Difference between revisions of "Al-Wathiq" - New World Encyclopedia
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'''Al-Wathiq ibn Mutasim''' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]] الواثق) (died 847) was an [[Abbasid]] [[caliph]] who reigned from 842 until 847 C.E. (227-232 AH in the Islamic calendar). | '''Al-Wathiq ibn Mutasim''' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]] الواثق) (died 847) was an [[Abbasid]] [[caliph]] who reigned from 842 until 847 C.E. (227-232 AH in the Islamic calendar). | ||
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| − | In A.H. 230 (844-845) al-Wathiq sent one of his Turkish generals, [[Bugha al-Kabir]] (the Elder), to handle lawlessness in Arabia. A | + | ==Biography== |
| + | He succeeded his father, [[al-Mutasim]], being hailed caliph on the day his father died, December 26, 841.<ref>Tabari and Kraemer, page 3.</ref> All three predecessors were uncles, sons of [[Harun al-Rashid]] so he was the first grandson of Harun to become commander-of-the-faithful. Al-Wathiq was the son of the [[Byzaantine Empire|Byzantine]] concubine Qaratis. She accompanied al-Wathiq's brother Jafar ibn al-Mu'tasim (the future caliph [[al-Mutawakkil]]) on the [[hajj|pilgrimage]] in A.H. 227. However, she died on the way on August 16, 842. She was buried in Kufa.<ref>Tabari and Kraemer, paghe 4.</ref> | ||
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| + | In A.H. 229 (843-844) al-Wathiq, remembering Harun al-Rashid's handling of the powerful [[Barmakids]], arrested some of his prominent officials. These were tortured to encourage them to surrender funds they allegedly misappropriated.<ref>Tabari and Kraemer, page 12.</ref> His grand-father had seized "vast sums" from the Barmakids estates, accusing them of fraud. They were a wealthy family from Khorasan who had supported the Abbasid coup against the [[Umayyads]]. | ||
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| + | {{Islam}} | ||
| + | In A.H. 230 (844-845) al-Wathiq sent one of his [[Turkey|Turkish]] generals, [[Bugha al-Kabir]] (the Elder), to handle lawlessness in [[Arabia]]. A rebel tribe had defeated and killed the forces of Hammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari. Bugha al-Kabir promptly brought order there arresting a good number of miscreants. The next year, when Bugha was quelling disturbances elsewhere in Arabia, these prisoners attempted to escape. They were prevented and killed. | ||
In A.H. 231 al-Wathiq secured an exchange of captives with the Byzantines. Al-Tabari records that 4,362 Muslims were reported freed in this exchange. This was the first time there was such a prisoner exchange since A.H. 194 (809-810) or 195 (810-811) in al-Amin's reign. | In A.H. 231 al-Wathiq secured an exchange of captives with the Byzantines. Al-Tabari records that 4,362 Muslims were reported freed in this exchange. This was the first time there was such a prisoner exchange since A.H. 194 (809-810) or 195 (810-811) in al-Amin's reign. | ||
| − | That same year there was a planned rebellion in Baghdad | + | That same year there was a planned rebellion in [[Baghdad]] centered on Ahmad ibn Nasr ibn Malik. Ibn Malik belonged to a family that had long supported the Abbasids but he dissented from the [[Mu'tazili]] doctrines that Al-Wathiq, as had the two previous caliphs, enforced. [[William Muir]] describes Malik as "a Muslim saint."<ref>Muir, page 520.</ref>The uprising was scheduled for the night of April 4, 846. However, those who were supposed to sound the signal to rise did so a day early. There was no response. Authorities intervened. Ahmad ibn Nasr was arrested and brought before al-Wathiq. The caliph interrogated him, though more on approved religious belief than on scheming rebellion). Al-Wathiq, using a famous sword called Samsama, personally joined in the execution.<ref>Muir. page 521.</ref> |
| − | The same year there was a break in at the palace treasury in Samarra. Thieves made off with 42,000 dirhams and a small amount of dinars. Security chief Yazid al-Huwani was tireless in his pursuit of them. They were caught. | + | The same year there was a break in at the palace treasury in [[Samarra]], where the capital had been relocated under al-Mutasim. Thieves made off with 42,000 dirhams and a small amount of dinars. Security chief Yazid al-Huwani was tireless in his pursuit of them. They were caught. |
| − | In A.H. 232 (846-847) al-Wathiq sent Bugha al-Kabir to stop the | + | In A.H. 232 (846-847) al-Wathiq sent Bugha al-Kabir to stop the lawlessness of the [[Banu Numayr]]. In [[al-Yamamah]] on February 4, 847 he fought a major engagement against them. At first he was hard pressed. Then some troops he had out raiding returned, fell upon the forces attacking Bugha and completely routed them. |
| − | Al-Wathiq showed an interest in learning similar to that of his father; | + | During his reign, a number of revolts broke out, the largest ones in [[Syria]] and [[Palestine]]. These revolts were the result of an increasingly large gap between Arab populations and the [[Turkey|Turkish]] armies that had been formed by Wathiq's father, al-Mutasim. The revolts were put down, but antagonism between the two groups continued to widen, with the Turkish forces gaining power. |
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| + | ===Patron of Learning== | ||
| + | Al-Wathiq showed an interest in learning similar to that of his father; he was a great patron of scholars, as well as [[art|artists]]. He was renowned for his [[music|musical[[ talents, and is reputed to have composed over one-hundred songs. | ||
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== Death, Personality, Influence == | == Death, Personality, Influence == | ||
| − | Al-Wathiq died on August 10, 847 of high fever. He was succeeded by his brother, | + | Al-Wathiq died on August 10, 847 of high fever. He was succeeded by his brother, al-Mutawakkil. |
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| + | Al-Tabari records that al-Wathiq was of medium height, handsome and well-built. He was fair with a ruddy complexion. His left eye was paralyzed.<ref>Tabaria and Kraemer, page 52.</ref> Muir describes his brief reign as tyrannical but adds that he was also generous with his "generosity and benefactions, enjoyed especially by the poor of Mecca and Medina."<ref>Muir, page 847.</ref> | ||
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| + | Yet he is generally credited with leaving the caliphate weaker than it was when he inherited it from his father. By 945, real power would be in the hands of the [[Shi'a]] [[Buyid dynasty]], who accepted the titular authority of the caliph but exercised [[politics|political]] power. | ||
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| + | ==Legacy== | ||
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A heavily fictionalized version of Al-Wathiq appears in [[William Thomas Beckford]]'s classic 19th-century gothic fantasy novel ''[[Vathek]]''. | A heavily fictionalized version of Al-Wathiq appears in [[William Thomas Beckford]]'s classic 19th-century gothic fantasy novel ''[[Vathek]]''. | ||
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== Bibliography == | == Bibliography == | ||
| − | + | T* ̣abarī, and Joel L. Kraemer. 1989. ''Incipient decline.'' SUNY series in Near Eastern studies. Albany: State University of New York Press. ISBN 9780887068744 | |
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{{s-start}} | {{s-start}} | ||
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Al-Wathiq ibn Mutasim (Arabic الواثق) (died 847) was an Abbasid caliph who reigned from 842 until 847 C.E. (227-232 AH in the Islamic calendar).
Biography
He succeeded his father, al-Mutasim, being hailed caliph on the day his father died, December 26, 841.[1] All three predecessors were uncles, sons of Harun al-Rashid so he was the first grandson of Harun to become commander-of-the-faithful. Al-Wathiq was the son of the Byzantine concubine Qaratis. She accompanied al-Wathiq's brother Jafar ibn al-Mu'tasim (the future caliph al-Mutawakkil) on the pilgrimage in A.H. 227. However, she died on the way on August 16, 842. She was buried in Kufa.[2]
In A.H. 229 (843-844) al-Wathiq, remembering Harun al-Rashid's handling of the powerful Barmakids, arrested some of his prominent officials. These were tortured to encourage them to surrender funds they allegedly misappropriated.[3] His grand-father had seized "vast sums" from the Barmakids estates, accusing them of fraud. They were a wealthy family from Khorasan who had supported the Abbasid coup against the Umayyads.
| Part of the series on |
| Beliefs and practices |
|
Oneness of God |
| Major figures |
|
Muhammad |
| Texts & law |
|
Qur'an · Hadith · Sharia |
| Branches of Islam |
| Sociopolitical aspects |
|
Art · Architecture |
| See also |
|
Vocabulary of Islam |
In A.H. 230 (844-845) al-Wathiq sent one of his Turkish generals, Bugha al-Kabir (the Elder), to handle lawlessness in Arabia. A rebel tribe had defeated and killed the forces of Hammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari. Bugha al-Kabir promptly brought order there arresting a good number of miscreants. The next year, when Bugha was quelling disturbances elsewhere in Arabia, these prisoners attempted to escape. They were prevented and killed.
In A.H. 231 al-Wathiq secured an exchange of captives with the Byzantines. Al-Tabari records that 4,362 Muslims were reported freed in this exchange. This was the first time there was such a prisoner exchange since A.H. 194 (809-810) or 195 (810-811) in al-Amin's reign.
That same year there was a planned rebellion in Baghdad centered on Ahmad ibn Nasr ibn Malik. Ibn Malik belonged to a family that had long supported the Abbasids but he dissented from the Mu'tazili doctrines that Al-Wathiq, as had the two previous caliphs, enforced. William Muir describes Malik as "a Muslim saint."[4]The uprising was scheduled for the night of April 4, 846. However, those who were supposed to sound the signal to rise did so a day early. There was no response. Authorities intervened. Ahmad ibn Nasr was arrested and brought before al-Wathiq. The caliph interrogated him, though more on approved religious belief than on scheming rebellion). Al-Wathiq, using a famous sword called Samsama, personally joined in the execution.[5]
The same year there was a break in at the palace treasury in Samarra, where the capital had been relocated under al-Mutasim. Thieves made off with 42,000 dirhams and a small amount of dinars. Security chief Yazid al-Huwani was tireless in his pursuit of them. They were caught.
In A.H. 232 (846-847) al-Wathiq sent Bugha al-Kabir to stop the lawlessness of the Banu Numayr. In al-Yamamah on February 4, 847 he fought a major engagement against them. At first he was hard pressed. Then some troops he had out raiding returned, fell upon the forces attacking Bugha and completely routed them.
During his reign, a number of revolts broke out, the largest ones in Syria and Palestine. These revolts were the result of an increasingly large gap between Arab populations and the Turkish armies that had been formed by Wathiq's father, al-Mutasim. The revolts were put down, but antagonism between the two groups continued to widen, with the Turkish forces gaining power.
=Patron of Learning
Al-Wathiq showed an interest in learning similar to that of his father; he was a great patron of scholars, as well as artists. He was renowned for his [[music|musical[[ talents, and is reputed to have composed over one-hundred songs.
Death, Personality, Influence
Al-Wathiq died on August 10, 847 of high fever. He was succeeded by his brother, al-Mutawakkil.
Al-Tabari records that al-Wathiq was of medium height, handsome and well-built. He was fair with a ruddy complexion. His left eye was paralyzed.[6] Muir describes his brief reign as tyrannical but adds that he was also generous with his "generosity and benefactions, enjoyed especially by the poor of Mecca and Medina."[7]
Yet he is generally credited with leaving the caliphate weaker than it was when he inherited it from his father. By 945, real power would be in the hands of the Shi'a Buyid dynasty, who accepted the titular authority of the caliph but exercised political power.
Legacy
A heavily fictionalized version of Al-Wathiq appears in William Thomas Beckford's classic 19th-century gothic fantasy novel Vathek.
Perhaps it is good to conclude this article with these verses from the celebrated poet Ali ibn al-Jahm:
- Both the worldly and the pious/ Thrive during the regime of al-Wathiq Harun.
- He abounds with justice and generosity,/ Sustaining this world along with religion.
- Goodness prevails through his kindness,/ And people are at comfort and ease.
- How many wish him a long life/ And how many intone "Amen."
(at Tabari v. 34 p. 55)
Bibliography
T* ̣abarī, and Joel L. Kraemer. 1989. Incipient decline. SUNY series in Near Eastern studies. Albany: State University of New York Press. ISBN 9780887068744
| Abbasid Born: ?; Died: 847 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sunni Islam titles | ||
| Preceded by: Al-Mu'tasim |
Caliph of Islam 842 – 847 |
Succeeded by: Al-Mutawakkil |
ar:أبو جعفر هارون الواثق بالله de:Al-Wāthiq bi-'llāh es:Al-Wathiq fa:ابوجعفر هارون الواثق بالله fr:Al-Wāt̠iq id:Al-Watsiq
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