Hundred Great Muslims

NIZAMUL MULK TOOSI
Abu Ali Hasan ibn Ali ibn Ishaq, better known as Nizamul Mulk Toosi,
was the celebrated Grand Vizier of the Saljuk ruler, Malik Shah. Being one of
the ablest and most talented Prime Ministers that the Muslim world has
produced, Nizamul Mulk ranks high among the greatest administrators and
statesmen of the world. The celebrated historian Phillip K. Hitti calls him as
"one of the ornaments ofthe political history of Islam", and another well-known
orientalist, Ameer Ali says: "Nizamul Mulk was probably, after Yahya Barmaki,
the ablest Minister and Administrator Asia has ever produced".
Nizamul Mulk was born on April 10, 1018 A. C. at Radkhan, a villagenear
Toos. His father was a revenue agent on behalf of the Ghaznavide King. He got
proficiency in almost all sciences and arts at an early age. In 1054 he joined the
service of Alp Arsalan, the Saljuk Prince. Later, when Alp Arsalan ascended
the throne, Nizamul Mulk was made his Grand Vizier. Nizamul Mulk Toosi
continued in office under two succeeding Saljuk Rulers. He held great sway over
Alp Arsalan and accompanied him on all his campaigns and journeys. He
was present at the famous battle of Manazgrid. He also undertook military
operations on his own and was responsible for the capture of Istakhr citadel in
1076 A.C. For more than 20 years during the reign of Saljuk Monarch, Malik
Shah, Nizamul Mulk was the real ruler of the Saljuk Empire, the entire authority
vested in his capable hands.
Nizamul Mulk was the man behind the glorious reign of Malik Shah
Saljuki, His wise Administration and the prestige of Saljuk arms had established
such peace and prosperity in the vast Saljuk Empire that none dared to rebel
against the State. "Nizamul Mulk was in all but name a Monarch", adds the
Encyclopaedia of Islam "and ruled his Empire with striking success". He was
kind and merciful in nature but firm and decisive in action.
His work on Administration and Government form enduring monuments
of his genius and capacity. Peace reigned in his vast Empire. For twelve times he
traversed his wide dominions and personally examined the 9onditions and
requirements of each Province.
Nizamul Mulk paid much attention to the welfare of his people. Life
became happy, safe, peaceful and cheap, resulting in the unwonted security
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