Al-Walid ibn Utbah and his stance on the revolution of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him)

Abstract

The Umayyads' stance toward the Imam's departure from the Hijaz to Iraq was turbulent. One group sought safety, feared the consequences, and feared that Ibn Ziyad might harm the Imam, which would be a cause of their rule's downfall. Another group feared for the Umayyad throne, warned against the loss of the kingdom, and saw the need to oppress the Imam and confront him to surrender the kingdom and authority to them. The first group was represented by Al-Walid ibn Utbah, while the second was represented by Amr ibn Sa'id Al-Ashdaq. Each of them wrote a letter to Ibn Ziyad expressing their opinion and direction.

The figure of Al-Walid ibn Utbah ibn Abi Sufyan is a complex model embodying the nature of the political and social challenges within the Umayyad state during a pivotal period of upheaval in Islamic history. As governor of Medina, Al-Walid was entrusted with a delicate and difficult task, requiring a balance between loyalty to the Umayyad authority and the intertwined social and religious needs of the local community. Despite his efforts to maintain order, Al-Walid faced significant challenges, particularly from the supporters of the Prophet's family (peace be upon them), which ultimately led to a decline in his influence. The end of Al-Walid's political career reflects the nature of the internal conflicts within the Umayyad state and the complexity of managing a vital religious and political center.