Al-Dahhak ibn Qays al-Shaybani

Quick Facts: Who was Al-Dahhak ibn Qays al-Shaybani?

Subject:

Al-Dahhak ibn Qays al-Shaybani

Known for:

Leader of a major, yet ultimately unsuccessful, Kharijite rebellion against the Umayyad Caliphate.

Died:

746

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Al-Ḍaḥḥāk ibn Qays al-Shaybānī (Arabic: الضحاك بن قيس الشيباني) was the leader of a widespread but unsuccessful Kharijite rebellion in Iraq against the Umayyad Caliph Marwan II from 745 until his death in battle in 746. The deposition of al-Walid II in spring 744 began a turbulent period in the Umayyad Caliphate; his successor Yazid III died within a few months, and the ambitious governor of Armenia and Azerbaijan Marwan ibn Muhammad, rebelled against Yazid's designated successor, Ibrahim ibn al-Walid. Marwan succeeded in gaining control of Damascus and Syria, but elsewhere his authority ranged from theoretical to non-existent. In Iraq, this turmoil spilled over in the form of a struggle between Yazid III's governor Abdallah ibn Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz and Marwan's appointee, al-Nadr ibn Sa'id al-Harashi. This conflict allowed the Kharijites, a Muslim sect which had originated in Mesopotamia, to rise up.

Career & Major Achievements

This revolt was initially led by Sa'id ibn Bahdal, but he died soon of the plague, and was succeeded by Dahhak. Dahhak quickly assembled a sizeable army, and managed to defeat the two rival governors, who had joined forces, in April/May 745. In the aftermath of their defeat, al-Harashi returned to Marwan and Abdallah ibn Umar retreated to the fortress of Wasit, where he was soon besieged. In August however Ibn Umar gave himself up, and, in an unprecedented act for a member of the Umayyad dynasty and of the Prophet's own Quraysh tribe, did homage to Dahhak, who was neither and who had by now been declared caliph by his followers. Kufa was now occupied by Dahhak's forces and became his seat, while Ibn Umar was named governor of Wasit, eastern Iraq and western Persia.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Dahhak's generosity in rewarding his followers, as well as the attractiveness of Kharijite doctrine quickly swelled his ranks further, until his army is said to have reached 120,000 men. Among others, the famed general Sulayman, a son of Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik and opponent of Marwan, sought refuge with him. While Marwan was preoccupied with besieging Sulayman's brother Sa'id and his supporters in Homs, Dahhak marched into northern Mesopotamia. After he took Mosul, Marwan ordered his own son Abdallah, who resided at Harran, to confront the Kharijites' advance. Abdallah however was defeated and retreated to Nisibis, where he was besieged.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 746: Passing & Historical Legacy — Al-Dahhak ibn Qays al-Shaybani passed away on 746, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Al-Dahhak ibn Qays al-Shaybani

True or False: “Al-Ḍaḥḥāk ibn Qays al-Shaybānī was the first major leader of a Kharijite uprising in Iraq.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The revolt was initially led by Sa'id ibn Bahdal before Dahhak succeeded him.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Al-Harith ibn Surayj — Contemporary (Died in 746) (746): Arab rebel leader in Khurasan whose revolt challenged Umayyad authority.
• Al Davis — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering NFL executive and coach, known for building the legendary Oakland Raiders.
• Al-Dhahabi — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering Syrian Sunni historian, biographer, and hadith scholar.
• Al-Farabi — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering Islamic philosopher, theorist, and 'Father of Islamic Neoplatonism'
• Al-Farazdaq — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A preeminent 7th-century Arab poet and orator, foundational to classical Arabic literature.
• Al Franken — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Comedian, writer, and politician known for SNL and his tenure as a U.S. Senator.
• 746 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 746

Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Dahhak ibn Qays al-Shaybani