Al-Muntasir Facts for Kids

Abu Ja'far Muhammad (Arabic: أبو جعفر محمد; born November 837 – died 7 June 862), known as al-Muntasir bi-llah (المنتصر بالله, meaning "He who triumphs in God"), was a powerful leader. He was the caliph of the Abbasid Caliphate from 861 to 862. His time as caliph was very short, lasting only six months. This period is often called the "Anarchy at Samarra" because of many power struggles.

Al-Muntasir's rule began after a big power struggle. He was involved in the events that led to his father, al-Mutawakkil, being killed. This happened in 861. After his father's death, al-Muntasir became caliph with the help of Turkic military leaders.

During his short reign, al-Muntasir made some important changes. He was more friendly towards the House of ʻAlī. He also lifted a ban that stopped people from visiting the tombs of Hassan and Hussayn. He also sent his army to fight against the Byzantines. His general, Wasif al-Turki, led these battles. Al-Muntasir died suddenly in June 862. After his death, al-Musta'in became the new caliph.

Early Life and Family
- Power Struggles and His Father's Death
Al-Muntasir's Time as Caliph
- Battles with the Byzantines
Death of Al-Muntasir
Succession After Al-Muntasir
See also

Early Life and Family

A family tree showing the Abbasid caliphs from the ninth century.

Al-Muntasir was born Muhammad in November 837. He was the oldest son of Abu al-Fadl Ja'far, who later became the Abbasid caliph al-Mutawakkil. His mother was Hubshiya, who was a Greek slave.

In 849, al-Mutawakkil planned for his sons to take over after him. He named three of his sons as future leaders. Al-Muntasir, being the oldest, was named the first in line. He was given control over important regions like Egypt and the Jazira. His brothers, al-Mu'tazz and al-Mu'ayyad, were also given responsibilities.

The historian Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari wrote that al-Muntasir led a pilgrimage in 850–851. At first, his father seemed to favor him as his successor. But later, things changed, and al-Muntasir worried his father might act against him. This led to a difficult situation.

Power Struggles and His Father's Death

Al-Mutawakkil had named al-Muntasir as his heir in 849/50. However, he slowly started to favor his second son, al-Mu'tazz. This was encouraged by some important officials. This created a rivalry between the brothers. Al-Mu'tazz had the support of the traditional Abbasid leaders. Al-Muntasir, on the other hand, was supported by the Turkic and Maghariba guard troops.

In late 861, the tension grew. Al-Mutawakkil ordered that the property of a Turkic general, Wasif, be taken away. This made the Turkic leaders feel threatened. They began to plan against the Caliph. Al-Muntasir also seemed to agree with their plans. He had faced several difficult situations. For example, he was not chosen to lead the Friday prayer in Ramadan.

According to al-Tabari, al-Mutawakkil even insulted and threatened al-Muntasir. With rumors that the Turkic leaders would be arrested, the plotters decided to act quickly. On the night of December 10/11, 861, the Turkic soldiers entered the Caliph's room. Al-Mutawakkil was killed. Al-Muntasir then became the new caliph.

Al-Muntasir's Time as Caliph

Al-Muntasir became caliph smoothly on December 11, 861. He had the strong support of the Turkic military group. This group then convinced al-Muntasir to remove his brothers from the line of succession. They worried that his brothers would seek revenge for their father's death. So, on April 27, 862, both brothers signed papers giving up their right to be caliph.

Al-Muntasir quickly took control of the capital city, Samarra. He received the oath of allegiance from the important leaders. His rise to power helped his close friends. His secretary, Ahmad ibn al-Khasib, became his chief minister, known as a vizier. Wasif, a top Turkic general, also gained more power.

Al-Muntasir was praised for being different from his father. He showed respect for the House of ʻAlī (Shīʻa). He also removed the ban on visiting the tombs of Hassan and Hussayn. This was a very popular decision. He also sent his general Wasif to lead a military campaign against the Byzantines.

Battles with the Byzantines

Soon after becoming caliph, al-Muntasir decided to send an Abbasid army to fight the Byzantines. This idea came from his vizier, Ahmad ibn al-Khasib. The vizier wanted to send Wasif away from the capital. So, he suggested putting Wasif in charge of a military campaign. The caliph agreed to this plan.

Wasif and the army left for the Byzantine border in early 862. They set up camp in the Syrian part of the border. They were getting ready to enter Byzantine lands.

However, before Wasif could make much progress, events back in the capital changed everything. Al-Muntasir died after only six months as caliph. He passed away around early June. The cause of his death is not fully known. Some say it was an illness, others suggest he was poisoned.

After his death, the vizier Ahmad ibn al-Khasib and a few senior Turkic commanders met. They decided to make al-Musta'in the new caliph. They presented their choice to the soldiers in Samarra. Eventually, they were able to make the soldiers promise loyalty to the new caliph.

Al-Muntasir's death did not stop the military campaign right away. Wasif decided to continue the mission. He led his forces into Byzantine territory. The army attacked a Byzantine fortress called Faruriyyah near Tarsus. The Muslim army defeated the defenders and captured the stronghold.

But the change in government in Samarra eventually ended the expedition. Wasif could not ignore the new caliph for long. He needed to protect his interests back in the capital. So, he decided to leave the Byzantine front. By 863, he was back in Samarra.

Death of Al-Muntasir

Al-Muntasir's rule was very short, lasting less than half a year. He died on Sunday, June 7, 862, when he was 24 years old. There are different stories about what caused his death. Some say he died from an illness. Others suggest he was bled with a poisoned medical tool.

The historian al-Tabari mentions that al-Muntasir was the first Abbasid caliph whose tomb was made public. His mother, a Greek slave, revealed its location. Earlier caliphs wanted their tombs to be kept secret. They feared their tombs might be disrespected. However, other historians note that the tombs of several earlier Abbasid caliphs are actually known.

Succession After Al-Muntasir

Al-Muntasir's father, caliph al-Mutawakkil (who ruled from 847–861), had planned for his sons to become caliph after him. The plan was for al-Muntasir to rule first. Then, al-Mu'tazz would follow, and third, al-Mu'ayyad.

However, during al-Muntasir's very short reign (861–862), the Turkic leaders convinced him to remove al-Mu'tazz and al-Mu'ayyad from the succession plan. When al-Muntasir died, the Turkic officers gathered. They decided to place the dead caliph's cousin, Ahmad al-Musta'in, on the throne instead.

Al-Muntasir facts for kids

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