Author: Obaidullah Nimruzi
The Guardian of Al-Andalus (Spain): Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin [MABH] (Part 38)
The Cautious Policy of Alfonso VI
At this time, Alfonso VI, the king of Castile, continued advancing into the Muslim territories. His policy was this: never to fight Muslims within his own domain; for if he were defeated there, his kingdom would be lost. But if he fought them on Muslim soil and suffered defeat, he could retreat into his own realm without losing anything and prepare again for war.
This policy placed relentless pressure on the Muslims. Zaragoza was under increasing attacks day after day and, in addition to its wars with the Christians, it was also embroiled in conflicts with its Banu ‘Amir neighbors. Meanwhile, the Banu al-Aftas in Badajoz and Beja were on the verge of collapse. Alfonso had warned them that unless they submitted to him, he would destroy all their cities.
But Al-Mutawakkil ibn al-Aftas, the ruler of Badajoz, responded with a lengthy and passionate letter, filled with courage, dignity, and nobility.
Tribute and Humiliation of the Andalusian Rulers
While Yusuf ibn Tashfin was preparing to cross over, many of the rulers of Al-Andalus, instead of resisting, paid tribute to Alfonso or surrendered their border fortresses. Even Al-Mu‘tamid ibn ‘Abbad, the ruler of Seville, was forced to pay a heavy tax.
Alfonso sent an envoy named Qarmit al-Burhans, along with a Jewish specialist in coin inspection, to Seville. Their mission was to verify the authenticity of the coins being paid. When the wealth was delivered, the Jew refused to accept the money without examining it. A heated exchange followed, and Qarmit suggested that, instead of money, warships equal in value to the tribute be handed over. This enraged Al-Mu‘tamid, who cried out: “I can no longer endure the arrogance of these despicable Christians!” Several of his Saqaliba slaves stormed the Jew’s tent and killed him and his companions. However, the Castilian envoy’s life was spared in respect of diplomatic laws, and he returned to Toledo with threats and warnings.
Al-Mu‘tamid’s Fateful Decision
In the face of Alfonso’s growing threats and oppression, Al-Mu‘tamid summoned his son Al-Rashid and said to him:
“O my son! Never do I wish that history should record my name as the one who turned Al-Andalus into a land of unbelief or surrendered it to the Christians, so that curses should fall upon me from the pulpits of Islam, as they have upon others.”
He then continued: “If we must face one of two hardships, either the authority of the Almoravids or the domination of the Christians, by Allah, I would rather see my sons herding camels under the Almoravids than herding pigs under the Christians.”
Some of his courtiers tried to frighten him with the power of Yusuf ibn Tashfin, saying: “Kingship is a barren domain, and two swords cannot fit into one sheath.” But Al-Mu‘tamid replied: “By Allah! If I must choose between being a subject of the Almoravids or paying tribute to the Christians, I would rather herd the camels of the Sultan of Marrakesh than herd the pigs of Castile.”
Correspondence with Yusuf ibn Tashfin
Al-Mu‘tamid sent envoys to Yusuf ibn Tashfin, along with a letter written in his own hand. In it, he praised Yusuf with the titles “Commander of the Faithful” and “Defender of the Religion.” Yet Yusuf had never claimed the Caliphate, deriving his legitimacy instead from the Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad. According to Ibn Khaldun, the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mustazhir Billah had officially appointed him as the ruler of Ifriqiya, with all the formal ceremonies completed.
In his letter, Al-Mu‘tamid described the miserable condition of the Muslims of Al-Andalus: internal divisions and disputes, the weakness and indulgence of the rulers, and, in contrast, Alfonso’s relentless raids. He wrote:
“Each day a part of the Muslim lands is lost. Alfonso, like a rabid dog, charges upon our lands, capturing fortress after fortress, enslaving the people, and spreading destruction everywhere. Yet none of the Andalusian rulers rises to help.”
Al-Mu‘tamid attributed this weakness to the mild climate of Al-Andalus, the rulers’ attachment to pleasures, fragrant baths, delicious foods, and a life of luxury. He urged Yusuf, as a mighty king and protector of Islam, to come swiftly to the aid of Al-Andalus.[1]
The Role of Vizier Abu Bakr ibn ‘Abbad
Al-Mu‘tamid’s vizier, Abu Bakr ibn ‘Abbad, also wrote a letter, reiterating the same concerns. He emphasized that the downfall of the Muslims stemmed only from their disunity, while the Christians were growing stronger through increasing unity. He concluded his letter with these words:[2]
“The mosques, once filled with Muslim worshippers, are now crowded with the priests of our enemies. Crosses are raised atop the minarets that once echoed with the call to prayer, and the church bells have replaced the summons to worship. Our only hope today is Yusuf ibn Tashfin. I firmly believe that Allah has chosen him to save Islam.”
The Surrender of Algeciras Fortress to the Almoravids
In the end, Al-Mu‘tamid ordered his other son, Yazid al-Radi Billah, governor of Algeciras, to hand over this key fortress to the Almoravid troops dispatched by Yusuf ibn Tashfin. [3]
The Remarkable Crossing of the Camels into Al-Andalus
When Yusuf ibn Tashfin accepted the call to aid Islam in Spain and completed his preparations, he ordered the camels to be transported across the sea. Camels had never before been seen in Al-Andalus. When they reached the other shore, their loud braying filled the air, and the Andalusian horses panicked at the sight of them. This clever strategy of Yusuf helped prepare his troops well for battle, as he intended to bring camels directly onto the battlefield.[4]
The Perilous Sea Crossing with Sincere Supplication
In Rabi‘ al-Awwal of the year 479 AH (August 1086 CE), Yusuf ibn Tashfin set out with his army from the port of Ceuta. Before embarking, he stood on the deck of the ship, raised his hands to the heavens, and prayed sincerely:
“O Allah! If in this crossing lies good for the Muslims, then make it easy. But if in it lies harm, then make it difficult for me.”
The sea calmed, and the ships swiftly sailed through the tranquil waters of Al-Andalus. Upon arrival, Yusuf prostrated in gratitude.[5]
Arrival in Al-Andalus and Fortification of Algeciras
The judges and rulers of Al-Andalus gathered to welcome Yusuf. He took possession of Algeciras, the key to Spain, fortified it, stationed select troops there, and stocked it with abundant provisions, so that in case of defeat it would serve as a safe refuge. Afterward, he marched toward Seville.[6]
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References:
[1]. Ibn Khalqan, Death of Al-Ayyan, vol. 2, p. 483.
[2]. Ibn Khaldun, Al-Abar, vol. 6, p. 188; Al-Hallal Al-Moshiya, p. 16.
[3]. Ibn Khalqan, Death of Al-Ayyan, vol. 2, p. 482.
[4]. Ibn Khaldun, Al-Abar, vol. 6, p. 186; Al-Maqri al-Talmsani, Nafh al-Tayib, vol. 1, p. 47.
[5]. Ibn Khalqan, The Deaths of the Nobles and the Anba of the Sons of the Time, Vol. 7, p. 116; Bassam al-Assali, Al-Ayyam Al-Hassima fi Horob al-Sulaibiyyah, p. 51.
[6]. the same
