Zahhak’s loyalty to the Umayyad rulers, especially Muawiyah, demonstrates the central role played by key figures in the power struggles of the time

Zahhak bin Qays Al-Fihri, also known as Dahhak, was a prominent figure during the early years of the Islamic Caliphate, known for his unwavering loyalty to the Umayyad rulers, particularly Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan. Born into the influential Fihrid clan of the Quraysh tribe, Zahhak’s life and career were marked by military prowess, political maneuvering, and a deep commitment to the Umayyad cause.

Early Life and Rise to Prominence

Zahhak bin Qays Al-Fihri was born in the late 7th century CE, into the noble Banu Muharib ibn Fihr lineage within the Quraysh tribe. His early years likely benefited from the prestige and connections associated with his noble background. However, it was his military and political acumen that would ultimately define his legacy.

Zahhak’s rise to prominence came through his association with Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan, who was a prominent governor and later the first Umayyad Caliph. Muawiyah recognized Zahhak’s loyalty and leadership qualities, appointing him as the head of security forces, also known as the ‘ṣāḥib al-shurṭa’, during his governance of Syria.

Military Achievements

One of the notable episodes in Zahhak’s career was his victory over Malik al-Ashtar, in a battle that took place between Harran and Raqqa in 656 CE, forcing al-Ashtar’s retreat to Mosul. This victory solidified Zahhak’s reputation as a capable military commander and enhanced his standing within the Umayyad administration.

Zahhak’s military leadership was further showcased during the pivotal Battle of Siffin, where he commanded the Syrian infantry on behalf of Muawiyah. This battle was a major conflict in the First Fitna, the civil war between Caliph Ali and Muawiyah, and it played a crucial role in shaping the early Islamic landscape.

Governorships and Political Influence

Zahhak’s loyalty and competence earned him the trust of Muawiyah, who appointed him as the governor of Kufa, one of the key Arab garrison towns in Iraq, around 673 or 674 CE. His tenure in Kufa marked an important phase in his career, and he effectively governed the region on behalf of the Umayyad Caliphate.

When Muawiyah was on his deathbed in 680 CE, he entrusted Zahhak with a critical task. Muawiyah instructed him, along with Muslim ibn Uqba, to secure the succession of his son, Yazid I.

Zahhak led the funeral prayers of Muawiyah, and played a pivotal role in ensuring Yazid’s smooth accession to the caliphate. In turn, Yazid confirmed Zahhak as the governor of Jund Dimashq.

Defection and Return

The dynamics of early Islamic politics were volatile and constantly evolving. After the death of Yazid I and his successor, Muawiyah II, Zahhak found himself at a crossroads. With no clear Umayyad successor and the emergence of competing factions, he secretly defected to Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr, who led a rival caliphate based in Mecca.

Ibn al-Zubayr, led a competing caliphate based in Mecca, challenging the Umayyads. Zahhak, however, swiftly declared his public support for Ibn al-Zubayr. Not only did Ibn al-Zubayr acknowledge Zahhak’s governorship of Damascus, but he also granted him authority over the pro-Zubayrid governors of Hims and Qinnasrin.

Soon after this declaration, a fervent champion of the Umayyad cause, General Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad, persuaded Zahhak to reconsider his loyalties and return to the Umayyad camp. Ubaidullah even proposed that Zahhak assume the leadership of all the Quraysh, a position of great influence and prestige.

However, this change of heart proved to be temporary. Zahhak’s supporters remained resolute in their backing of Ibn al-Zubayr’s claim to the caliphate, especially in the absence of a suitable Umayyad candidate. Meanwhile, with the support of Muawiyah’s traditional backers, including Ibn Bahdal of the Banu Kalb and the influential chieftains of the Quda’a and Yemenite tribes, Ubaidullah presented the Umayyad elder Marwan ibn al-Hakam as their preferred candidate for the caliphate.

The Battle of Marj Rahit

Zahhak departed from Damascus to gather the Qaysi tribes loyal to Ibn al-Zubayr at Marj Rahit, a plain located to the north of the city. Meanwhile, Ubaidullah entered Damascus and orchestrated the recognition of Marwan as the new caliph during the Friday prayer.

Subsequently, Marwan, supported primarily by the Banu Kalb and his allies, confronted Zahhak’s forces. This pivotal confrontation unfolded during the extended twenty-day Battle of Marj Rahit in late 684 CE. Tragically, Zahhak met his demise in this battle, and his troops suffered a decisive defeat.

Remarkably, one of Zahhak’s sons, Abdur-Rahman, later managed to regain the favor of the Umayyads. He went on to serve as the governor of Medina during the reign of Caliph Yazid II, from 720 to 724 CE.

Legacy

Zahhak Al-Fihri’s life exemplifies the complex and sensitive dynamics of politics in the early Islamic period. His loyalty to the Umayyad rulers, especially Muawiyah, demonstrates the central role played by key figures in the power struggles of the time. Zahhak’s military achievements, governance of Kufa, and critical role in the succession of Yazid I underscore his significance in early Islamic history.

His legacy serves as a reminder of the complexity and fluidity of loyalties and alliances during this pivotal period in Islamic history.

Structures linked to Zahhak, including his residence, the bathhouse located in Damascus, and a mosque within the Citadel of Damascus, have stood the test of time, ensuring the remembrance of his legacy as a significant figure from the early Islamic period.

According to Arab media sources, the series’ production cost was estimated to be $75 million, making it one of the most expensive and ambitious works in Arab drama history.

In the Tunisian city of Hammamet, which is situated on the Mediterranean coast, production started in July 2022. Moreover, several sequences were shot inside and outside the Uqba bin Nafie Mosque in Kairouan, Tunisia.

The show was written by Egyptian journalist Khaled Salah and directed by Palestinian-American Tarek Al-Arian.

With the withdrawal of Palestinian artist Ali Suleiman from the part, Syrian actor Loujain Ismail takes on the character of Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan.

Asma Jalal, Aisha bin Ahmed, Jamila Chihi, and Iyad Nassar are additional performers in the play. Iyad Nassar is slated to play Imam Ali bin Abi Talib.

Meanwhile, in a statement released on Wednesday, the MBC Group warned anyone who promotes, whether intentionally or otherwise, fraudulent statements attributed to MBC Group’s channels about the TV series could face legal action.

This happened after fake content bearing MBC logos was published on social media by a number of news organizations.

Who was Muawiyah?

Muawiyah was the first Muslim King after the assassination of the fourth caliph of Islam Imam Ali Bin AbiTalib, who was chosen by the majority of the companions of the Prophet Mohammed.

According to the Christian historian Hugh Kennedy in his book The Great Arab Conquests, during Muawiyah’s time “the peace throughout the world was such that we have never heard, either from our fathers or from our grandparents, or seen that there had ever been any like it”.

The first major library was formed by Muawiyah.

According to Lesley Wilkins, “Muawiyah had a personal library collection (bayt al-hikmah) that was enlarged by his successors “throughout the Umayyad period.… This first major library outside of a mosque was known to include works on astrology, medicine, chemistry, military science, and various practical arts and applied sciences in addition to religion”.

According to the Muslim historians, under Muawiyah’s governance the Syrian army became a major military force. He picked out the best leaders from various tribes where as elsewhere in the state the military units were still based along tribal lines. He personally saw to the comfort and the equipment of the troops, increased their pay and paid them on a regular basis when they were on duty.

Muawiyah kept the troops in training by an annual expedition against the Byzantines and therefore kept the Byzantines in a constant state of unease and therefore kept his northern border safe. He encouraged innovations in military technology.

Muawiyah’s armies used “Minjenique” machines to propel large stones onto enemy ramparts. He modernized the army, introducing specialized units for desert combat and snowy terrains. New forts were also built during his time.

Muawiyah left the Byzantine and Persian administrative structures intact, being sure not to give his largely non-Muslims subjects any incentive to revolt.

Muawiyah built up a professional and disciplined army where people were promoted on their abilities not along tribal lines. Additionally the army units were not based along tribal lines, but along the disciplines and the type of warfare they specialized in.

While on expeditions, Muawiyah provided for their families. In the early days, before the battle of Saffin, Muawiyah and the Syrians also served under Imam Ali.

According to Imam Ali, “Sometimes they would even set out without provisions, without asking for pay. At the call of Muawiyah, they put themselves on campaigns for two, even three times a year, not caring where he wanted to take them”.