Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya facts for kids

Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya (which means 'The Pure Soul' in Arabic) was an important figure in early Islamic history. He was a descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, through his daughter Fatimah. People knew him for his strong speaking skills, friendly nature, and impressive physical appearance.

He led a rebellion known as the Alid Revolt in Medina. This uprising was against the second Abbasid ruler, Al-Mansur, but it did not succeed. Muhammad and a small group of soldiers fought against a much larger Abbasid army. He was killed on December 6, 762 CE.

Muhammad's Early Life

Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya was born around 718 CE in Medina. He belonged to a respected family directly linked to Prophet Muhammad. Because of his family background, many people believed he was destined for great things.

At first, Muhammad hoped to lead a revolt against the Umayyad rulers. Many important people, including future Abbasid leaders, secretly promised to support him. This happened in a place called Abwa.

However, the Umayyad rule ended, and the Abbasid family took power instead. When the Abbasid government became strong, many of Muhammad's early supporters left him. Other groups of Shiites who believed in his cause then gathered around him.

His Character and Travels

Muhammad was a very inspiring person to many across the Islamic lands. For years, he had to hide and travel secretly. This was because his close connection to Prophet Muhammad made him a threat to the rulers at the time.

Eventually, he managed to gather a large, though not very organized, army. With this army, he successfully took control of the city of Medina. Later, in the year 145 AH (around 762 CE), he also took over Mecca and Yemen.

The Revolt of 762 CE

Medina was not a good place for a big rebellion. The city relied on other areas for supplies and goods. Muhammad's army was made up of loyal followers, but they were not as strong as the Caliph's trained soldiers.

Even though the Abbasid army had a clear advantage, Muhammad refused to give up. Before the battle, he used old trenches that Prophet Muhammad had dug decades earlier. These trenches helped to protect the city. Despite his efforts, Muhammad was killed in Medina a few months after taking control of Mecca and Yemen.

See also

• Abbasids
• Alids
• Abdullah Shah Ghazi, son of Muhammad
• Ja'far al-Sadiq
• Nafs-e-Zakiyyah (Pure soul)
• Zaydism

Images for kids

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  Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya's grave at the Al-Baqi Cemetery in Medina