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History of Islam Vol 3 of 3 by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi

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42<br />

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

the deputation approached the new Caliph, he took the immediate<br />

step <strong>of</strong> deposing Harb bin Abdur Rahman and replaced him<br />

Samh with<br />

bin Malik Khulani. Harb ruled in Spain for two years arid eight<br />

months.<br />

^<br />

Samh bin Malik<br />

Even though Samh bin Malik was a military man and was also among<br />

the companions <strong>of</strong> Tariq bin Zeyad, he worked hard to promote justice<br />

and prosperity among the people. His rule was, in fact, the reflection<br />

<strong>of</strong> Umar bin Abdul Aziz's noble caliphate.<br />

Census in Spain<br />

Caliph Umar bin Abdul Aziz ordered a census in Spain to know the<br />

exact number <strong>of</strong> tribes and sections <strong>of</strong> people in the country. Samh<br />

then<br />

populated the Berbers in the deserted areas and induced them to<br />

take to agriculture and crafts, which they did with success. He then<br />

drew a geographical map <strong>of</strong> Spain delineating the population <strong>of</strong> every<br />

city and town, its physical position, distance between cities, rivers,<br />

mountains and other important details. The map was sent to the<br />

Caliph. Rules and regulations regarding trade and commerce,<br />

agriculture, fiz'yah (poll tax) ash'r (one- tenth), khum's (one-fifth) and<br />

tribute were enacted . Besides, he built a number <strong>of</strong> mosques and<br />

bridges in various cities. Peace and justice prevailed over all <strong>of</strong> Spain.<br />

Samh achieved the same position among the Muslim Governors in<br />

Spain that Umar bin Abdul Aziz had among the Muslim umayyad<br />

Caliphs.<br />

Expedition to Southern France<br />

In view <strong>of</strong> Samh bin Malik's earlier style <strong>of</strong> governance nobody could<br />

expect that he would also be a great warrior. After finishing his task <strong>of</strong><br />

consolidating and regulating his administration, he led his forces into<br />

southern France. This part <strong>of</strong> France had some strong states. The most<br />

belligerent to the Muslims was ruled <strong>by</strong> the fugitive Goths from Spain<br />

who had fled with as much possessions as they could carry with them.<br />

They were the worst enemy <strong>of</strong> the Muslims and their state was<br />

supposed to be strong and formidable. The Gauls ruled another State,

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