Sulayman ibn al-Hakam facts for kids

Sulayman ibn al-Hakam (also known as Sulayman al-Musta'in bi-llah) was an important ruler in Al-Andalus, which was a Muslim-ruled part of Spain. He was the fifth Caliph of Córdoba, a title similar to a king or emperor. He ruled twice: first from 1009 to 1010, and then again from 1013 to 1016.

Becoming Caliph

In 1009, there was a lot of trouble in the kingdom. Another leader, Muhammad II, had started a rebellion. He had even put the current caliph, Hisham II al-Hakam, in prison. This happened while the kingdom's strong military leader, Abd al-Rahman Sanchuelo, was away fighting in León.

Sulayman saw his chance. He gathered an army of Berber soldiers who had left Muhammad. He also made a deal with Count Sancho García of Castile. Together, they fought Muhammad's forces. On November 1, 1009, Sulayman won a big battle at Alcolea.

Muhammad ran away to Toledo. Sulayman then entered Córdoba, the capital city. His soldiers, the Berbers and Castilians, were allowed to take things from the city. Sulayman first freed Caliph Hisham II and said he was still the ruler. But just a few days later, Sulayman removed Hisham II from power. Sulayman's Berber soldiers then chose him as the new caliph. He took the special name (called a laqab) of al-Musta'in bi-llah, which means "He Who Seeks for God's Help."

Losing and Regaining Power

Even though Sulayman was now caliph, he couldn't capture Toledo, where Muhammad had gone. In May 1010, Muhammad came back. He had gathered new soldiers, including "slave" mercenaries from different parts of Europe. He also teamed up with Count Ramon Borrell from Barcelona.

Muhammad's forces defeated Sulayman and took back Córdoba. The city was again plundered, this time by the Spanish soldiers. Muhammad became caliph once more. However, his own mercenaries killed him in July. After that, Hisham II was put back in charge as caliph.

Sulayman had to retreat to Algeciras. But he didn't give up. In 1013, with more help from the Berbers, he managed to take Córdoba back. He then removed Hisham II from power again.

The End of His Reign

Sulayman tried to keep his power by giving special favors to his Berber, Arab, and "slave" soldiers and their leaders. But this meant that the caliphate's power became very small. It only really controlled the city of Córdoba itself. Meanwhile, other groups, like the Zirids in Granada, started their own independent kingdoms.

In 1016, a large Berber army attacked Córdoba. This army was led by Ali ibn Hammud al-Nasir, who was the Hammudid governor of Ceuta. Ali ibn Hammud conquered Córdoba on July 1, 1016. Sulayman was captured and put in prison. Soon after, he was beheaded, which means he was killed by having his head cut off.

See also

In Spanish: Sulaimán al-Mustaín para niños