Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
The Guardian of Al-Andalus (Spain): Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin [MABH] (Part 16)
Wise Governance Amid the Turmoil of the Maghreb
At the outset, we observe that Abu Bakr ibn ‘Umar highly valued the critical mission of governing the Maghreb, as it deserved to be. The Maghreb was a land teeming with powerful tribes, fortified strongholds, and numerous enemies lying in ambush for the fledgling Murabitun movement—enemies who viewed this emerging force as a serious threat to their interests and ambitions. Moreover, many of the tribes that had only recently submitted to the Murabitun were still not fully trustworthy, as the ideological and practical foundations of the movement had not yet taken root among them. Therefore, Abu Bakr was tasked with finding a wise and secure solution that would ensure the continuity and expansion of the Murabitun’s mission in the Maghreb.
A Pivotal Choice: Yusuf ibn Tashfin, Emir of the Maghreb
In this regard, Abu Bakr achieved a remarkable success by selecting the best possible candidate as his successor in the Maghreb: Yusuf ibn Tashfin. He appointed him as an autonomous ruler with full authority to carry out whatever actions he deemed appropriate for the realization of the Murabitun’s objectives—objectives which, as previously mentioned, were the unification of the Ummah and the implementation of Islamic law (Shari‘ah).
Division of Responsibilities Under Military Wisdom
After stabilizing the Maghreb and ensuring the continuation of the jihadist path there, Abu Bakr turned his attention to military matters. With insight and extensive experience, he assessed future challenges and consulted with the Murabitun commanders to strategically assign duties in the southern desert as well.
Dividing the Army in Sijilmasa: Each to His Own Path
To implement these plans, Abu Bakr ibn ‘Umar and his cousin Yusuf ibn Tashfin divided the Murabitun army between themselves in the city of Sijilmasa. Yusuf set out toward the Maghreb with a portion of the army to carry out his mission, while Abu Bakr headed toward the Sahara with the remaining forces to continue his work in that region.
Self-Sacrifice Within the Family Sphere
Even on the social and familial front, Ibn ‘Umar exemplified an extraordinary model of self-sacrifice—one that placed personal emotions and worldly attachments at the altar of a higher purpose. A sign of his deep spiritual commitment was his preference to face the hardships of the desert himself, rather than remain in the comfort of the Maghrebi cities. Though he could have assigned one of his senior commanders in his place, he chose the Hereafter over the fleeting pleasures of this world, seeking divine reward instead.
A Bittersweet but Faithful Conversation with Zaynab al-Nafzawiyyah
One of the most emotionally charged moments was his conversation with his newlywed wife, Zaynab al-Nafzawiyyah, which illustrated his noble spirit and unwavering faith. He told her:
“I am heading to the desert for jihad, hoping that one day I may attain martyrdom and a great reward. You are a beautiful woman and cannot bear the heat of the desert. I cannot keep you in my care while I cannot remain by your side. Therefore, it is best that I divorce you.”[1]
Loyalty to the Covenant and Mission
With this action, Abu Bakr ibn ‘Umar demonstrated his detachment from the world and its superficial attractions. He had no attachment to cities, wealth, fame, or beauty. He was the true successor of ‘Abdullah ibn Yasin—the man who had internalized the Murabitun’s mission in his heart.
A Mujahid with a Vision Beyond History
Abu Bakr ibn ‘Umar was a genuine son of Islam and the Murabitun movement. He dedicated his life to this path and earnestly pursued martyrdom—hoping both to attain eternal Paradise and to leave an everlasting legacy in history. He was a role model for those who hesitate on the path or become content with the superficial glory, while straying far from the true spirit of the Murabitun, satisfied merely with names and titles.
Reforming the Desert and Confronting Polytheism
Upon arriving in the southern desert, Abu Bakr ibn ‘Umar set out to reform the region, calling its people to unity, brotherhood, and jihad. Once peace was restored and hearts were cleansed, he assembled an army to fight against polytheism and idolatry—particularly in the lands of western Sudan and the kingdom of Ghana, which bordered the Murabitun realm. These areas posed a serious threat to the southern flank of the Murabitun army in the north, which was under Yusuf ibn Tashfin’s command.
Striking the Heart of Waniyah: A Three-Month Campaign
He organized his army, aligned its ranks, and like an arrow released from a bow, charged into the land of polytheism. He delivered the message of Islam deep into those regions and fought the obstacles on the path with the sword of truth. His campaign continued for three consecutive months as he advanced into the territories of western Sudan [2], securing the southern frontiers of the Murabitun realm from enemy threats. He established a steel barrier of sincere believers against potential dangers—believers who carried the message of goodness, justice, and peace.
Continues…
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Refrences:
[1] Ibn Abi Zar‘, Rawḍ al-Qirṭās, p. 86.
[2] Ibn Abi Zar‘, Rawḍ al-Qirṭās, p. 86.
