Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya
Alid leader and descendant of Prophet Muhammad, who led a failed revolt against the Abbasids.
Quick Facts: Who was Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya?
- Subject:
- Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya
- Known for:
- Alid leader and descendant of Prophet Muhammad, who led a failed revolt against the Abbasids.
- Born:
- 690
- Died:
- 762-12-06
- Century / Era:
- 690s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Abū ʿAbd Allāh Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd Allāh ibn al-Ḥasan al-Muthannā ibn al-Ḥasan al-Mujtabā ibn ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib or Muḥammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya (Arabic: أبو عبد الله محمد بن عبد الله بن الحسن بن الحسن بن علي الملقَّب النفس الزكية, lit. 'The Pure Soul'), was a descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, through his daughter Fatimah. Known for his commanding oratory skills, amiable demeanor, and impressive build, he led the Alid Revolt in Medina, a failed rebellion, against the second Abbasid caliph Al-Mansur. He and a few hundred soldiers faced against a large Abbasid force under Isa ibn Musa, and he was killed on December 6, 762 CE (145 AH). Initially, he hoped to rebel against Umayyad rule, when the children of Hashim paid their allegiance to him at Abwa.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
Among them were Ibrahim al-Imam, As-Saffah and Al-Mansur. But it soon became clear that Abbasid rule was established, so those who had paid allegiance to him deserted him, and another group of Shiites flocked around him. Muhammad was an inspirational figure to many throughout the caliphate who believed that he was destined for glory due to his ancestry. For years he disguised himself and travelled stealthily, since his professed relationship to the Prophet meant that he posed a threat to the established political order. He was eventually able to amass a sizable but ragtag army and seize the city of Medina.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
He then left Medina in the year 145 A.H and took over Mecca and Yemen. He was murdered in Medina a few months later. Medina was an exceptionally poor place for any large-scale insurrection due to its dependence on other provinces for goods, and his motley army of devotees were no match for the Caliph's imperial soldiers. Despite the advantage held by the Abbasid troops, Muhammad refused to step down in the hours before battle, utilising the historic trenches dug by the Prophet to fortify the city decades earlier.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya
True or False: “Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya initially aimed his rebellion against the Umayyad rule.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): He initially hoped to rebel against Umayyad rule, but it soon became clear that Abbasid rule was established.
Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines
- Emperor Xuanzong of Tang — Contemporary (Died in 762) (762): Emperor of Tang Dynasty, whose long reign spanned China's golden age and subsequent decline.
- Padmasambhava — Contemporary (Died in 762) (762): Semi-legendary tantric Buddhist master who revealed Vajrayana in Tibet.
- Afonso I of Portugal — Shared historical date (12-06 · Died) (1185): The first King of Portugal, founder of the independent Portuguese Kingdom.
- Agnes Moorehead — Shared historical date (12-06 · Born) (1900): Iconic American actress celebrated for stage, film, and television roles.
- Alfred Eisenstaedt — Shared historical date (12-06 · Born) (1898): Iconic photojournalist known for capturing candid moments and the euphoria of history.
- Alice Freeman Palmer — Shared historical date (12-06 · Died) (1902): Pioneering American educator and advocate for women's higher education.
- Alicia Machado — Shared historical date (12-06 · Born) (1976): Venezuelan-American star known for beauty pageants, acting, and singing.
- Anthony Trollope — Shared historical date (12-06 · Died) (1882): Victorian novelist known for the Barsetshire and Palliser novel series.
- August Schleicher — Shared historical date (12-06 · Died) (1868): Pioneering German linguist known for reconstructing Proto-Indo-European.
- B. R. Ambedkar — Shared historical date (12-06 · Died) (1956): Pioneering jurist, economist, and social reformer who shaped modern India.
- 690 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 690
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- December 6 (12-06) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 6
Frequently Asked Questions about Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya
Who was Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya and what are their primary contributions?
Alid leader and descendant of Prophet Muhammad, who led a failed revolt against the Abbasids. Origins & Early Life: Abū ʿAbd Allāh Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd Allāh ibn al-Ḥasan al-Muthannā ibn al-Ḥasan al-Mujtabā ibn ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib or Muḥammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya (Arabic: أبو عبد الله محمد بن عبد الله بن الحسن بن الحسن بن علي الملقَّب النفس الزكية, lit. 'The Pure Soul'), was a descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, through his daughter Fatimah. Known for his commanding oratory skills, amiable demeanor, and impressive build, he led the Alid Revolt in Medina, a failed rebellion, against the second Abbasid caliph Al-Mansur. He and a few hundred soldiers faced against a large Abbasid force under Isa ibn Musa, and he was killed on December 6, 762 CE (145 AH). Initially, he hoped to rebel against Umayyad rule, when the children of Hashim paid their allegiance to him at Abwa.
When was Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya born and during which historical era did they live?
Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya was born on 690 and passed away on 0762-12-06. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 690 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia