SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis is a political study of the Umayyad Caliphate during the reign of 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, 65-86/684-705. The first chapter deals with the political, social and religious background of 'Abd al-Malik, and relates this to his later policy on becoming caliph. Chapter II is devoted to the 'Alid opposition of the period, i.e. the revolt of al-Mukhtar ibn Abi 'Ubaid al-Thaqafi, and its nature, causes and consequences. The 'Asabiyya (tribal feuds), a dominant phenomenon of the Umayyad period, is examined in the third chapter. An attempt is made to throw light on its causes, and on the policies adopted by 'Abd al-Malik to contain it. The fourth chapter is concerned with the civil war between 'Abd al-Malik and Ibn al-Zubair. The underlying factors leading the people of al-Hijaz to support Ibn al-Zubair are examined, to elucidate the nature of the Zubairid opposition movement in general. Chapter V deals with the revolts of Ibn al-Jarud, and of the Zanj; the insurrection of the Azd in 'Uman; and the far more dangerous revolt of 'Abd al-Rahman ibn al-Ash'ath. These revolts are compared to see if they spring from similar discontents, and whether they are in response to the policies of al-Hajjaj. Chapter VI treats the Kharijite movement, which reached its height of activity in this period, in its political aspect, as a source of opposition to 'Abd al-Malik's caliphate. The minor, scattered revolts are described as well as the better-known major Kharijite revolts. This chapter also examines the link between the revolt of Mutarrif ibn al-Mughira, and the movement of Shabii ibn Yazid and the Kharijites in general.