Muhammad al-Nasir facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Muhammad al-Nasir |
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| Caliph of the Almohads | |
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| Ruler of the Almohad Caliphate | |
| Reign | 1199–1213 |
| Predecessor | Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur |
| Successor | Yusuf II, Almohad caliph |
| Born | c. 1182 |
| Died | 1213 (aged c. 30–31) |
| Spouse | Qamar |
| Issue | Yusuf II |
| Dynasty | Almohad |
| Father | Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur |
| Mother | Ammet Allah bint Abu Isaac |
| Religion | Islam |
Muhammad al-Nasir (born around 1182 – died 1213) was an important ruler. He was the fourth Almohad Caliph. He ruled from 1199 until his death. People in Christian lands at the time called him Miramamolin.
Muhammad al-Nasir became caliph on January 25, 1199. This happened right after his father, Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansur, passed away. Muhammad al-Nasir took over an empire that was facing some challenges. His father had won many battles against Christians in Iberia. This gave Muhammad al-Nasir time to focus on other problems.
He first dealt with the Banu Ghaniya family. They were trying to take over Ifriqiya (modern-day Tunisia). He successfully defeated them. After this, he needed to handle issues in other parts of his empire. He chose Abu Mohammed ibn Abi Hafs to govern Ifriqiya. This decision accidentally started the rule of the Hafsid dynasty there. They ruled until 1574.
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Challenges in Iberia
Muhammad al-Nasir soon had to focus on Iberia again. Pope Innocent III had called for a Crusade. This was at the request of King Alfonso VIII of Castile.
This led to a major battle in 1212. It was called the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa. Muhammad al-Nasir's forces fought against a group of Christian armies. He was defeated in this important battle.
Relationship with King John of England
In the early 1200s, John, King of England faced many problems. He had a disagreement with Pope Innocent III. This led to England being placed under an interdict. An interdict meant that religious services were banned. King John himself was excommunicated. Parts of his country were rebelling. There were also threats of an invasion from France.
A Desperate Plea
A writer named Matthew Paris wrote about these events later. He claimed that King John was very desperate. John supposedly sent messengers to Muhammad al-Nasir. He asked for the caliph's help. In return, John offered to become a Muslim. He also offered to make England a Muslim state under the caliph's control.
One of the messengers was a cleric from London named Master Robert. The story says that Muhammad al-Nasir was disgusted by John's offer. He sent the messengers away without helping. However, many historians doubt this story. There is not enough other evidence from that time to prove it happened.
Images for kids
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A gold coin from the time of Muhammad al-Nasir's rule.
See also
In Spanish: Muhámmad an-Násir para niños
