Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
The Guardian of Al-Andalus (Spain): Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin [MABH] (Part 19)
Yusuf; the unifier of the Maghreb and the hero of the nation
Yusuf was able to fulfill his mission in full; he conquered the Maghreb, united the small states and warring tribes, and organized them on the path of jihad and the honor of the Muslims. Therefore, on his second trip to the desert, Abu Bakr once again definitively handed over the caliphate to Yusuf, by taking the testimony of scholars, sheikhs, and the people, and writing official documents. He officially announced that he was freeing the people from their allegiance to him and that everyone should be under Yusuf’s command.
The concept of leadership in the Al-Murabitin state
In the Al-Murabitin state, leadership was determined not based on lineage or individual desires, but on merit and readiness to serve the nation. Perfection in commitment, purity of soul, disregard for worldly adornments, sincerity in intention, and connection with Allah were the criteria of excellence. Therefore, during the reign of Yusuf ibn Tashfin, we never witnessed internal disputes, divisions in the ranks of the people, or the emergence of serious opponents to the government.
A testament full of honesty and responsibility
In the end, Abu Bakr said to Yusuf in a sincere and meaningful testament: “O Yusuf! I have entrusted this government to you and I am responsible for it. Fear Allah and save me from Allah’s punishment. Do not neglect the people’s welfare, because you are responsible for them. May Allah reform you, help you, make you successful, and be my successor with them.”[1]
Responsibility in the eyes of the Al-Murabitin leaders
These lofty concepts are what the missionaries of Islam are trying to instill in the hearts and souls of Muslim leaders; because if the rulers understand their responsibility towards their people, they will spare no effort in serving them, neither will they go to extremes in exploiting the interests of the people, nor will they neglect pursuing their needs, nor will they involve them in tasks that they cannot bear.
In fact, people are a trust placed on the shoulders of rulers, a heavy and difficult trust that requires patience, endurance and sacrifice. Allah Almighty will also hold them accountable on the Day of Judgment with severity. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There is no ruler who is given the guardianship of ten Muslims except that he will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment with his hands tied around his neck, so either justice will free him or oppression will destroy him.”
In contrast to this severity, Allah has provided a great reward and a high status for those leaders who shoulder this trust with honor and purity. Such a leader has a higher status than the ascetics and the pious and is among those close to Allah; as in the famous hadith, he is among the first to be shaded by the Divine Throne on the Day of Judgment; the Day when there will be no shade but Allah’s.
Undoubtedly, this valuable advice clearly shows the attitude that the leaders of the Al-Murabitin state had towards responsibility, asceticism and simplicity of life. It was this deep understanding of life that made them pioneers in the fields of jihad; a jihad that ended either in victory or in martyrdom. Yes, how few are the men who shoulder the burden of responsibility so sincerely. They are the type of immortal people who have illuminated the glorious history of the Islamic nation with the light of their pen.
An immortal name on the back of coins: a sign of loyalty and empathy
After the great mujahid, Yusuf ibn Tashfin, heard these weighty instructions, with unparalleled loyalty, he decided to continue to put the name of Abu Bakr ibn Umar on the coins as the official ruler of the state and not to make any decision without consulting him. This action was a sign of mutual trust and loyalty to the promises.
Then each of these two great men returned to their respective places: Abu Bakr descended into a coma, and Yusuf ibn Tashfin returned to Morocco to prepare a feast and appropriate gifts for his distinguished guest; gifts full of love, affection, and honor.
A Royal Gift from Yusuf ibn Tashfin
Yusuf ibn Tashfin sent a magnificent gift from the city of Marrakesh to Abu Bakr ibn Umar, who was about to return to the southern desert. This valuable gift mainly consisted of the following:
25,000 gold dinars in cash;
70 horses, 25 of which were fully adorned with gold-plated saddles and helmets;
70 swords, 20 of which were decorated with gold and 50 were plain;
20 pairs of golden saddles (mahamez);
150 thoroughbred male and female mules;
100 exquisite turbans;
400 shashiya (a thin cloth hat typical of the Shash region of Transoxiana);
100 thick turbans (Ghafarah);
200 bronzes in white, black, and red;
1,000 linen cloths;
100 pieces of a special type of cloth called “Ashkar”;
700 dyed robes;
200 shawls in various colors and designs;
200 robes (long Arabic robes);
52 robes of fine Ashkar;
70 pieces of Melaff cloth (a type of thin woven wool);
7 large flags, one of which was decorated and exquisite;
20 virgin maids;
100 female servants and 51 male servants;
10 pounds of moist oud wood, 2 pounds of which were of the expensive variety;
5 containers of fragrant musk;
2 pounds of fragrant ambergris;
15 pounds of needle-shaped oud (Nad);
Along with large quantities of wheat, barley, cattle, and sheep.[2]
Continues…
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References:
1. Ibn Abi Zarh, Rawzat al-Qirtas, p. 87.
2.Al-Hilal al-Mawshiyya, p. 28.
