Ubayd Allah ibn Yahya ibn Khaqan facts for kids

Abū al-Ḥasan ʿUbayd Allāh ibn Yaḥyā ibn Khāqān (Arabic: أبو الحسن عبيد الله بن يحيى بن خāqān) was an important official in the Abbasid Caliphate. He served as a vizier (a high-ranking minister or advisor) twice. He worked for two different caliphs: al-Mutawakkil and al-Mu'tamid.

Ubayd Allah's Early Life and Family

Ubayd Allah's father, Yahya, came from Marw in Khurasan. He worked for al-Hasan ibn Sahl, who was the vizier to Caliph al-Ma'mun (who ruled from 813 to 833). Yahya's career became very successful under Caliph al-Mutawakkil (who ruled from 847 to 861). He became the head of the dīwān al-kharāj, which was like the government's finance department. He also directed the maẓālim tribunal, which handled public complaints and grievances.

Becoming a Vizier

Because of his father's success, Ubayd Allah was well-liked by Caliph al-Mutawakkil. Around 851, the Caliph made Ubayd Allah his private secretary. Soon after, al-Mutawakkil appointed Ubayd Allah as his vizier. This position had been empty for some time. Ubayd Allah was given a lot of power, especially in choosing other officials. This helped him control the government's administration.

Key Roles and Influence

Ubayd Allah also worked as a tutor for one of al-Mutawakkil's sons. Throughout al-Mutawakkil's rule, Ubayd Allah was very important. He, along with al-Fath ibn Khaqan (who was not related to him), strongly influenced the Caliph. He was especially active in al-Mutawakkil's policies against the Alids, a group of people descended from Ali ibn Abi Talib.

During his time as vizier, Ubayd Allah helped the career of Ahmad ibn Tulun. Ahmad later founded the Tulunid dynasty, a powerful ruling family. Ubayd Allah also played a big part in the removal of Najah ibn Salamah from his position in early 860. Najah was in charge of the dīwān al-tawqīʿ, a bureau that wrote official orders.

Political Challenges and Later Career

Ubayd Allah supported al-Mutawakkil's wish for his son al-Mu'tazz to become the next caliph. However, another son, al-Muntasir, was supported by the Turkish and Maghariba guard troops.

Surviving a Palace Coup

On December 10, 861, al-Mutawakkil and al-Fath ibn Khaqan were killed by the Turkish guards. This likely happened with al-Muntasir's approval. Ubayd Allah was saved because he was still working late in his office. When he heard the noise and learned what happened, he and his group escaped the palace. They had to break down locked doors to get out. They reached the Tigris River and took boats to al-Mu'tazz's home. However, it was too late. Al-Mu'tazz had already been tricked into going to the palace and accepting his brother as the new caliph.

After al-Mutawakkil's death, Ubayd Allah left politics for a while. From 862 to 867, he was even sent away to Barqa.

Return to Power

When al-Mu'tamid became Caliph in June 870, Ubayd Allah was re-appointed as vizier. He held this important job until he died. According to the historian Ibn al-Jawzi, Ubayd Allah died on August 5, 877. He passed away after getting hurt during a polo match.

Ubayd Allah's Sons

The famous historian al-Tabari was a tutor for Ubayd Allah's sons. He was reportedly paid ten gold dinars (gold coins) each month.

One of Ubayd Allah's sons, Muhammad, also became a vizier later, from 912 to 913. Another son, Musa, became a respected scholar. Muhammad's son, Abdallah, also briefly served as vizier from 924 to 925.