History of Islam Vol 3 of 3 by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi

The Spainish Caliphs
89
friendship rose to bring together Christian rulers who had been
opposing one another.
Hew State Founded against the Muslims
Charlemagne, the King of France formed a small State on a piece of
the south France and appointed a chief named Borrell as its
land in
ruler. The State was named "Gothic March" and one of their chiefs
was appointed as the ruler with the instruction that he should make
the Pyrenees impossible to pass for the Muslims and keep ever ready
to stop any advancing march. Strong forts were built at different
places at the foot of the Pyrenees and friendly relations with the
Governors of northern Spain were established with a view to set them
against their ruler. The Caliph of Baghdad was kept informed of their
intentions and preparations and Caliph Harun Rasheed also showed
encouraging friendly gestures by sending them precious gifts. The
new Gothic State also occupied the eastern and southern parts of the
Pyrenees and the Christians of northern Spain extended all help and
facilities. In short, "Gothic March" rose as a strong State on the pattern
of Asturias and the bishops declared all-out help and support to it a
religious obligation. Disgruntled Christians from various States came
to settle in the new State and this deserted territory turned into a
strong, well-populated and splendid piece of land.
Treacherous Muslim Governors encouraged
Hakam had hardly
won peace during the last days of 184 A.H. when
the Christians stormed northern Spain in 185 A.H. And at such a
crucial moment, the Governors of
the northern cities lent support to
Charlemagne considering him a friend and ally of the Caliph of
Baghdad. Moreover, the spies employed in Spain by the court of
Baghdad played a very active role in setting the governors against
Sultan Hakam who refused to obey Hakam and accepted the King of
France as their ruler.
Similarly, the Governors of Galicia and Biscay including the ruler of
Saragossa declared their allegiance to the Christian rulers and rose
against Hakam. But, despite these disturbances Sultan Hakam did not
move from Cordova for the atmosphere in the capital was not at all