Episode 65: Al Mutawakkil

Despite the religious overtones of the caliphate, there was nothing very islamic about the state when it came to policy. The inquisition marked the first time an administration tried to interfere in matters of faith, and it intensified over the reigns of three caliphs. Al Mutawak ...  Show more

Succession planning presented a sporadic problem for the caliphate. The great fitna was the last disaster spawned by ill-conceived designs, and it proved absolutely ruinous to the state. Al Mutawakkil’s arrangement was so bad that it became the first to snare the caliph himself i ...  Show more

In the newly established political capital of Samarra, the Caliph is separated from Baghdad by 60 miles and a wall of soldiers. After becoming the leader of this centralized city, al-Mutawakkil adopts a reign of opulence, and has quite an axe to grind. Will he be able to survi ...

The Battle of Siffin and the Arbitration Agreement marked one of the most pivotal and heartbreaking moments in early Islamic history, as the Muslim Ummah faced a deep internal divide. This episode explores the administrative reorganization led by Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib, includi ...  Show more

Muawiyyah and his administration have subdued the Muslim Empire. Most of Iraq has settled down and his detractors have fell silent. But Muawiyyah is concerned about the future. What's going to happen when he's gone? The Caliph conspires with his governors to turn the Caliphate to ...  Show more

With archers defending their backs, Ali ibn Abi Talib starts the skirmish with one on one battles, defeating nine opponents in a row.Quickly, the Qurayshi army becomes demoralized and starts fleeing.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=493.Subscribe at http://ww ...  Show more