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History of Islam Vol 3 of 3 by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi

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

Granada and Muhammad VIII fled for his life and went to the King <strong>of</strong><br />

Tunis in the guise <strong>of</strong> a poor boatman. He greeted him with honor and<br />

promised him help.<br />

Sultan Muhammad IX<br />

After<br />

coming to the throne Sultan Muhammad IX made the nobles his<br />

supporters. But he committed the mistake <strong>of</strong> antagonizing the<br />

minister, Yusuf who began indulging in activities injurious to the<br />

administration. Yusuf, the minister, left Granada with one thousand<br />

five hundred men and came to Murcia and went to the King <strong>of</strong> Castile<br />

with his permission. He then tried to have John, the King <strong>of</strong> Castile<br />

lend his support to Muhammad VIII. The Christian King thus had an<br />

excellent opportunity to set the Muslims against each other. He<br />

advised Yusuf to send a deputation <strong>of</strong> selected persons to the King <strong>of</strong><br />

Tunis and seek his help as well. The King <strong>of</strong> Tunis gave five hundred<br />

cavaliers and a substantial amount <strong>by</strong> way <strong>of</strong> help and sent<br />

Muhammad VIII on board his ship to Spain. When Muhammad VIII<br />

landed on the coast <strong>of</strong> Spain, he found the inhabitants <strong>of</strong> Almeria<br />

supporting him in the wake <strong>of</strong> efforts made <strong>by</strong> Yusuf. Muhammad IX<br />

sent his army to take on Muhammad VIII. When the rival forces came<br />

face to face a greater part <strong>of</strong> Muhammad IX's army changed sides and<br />

joined the rival camp. The rest fled back to Granada. Muhammad VIII<br />

advanced towards Granada and conquered it in 833 A.H. Muhammad<br />

IX was arrested and put to death.<br />

After regaining the throne Muhammad VIII changed his ruling style<br />

on the advice <strong>of</strong> Yusuf and set himself to the task <strong>of</strong> bettering the lot <strong>of</strong><br />

his subjects. He also attempted to make permanent peace with the<br />

Christian King but he agreed only on the condition <strong>of</strong> tribute, which<br />

Muhammad VIII declined. However, the King <strong>of</strong> Castile was himself<br />

facing disturbances in his territories and he could not challenge the<br />

Muslims. He invaded Granada in spite <strong>of</strong> his troubles. Both sides were<br />

engaged in a long drawn out battle in which victory and defeat came<br />

to both <strong>of</strong> them. The battle was still going on when Yusuf bin al-<br />

Ahmar, a close relative <strong>of</strong> Muhammad VIII rose in revolt against him.<br />

He staked his claim on the throne <strong>of</strong> Granada and entered into<br />

correspondence with the Christian King <strong>of</strong> Castile. He promised to

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