Ibn Rumahis facts for kids
Muhammad ibn Rumahis was a brave Muslim admiral from Spain who lived in the 900s. He is remembered in Jewish history for a special event. He captured four important Jewish teachers, called Rabbis. He then helped them return to Jewish communities in places like Alexandria, Kairouan, and Spain.
Early Life and Becoming an Admiral
Muhammad ibn Rumahis was born in the northern part of what is now Spain. When he was young, he was captured during a raid by the caliph Abd al-Rahman III. A caliph was a powerful ruler, like a king.
The Caliph soon learned that Muhammad was very skilled at sailing and leading ships. Because of his talents, the Caliph set him free. Muhammad was then made an admiral, which means he was a top commander of the Caliph's navy. He led many naval missions from the year 940 until he passed away in 971 CE.
The Four Captured Rabbis
A famous old book called Sefer HaKabbala tells a unique story about Ibn Rumahis. He captured a boat carrying four important Jewish teachers. These teachers were Rabbis Shemariah ben Elchanan, Chushiel, Moshe ben Chanoch, and another Rabbi whose name is not known.
These Rabbis were traveling to collect money for special Jewish schools in a place called Babylonia. These schools taught about the Talmud, which is a very important Jewish text.
Ibn Rumahis knew that Jewish people cared deeply about helping those who were captured. So, he sailed around the Mediterranean Sea. He helped the Rabbis return to different Jewish communities.
- He helped Rabbi Shemariah go to the Jewish community in Alexandria.
- He helped Rabbi Chushiel go to the Jewish community in Kairouan.
- He helped Rabbi Moshe go to the Jewish community in Spain.
Many people believe this event helped spread Jewish learning from Babylonia to places like Spain and North Africa. Some historians think the fourth Rabbi, whose name is not known, might have been Nathan ben Isaac HaBabli. They believe he settled in the Jewish community of Narbonne.
See also
In Spanish: Muhammad ibn Rumahis para niños
