14.06.2017 Views

History of Islam Vol 3 of 3 by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi

http://www.islamicglobe.com

http://www.islamicglobe.com

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

124 The <strong>History</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Islam</strong><br />

Following<br />

this he proclaimed that those obeying the rule and promising<br />

firmness in their loyalty would get his past faults pardoned without any<br />

distinction <strong>of</strong> faith. Since the people had become fed up with anarchy<br />

and civil wars, strife and disorder almost all the rulers <strong>of</strong> the small<br />

States adjoining Cordova appeared before the Sultan to confess their<br />

loyalty to him. The public revenue rose to fill the treasury and mitigate<br />

the losses <strong>of</strong> the canceled taxes.<br />

Two Rival Forces<br />

Now only two mighty powers were left who could challenge Cordova<br />

and both were not far away. On one hand was Umar bin Hafsun, the<br />

ruler <strong>of</strong> Malaga, Rayyu and Bashter who wanted to destroy the rule <strong>of</strong><br />

Cordova with the support <strong>of</strong> the Fatimids <strong>of</strong> North Africa and he would<br />

also receive help from the northern Christian rulers. The Christians liked<br />

him because <strong>of</strong> his reversion to Christianity. The Arabs on the other<br />

hand, ruled Seville and its power and grandeur had excelled the Court<br />

<strong>of</strong> Cordova. Abdur Rahman, first <strong>of</strong> all, turned to Seville and pressed it<br />

to confess loyalty to him. Many chiefs <strong>of</strong> Seville <strong>of</strong>fered their allegiance<br />

to his central rule.<br />

First Campaign<br />

When Sultan Abdur Rahman ID felt safe concerning Seville, he sent his<br />

freed slave Badr to Umar bin Hafsun at the head <strong>of</strong> a strong army. Badr<br />

started conquering Umar bin Hafsun forts one after another. After<br />

!osing a large part <strong>of</strong> his plains,<br />

he took refuge in his hilly forts. Badr<br />

returned safe and sound and this victory attracted a large number <strong>of</strong><br />

people to join Abdur Rahman's army.<br />

Revolts Curbed<br />

Sultan Abdur Rahman III invaded Seville to punish the disobedient Ibn<br />

Maslama. Ibn Maslama sought help from Umar bin Hafsun who<br />

promptly came to his aid. When the royal force advanced towards<br />

Seville, Umar bin Hafeun's force moved from the rear. However, Abdur<br />

Kahman beat it back and defeated Ibn Maslama too who was captured,<br />

u tan Abdur Rahman in sent his own governor to Seville. He was able<br />

o do it without any difficulty because the relatives <strong>of</strong> Maslama and his

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!