The Historian Ibn al-Athir's Perspectives and Views on the Umayyad State and its Caliphs (41-132 AH / 661-750 AD)

Abstract

This study sheds light on the life, works, and perspectives of the renowned historian Ibn al-Athir (555-630 AH / 1160-1233 AD) regarding the Umayyad State and its Caliphs. It is an attempt to analyze and present the historian's views on the political history of the Umayyad dynasty and its officials. The study demonstrates that Ibn al-Athir approached the Umayyad Caliphs with a critical spirit and in detail, emphasizing their personal and moral aspects while openly criticizing their policies and conduct.

A section of the research is dedicated to introducing the life of Izz al-Din Ibn al-Athir, his family's role in serving the Zangid state in Mosul, and his academic journeys. It also outlines his most significant works, such as Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh (The Complete History), Al-Tarikh al-Bahir (The Brilliant History), and Usd al-Ghabah (The Lions of the Forest), as well as his writing style, utilizing these texts as the primary sources for this research.

Another section is devoted to analyzing Ibn al-Athir’s perception of the Umayyad Caliphs. The study reveals that he was not merely a narrator but a critical historian. He criticized Muawiyah for the controversial filiation of Ziyad ibn Abihi to his father, which was contrary to Sharia. He also condemned the reprehensible actions of Yazid ibn Muawiyah, such as the killing of Al-Hussein ibn Ali and the attacks on the cities of Medina and Mecca. He described Caliphs such as Abd al-Malik and Al-Walid as strong but somewhat tyrannical figures, although he did not deny their contributions to development, such as the renovation of mosques. Conversely, he spoke of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz with the utmost respect, describing him as a paragon of benevolence and justice, particularly for halting the custom of reviling Ali ibn Abi Talib and his family. Regarding the later Umayyad rulers, such as Al-Walid ibn Yazid, he emphasized their immorality, consumption of alcohol, and desecration of sanctities.

Finally, the study concludes that Ibn al-Athir objectively and boldly recorded the religious and political errors of the Umayyads, which ultimately contributed to the loss of their legitimacy and the collapse of their rule.