Abu Muhammad Abd al-Wahid ibn Abi Hafs facts for kids

Abu Muhammad Abd al-Wahid ibn Abi Hafs al-Hintati (Arabic: أبو محمد عبد الواحد بن أبي حفص), often called Abd al-Wahid, was an important leader in North Africa. He was the Almohad governor of Ifriqya (a region in modern-day Tunisia) from 1207 to 1221. He was also the father of Abu Zakariya Yahya, who founded the Hafsid dynasty.

Early Life and Family

Abd al-Wahid was part of the Hintata tribe. This was a Berber tribe from the High Atlas mountains in Morocco. His father, Abu Hafs Umar ibn Yahya al-Hintati, was a respected leader of the Hintata tribe. He was also a close friend of Ibn Tumart, who helped the Almohads become powerful. Abd al-Wahid's father held important positions in the Almohad government.

Military Successes

Abd al-Wahid was a skilled military leader. In October 1205, he led 4,000 cavalry soldiers. They fought a battle near Gabès and defeated Yahya ibn Ghaniya. Yahya was a warlord who wanted to take over the Maghreb region from the Almohads.

In January 1206, Abd al-Wahid joined the Almohad Caliph, Muhammad al-Nasir. Together, they took control of the city of Mahdia. The city's governor, 'Ali ibn Ghazi, who was Yahya's cousin, decided to join the Almohad side.

Becoming Governor

Before the Caliph returned to Morocco, he gave Abd al-Wahid a very important job. He put Abd al-Wahid in charge of the province of Ifriqya. Abd al-Wahid was one of the Caliph's most trusted officers.

This appointment made Abd al-Wahid very powerful. His family, the Hafsids, later became so strong that they stopped seeing themselves as just governors. In 1229, they declared their independence from the Almohads. Their new kingdom grew quickly, taking control of cities like Bejaia and other nearby areas.

Succession and Legacy

Abd al-Wahid's oldest son, Abdullah ibn Abd al-Wahid, took over after him. However, Abdullah had barely declared independence when his brother, Abu Zakaria Yahya I, took his place. Abu Zakaria Yahya I made his rule strong. He convinced his brother to accept the title of Sheikh and focus on religious life.

Abd al-Wahid passed away in Tunis on February 25, 1221.

See Also

In Spanish: Abu Muhammad Abd al-Wahid ibn Abi Hafs para niños