new caliph. He was firm to establish Islamic traditions and Sharia rulings but his successors could not continue the tradition set by him. After the death of his grandson Muawiya ibn Yazid, power hungry Marwan ibn Hakam and his son Abdul Malik ibn Marwan established the hereditary kingship and they continued until their downfall. To stay on power, Umayyads took policy of atrocity and oppression against those who were challenge to their power. How they established their dynasty was the base of their fall. Many factors lead to the downfall of the Umayyads.
1. Incapable rulers
The stability of a monarchial government depends on the main political system. Caliphs like Amir Muawiya, Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, Waleed ibn Abdul Malik, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz and Hisham ibn Abdul Malik was very wise, thoughtful and brave leaders and due to their political vision their government was strong and stable. Their successors Waleed ibn Yazid, Yazid ibn Abdul Malik, and Yazid ibn Waleed, were ineligible and not having any political vision. Their focus was on living luxurious life, enjoying woman, music and dance. Their governors and generals also followed the trend. (Najeebabadi, A Synopsis of Banu Umayyah's Caliphate) These incapable rulers destroyed the political system leading to disorder and anarchy in the state which accelerated the end of the Umayyads.
2. Indulgence in luxuries
Ostentatious and pretentious living makes a nation morally corrupt and incapable to rule and govern. The first four caliphs lived very simple and preserved the simple habits prescribed by Quran and Sunnah despite being the ruler of massive territories. But Umayyads in general was driven by the possessions of the world while neglecting all the moral values. Beside few wise pious caliph, others were fond of music, drinking, and boastful life. So this moral devaluation became the reason of the downfall of Umayyad’s dynasty.
3. Maladministration
When the Islamic state became so much wider and vast that there were no effective routes of communication between the Edges of the Caliphate and Damascus. This made local governors more powerful and took their own decisions. Wrong decisions without consulting to the capital strengthen the oppositions and lead to rise of powerful persons like Abu Muslim. (Najeebabadi, Division of Provinces During Banu Umayyah's Regime)
4. The disgrace of the political members
After changing of caliph, governors, generals whose political vision and abilities was responsible for the prosperity, progress during last caliph were disgraced and maltreated by new ruler. Suleiman ibn Abdul Malik disgraced Musa Bin Nusayr, under whom Spain was conquered. He killed Muhammad ibn Qasim, conqueror of parts of India, because of his relation with Hajjaj ibn Yusuf. (Najeebabadi, Suleiman bin Abdul Malik) These types of acts destroyed the spirit of loyalty and intention for doing great works from the key figures.
5. Tribal jealousy
Islam had eliminated the discrimination of families and united everybody in a single brotherhood. But Banu Umayyad revived the prejudice and discrimination between tribes and grew nationalism. This caused a huge impact on the Umayyad. People started to prefer nationalism to Islam. What they recreated brought their ultimate destruction. (Najeebabadi, A Synopsis of Banu Umayyah's Caliphate) There were several other families mainly Abbasid, Fatimid and Alawi, were just as power-hungry as Umayyads. They were seeking every opportunity to thwart coups. At last Abbasids with help of others succeeded in their campaign to overthrow the Umayyads.
6. Discrimination against non-Arabs
In the reign of the Umayyad, the mawalis were excluded from political and social affairs and they were treated as if they were second-class Muslims. They were excluded from several government positions. Umayyad also imposed taxes where no Arab Muslims were taxed at all. Even some ruler took jijya from new converts. (Najeebabadi, Caliphate) As their numbers became very high, they contributed so much in the of culture in the Islamic Empire. As a result, they considered themselves to be of equal worth to Arabs. So the wanted equal rights. Abu Muslim Khorasani played very vital role to organized them in Khorasan and established the military power to defeat Umayyad. (Najeebabadi, Abu Muslim Khorasani)
7. Capture of public treasury
Bait al maal was established as a financial center in the Islamic states, it was used to collect the taxes and store them. The taxes collected included zakat and they were given to all the needy people and spent on the development and protection of the state. But Umayyads made Bait al Maal as their private property and its generated income was expended for the luxury of caliphs, instead of the welfare of the ummah. (Najeebabadi, A Synopsis of Banu Umayyah's Caliphate)
8. Internal feuds
At the end time of the dynasty, internal feuds arisen for the succession and power. When Umar ibn Abdul Aziz tried to restore the Islamic administration according to sharia, they assassinated him to keep their luxurious lifestyle. (Najeebabadi, Death) After succession Waleed ibn Yazid turned his entire family as his enemy. And finally killed by Yazid ibn Waleed. In this time, everybody took their chances. Many provinces revolted. Marwan ibn Muhammad wanted qisas for Waleed and release of his son Hakam and Uthman ibn Waleed. But the two boy was murdered. Marwan captured Damascus and became the last caliph of Umayyads. (Najeebabadi, Ibrahim bin Waleed bin Abdul Malik) This internal feuds strengthen the rivals so much that within few year whole dynasty collapsed.
9. Religious Scholars
Religious scholars were also against the Banu Umayyads’ usurpation, materialistic love, and lustful life. Religious scholars including sahabi and tabeyin desired the revival of rightly guided caliphate and Islamic society. Abdullah ibn Jubair ra established his caliphate against Yazid. Similarly, scholars were ready to help and support efforts to revive the Islamic government system. Scholars directly participated in wars very few time but they preached of Islamic teachings that struck at the root of this kingship. So, governors like Hajjaj tortured many scholars to death including Abdullah ibn Umar ra. (Najeebabadi, Important Events of Abdul Malik's Caliphate) They weaken the roots of Umayyad’s dynasty in the mind of general by the teaching of Islam.
10. Rebellion of Khawarij
Continue revolts from Khawarij was one of the reasons of downfall of Umayyads. They were against Banu Umayyads from the time of Ali ra. They consider Umayyads dynasty as disbelievers. They revolted against Umayyads rule time to time. Strong caliphs killed thousands of Khawarij but they never accepted Umayyad’s obedience. In spite of being strong enough to demolish Umayyad, they diverted Umayyads power to themselves which could have been utilized on other enemies. (Najeebabadi, Khawarij)
11. Activities of Abbasid, Fatimid and Alawi
After the old rivalry between Umayyad and Hashemite began, Hashemite worked in three groups, Abbasid, Fatimid and Alawi. First they worked in separate way. From the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ra, the Fatimid and Alawi opposed every action of the Umayyad dynasty. Abbasid however took the policy developed by Umayyad against them to overthrow them and worked in dark. Under the common expression “Prophets family” they achieved sympathy from masses. They made a formidable coalition under the leadership of Muhammad ibn Ali. By skillful preparation, this coalition combined many mutually hostile groups under one banner against Umayyad and finally overthrew them in 132AH. (Najeebabadi, The Efforts of Banu Umayyah's Rivals)
12. Miscellaneous mischiefs done by Umayyad
To stay in power Umayyads many mischiefs which turned the public sentiment against them. They started it by martyring Imam Hussein ra at Karbala and mutilating his body in such a way that was never imagined before. Then Umayyads massacred Madinah, besieged Macca two times there they broke walls of Kaaba and put fire on Kaaba by catapults. (Najeebabadi, The Events in Makkah and Madinah) They martyred Abdullah ibn Zubair ra and hung his body on a scaffold. Near the end of Umayyads, public sentiment went totally against them. When Zaid ibn Ali was martyred and bodies of his comrades was hung up and dangled for years making the people hate Umayyad. (Najeebabadi, Zaid bin Ali)
In spite of having difficulties to find a capable caliph, Umayyads eventually founded a formidable empire by their political and religious leaders. When they had strong government and wise leaders, they conquered territories after territories to establish the religion nominated by the creator. But they also had their faults. They act as the cause of the split between the Sunni and Shia sect. But they united the Bedouin tribes in the same time. Later, the lack of concern of the political activity and shifting further away from the prescribed path of Islam, steered them to their downfall. But they maintained their Muslim faith and established sharia law and protected the core creed of Islam. In the end, the Umayyads led a long legacy for future Muslim empires and countries.
The first Muslim dynasty to pass down power within their family was the Umayyad. Under the rule of Umayyad, Islamic State achieved largest territorial expansion. They ruled the Islamic world for around hundred years and then overthrown by the Abbasids. They changed the administrative and political policies of Rashidun caliphate guided by the instructions of messenger of Allah pbuh and established first monarch dynasty in the history of Islam.
First caliph from Umayyad clan was Uthman ra. After his murder, there was a political split between Umayyad and Hashemite. After the murder of the last Rashidun caliph Ali ra, his son Imam Hasan ra gave the power to Muawiya ra. From then Islamic world entered into a new era. Though Muawiya ra was the founder of this dynasty, he was a sahabi of the messenger of Allah pbuh and he was not intended to start monarchy. He chose his son Yazid to be caliph for avoiding split on the decision of selecting new caliph. He was firm to establish Islamic traditions and Sharia rulings but his successors could not continue the tradition set by him. After the death of his grandson Muawiya ibn Yazid, power hungry Marwan ibn Hakam and his son Abdul Malik ibn Marwan established the hereditary kingship and they continued until their downfall. To stay on power, Umayyads took policy of atrocity and oppression against those who were challenge to their power. How they established their dynasty was the base of their fall. Many factors lead to the downfall of the Umayyads.
1. Incapable rulers
The stability of a monarchial government depends on the main political system. Caliphs like Amir Muawiya, Abdul Malik ibn Marwan, Waleed ibn Abdul Malik, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz and Hisham ibn Abdul Malik was very wise, thoughtful and brave leaders and due to their political vision their government was strong and stable. Their successors Waleed ibn Yazid, Yazid ibn Abdul Malik, and Yazid ibn Waleed, were ineligible and not having any political vision. Their focus was on living luxurious life, enjoying woman, music and dance. Their governors and generals also followed the trend. (Najeebabadi, A Synopsis of Banu Umayyah's Caliphate) These incapable rulers destroyed the political system leading to disorder and anarchy in the state which accelerated the end of the Umayyads.
2. Indulgence in luxuries
Ostentatious and pretentious living makes a nation morally corrupt and incapable to rule and govern. The first four caliphs lived very simple and preserved the simple habits prescribed by Quran and Sunnah despite being the ruler of massive territories. But Umayyads in general was driven by the possessions of the world while neglecting all the moral values. Beside few wise pious caliph, others were fond of music, drinking, and boastful life. So this moral devaluation became the reason of the downfall of Umayyad’s dynasty.
3. Maladministration
When the Islamic state became so much wider and vast that there were no effective routes of communication between the Edges of the Caliphate and Damascus. This made local governors more powerful and took their own decisions. Wrong decisions without consulting to the capital strengthen the oppositions and lead to rise of powerful persons like Abu Muslim. (Najeebabadi, Division of Provinces During Banu Umayyah's Regime)
4. The disgrace of the political members
After changing of caliph, governors, generals whose political vision and abilities was responsible for the prosperity, progress during last caliph were disgraced and maltreated by new ruler. Suleiman ibn Abdul Malik disgraced Musa Bin Nusayr, under whom Spain was conquered. He killed Muhammad ibn Qasim, conqueror of parts of India, because of his relation with Hajjaj ibn Yusuf. (Najeebabadi, Suleiman bin Abdul Malik) These types of acts destroyed the spirit of loyalty and intention for doing great works from the key figures.
5. Tribal jealousy
Islam had eliminated the discrimination of families and united everybody in a single brotherhood. But Banu Umayyad revived the prejudice and discrimination between tribes and grew nationalism. This caused a huge impact on the Umayyad. People started to prefer nationalism to Islam. What they recreated brought their ultimate destruction. (Najeebabadi, A Synopsis of Banu Umayyah's Caliphate) There were several other families mainly Abbasid, Fatimid and Alawi, were just as power-hungry as Umayyads. They were seeking every opportunity to thwart coups. At last Abbasids with help of others succeeded in their campaign to overthrow the Umayyads.
6. Discrimination against non-Arabs
In the reign of the Umayyad, the mawalis were excluded from political and social affairs and they were treated as if they were second-class Muslims. They were excluded from several government positions. Umayyad also imposed taxes where no Arab Muslims were taxed at all. Even some ruler took jijya from new converts. (Najeebabadi, Caliphate) As their numbers became very high, they contributed so much in the of culture in the Islamic Empire. As a result, they considered themselves to be of equal worth to Arabs. So the wanted equal rights. Abu Muslim Khorasani played very vital role to organized them in Khorasan and established the military power to defeat Umayyad. (Najeebabadi, Abu Muslim Khorasani)
7. Capture of public treasury
Bait al maal was established as a financial center in the Islamic states, it was used to collect the taxes and store them. The taxes collected included zakat and they were given to all the needy people and spent on the development and protection of the state. But Umayyads made Bait al Maal as their private property and its generated income was expended for the luxury of caliphs, instead of the welfare of the ummah. (Najeebabadi, A Synopsis of Banu Umayyah's Caliphate)
8. Internal feuds
At the end time of the dynasty, internal feuds arisen for the succession and power. When Umar ibn Abdul Aziz tried to restore the Islamic administration according to sharia, they assassinated him to keep their luxurious lifestyle. (Najeebabadi, Death) After succession Waleed ibn Yazid turned his entire family as his enemy. And finally killed by Yazid ibn Waleed. In this time, everybody took their chances. Many provinces revolted. Marwan ibn Muhammad wanted qisas for Waleed and release of his son Hakam and Uthman ibn Waleed. But the two boy was murdered. Marwan captured Damascus and became the last caliph of Umayyads. (Najeebabadi, Ibrahim bin Waleed bin Abdul Malik) This internal feuds strengthen the rivals so much that within few year whole dynasty collapsed.
9. Religious Scholars
Religious scholars were also against the Banu Umayyads’ usurpation, materialistic love, and lustful life. Religious scholars including sahabi and tabeyin desired the revival of rightly guided caliphate and Islamic society. Abdullah ibn Jubair ra established his caliphate against Yazid. Similarly, scholars were ready to help and support efforts to revive the Islamic government system. Scholars directly participated in wars very few time but they preached of Islamic teachings that struck at the root of this kingship. So, governors like Hajjaj tortured many scholars to death including Abdullah ibn Umar ra. (Najeebabadi, Important Events of Abdul Malik's Caliphate) They weaken the roots of Umayyad’s dynasty in the mind of general by the teaching of Islam.
10. Rebellion of Khawarij
Continue revolts from Khawarij was one of the reasons of downfall of Umayyads. They were against Banu Umayyads from the time of Ali ra. They consider Umayyads dynasty as disbelievers. They revolted against Umayyads rule time to time. Strong caliphs killed thousands of Khawarij but they never accepted Umayyad’s obedience. In spite of being strong enough to demolish Umayyad, they diverted Umayyads power to themselves which could have been utilized on other enemies. (Najeebabadi, Khawarij)
11. Activities of Abbasid, Fatimid and Alawi
After the old rivalry between Umayyad and Hashemite began, Hashemite worked in three groups, Abbasid, Fatimid and Alawi. First they worked in separate way. From the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ra, the Fatimid and Alawi opposed every action of the Umayyad dynasty. Abbasid however took the policy developed by Umayyad against them to overthrow them and worked in dark. Under the common expression “Prophets family” they achieved sympathy from masses. They made a formidable coalition under the leadership of Muhammad ibn Ali. By skillful preparation, this coalition combined many mutually hostile groups under one banner against Umayyad and finally overthrew them in 132AH. (Najeebabadi, The Efforts of Banu Umayyah's Rivals)
12. Miscellaneous mischiefs done by Umayyad
To stay in power Umayyads many mischiefs which turned the public sentiment against them. They started it by martyring Imam Hussein ra at Karbala and mutilating his body in such a way that was never imagined before. Then Umayyads massacred Madinah, besieged Macca two times there they broke walls of Kaaba and put fire on Kaaba by catapults. (Najeebabadi, The Events in Makkah and Madinah) They martyred Abdullah ibn Zubair ra and hung his body on a scaffold. Near the end of Umayyads, public sentiment went totally against them. When Zaid ibn Ali was martyred and bodies of his comrades was hung up and dangled for years making the people hate Umayyad. (Najeebabadi, Zaid bin Ali)
In spite of having difficulties to find a capable caliph, Umayyads eventually founded a formidable empire by their political and religious leaders. When they had strong government and wise leaders, they conquered territories after territories to establish the religion nominated by the creator. But they also had their faults. They act as the cause of the split between the Sunni and Shia sect. But they united the Bedouin tribes in the same time. Later, the lack of concern of the political activity and shifting further away from the prescribed path of Islam, steered them to their downfall. But they maintained their Muslim faith and established sharia law and protected the core creed of Islam. In the end, the Umayyads led a long legacy for future Muslim empires and countries.
Bibliography
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "A Synopsis of Banu Umayyah's Caliphate." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 250.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Abu Muslim Khorasani." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 259.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Caliphate." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 199.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Death." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 209.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Division of Provinces During Banu Umayyah's Regime." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 201. 233.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Ibrahim bin Waleed bin Abdul Malik." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 240.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Important Events of Abdul Malik's Caliphate." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 151.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Khawarij." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 245.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Suleiman bin Abdul Malik." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 187.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "The Efforts of Banu Umayyah's Rivals." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 254.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "The Events in Makkah and Madinah." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 81.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Zaid bin Ali." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 230.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Abu Muslim Khorasani." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 259.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Caliphate." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 199.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Death." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 209.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Division of Provinces During Banu Umayyah's Regime." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 201. 233.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Ibrahim bin Waleed bin Abdul Malik." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 240.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Important Events of Abdul Malik's Caliphate." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 151.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Khawarij." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 245.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Suleiman bin Abdul Malik." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 187.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "The Efforts of Banu Umayyah's Rivals." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 254.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "The Events in Makkah and Madinah." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 81.
Najeebabadi, Akbar Shah. "Zaid bin Ali." The History of Islam. Vol. 2. 2001. 230.
© 2016 by Tauhid Ahmed.