History of Islam Vol 3 of 3 by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi

86 The History of Islam
invoke blessings on you. In the case that you put this advice
into practice you will be put in the category of the most
successful kings."
Sultan Hisham passed his
whole tenure fighting and invading his
enemies. But his religious, moral, academic and social-deeds lead us to
disbelieve that his military character was the most dominant. The
reason behind the foundation of Umayyad dynasty in Spain and its
survival for three hundred years was that its founder was Abdur
Rahman and his successor was Hisham. Even though Hisham had a
short tenure of seven years and eight month his son, Hakam became
an able and sensible ruler.
Hakam bin Hisham
Hakam bin Hisham succeeded his father in 180 A.H. But he had to
begin with insurgencies and revolts.
Sulaiman and Abdullah Rebel
Sultan Hisham's brother Sulaiman had been staying in Africa
(Morocco). He was engaged in creating disturbances in Spain.
Abdullah, another brother of Hisham was then stationed in an estate
adjoining Toledo. With the news of Hisham's demise Abdullah went
to his brother Sulaiman. The latter had a large number of Berbers and
bandits at his command. The two brothers decided to capture
Cordova and become the rulers of Spain. Sulaiman was already in
contact with Charlemagne, the King of France and other frontier
chiefs- It was suggested that Abdullah should make a personal visit to
Charlemagne and invite him to invade Spain and lend support to the
revolt they were going to launch. Charlemagne agreed to the proposal
and sent his son at the head of a strong army. Abdullah then came
back, instigated the Governor of Toledo to rise in revolt and he captured
the city. Sulaiman on the other hand reached Valencia province and
declared his sovereignty as the true successor of the dynastic rule.
Close on the heels of Sulaiman and Abdullah's revolt the son of
Charlemagne set his foot on the plane of Spain after crossing the
Pyrenees seized a number of cities and besieged Barcelona. The