Al-Abbas ibn al-Hasan al-Jarjara'i facts for kids
Al-ʿAbbās ibn al-Ḥasan al-Jarjarāʾī (Arabic: العباس بن الحسن بن أيوب الجرجرائي) was a very important official and chief advisor, known as a vizier, in the Abbasid government. He held this powerful position from October 904 until he was sadly killed on December 16, 908.
Who Was Al-Abbas?
Al-Abbas came from a place called Jarjaraya, which was south of Baghdad. His name, al-Jarjarai, tells us where he was from. He started his career working as a private secretary for a man named al-Qasim ibn Ubayd Allah. A private secretary is someone who helps a powerful person with their letters and important papers.
Becoming a Top Advisor
When al-Qasim ibn Ubayd Allah passed away in October 904, he suggested that either Al-Abbas or another important person, Ali ibn Isa al-Jarrah, should take his place. Ali Ibn Isa did not want the job. So, the Caliph al-Muktafi, who was the ruler at the time, chose Al-Abbas to become the new vizier. A vizier was like a prime minister or a chief minister, helping the Caliph run the entire government.
During his time as vizier, Al-Abbas worked very closely with a powerful family called the Banu'l-Furat. Their leader, Abu'l-Hasan Ali ibn al-Furat, became his main helper and was even chosen to take over from Al-Abbas later on.
Choosing a New Leader
When Caliph al-Muktafi died in 908, it was up to Al-Abbas and other senior officials to decide who would be the next Caliph. Al-Abbas listened to the advice of Abu'l-Hasan Ali. They decided to choose a young ruler who they thought would be easy to guide. They picked al-Muktafi's 13-year-old brother, Ja'far. He then became the new Caliph, known as al-Muqtadir.
A Palace Uprising
In December 908, a sudden uprising happened in the palace. Some powerful groups, including the Jarrahids and the Hamdanid leader al-Husayn ibn Hamdan, tried to take control. They wanted to replace the young Caliph al-Muqtadir with his older and more experienced uncle, Abdallah ibn al-Mu'tazz.
This uprising did not succeed in changing the Caliph. However, during the chaos, the rebels managed to kill Al-Abbas.
