1. Abu Muslim gradually strengthened Abbasid control over Khorasan, and was appointed governor of the province following the establishment of the Abbasid caliphate in 750.
15 Facts About Abu Muslim
1. 2.
Wary of Abu Muslim's rising influence and popularity, the second Abbasid caliph, al-Mansur, ordered his death.
3.
Abu Muslim was executed in front of the caliph in Al-Mada'in in 755 on charges of heresy.
4.
Abu Muslim was most likely of Persian origin, and was born in either Merv or near Isfahan.
5.
Abu Muslim grew up in Kufa, where he served as a slave and saddler of the Banu Ijl clan.
6.
In 745, the Khurasani Qahtaba ibn Shabib al-Ta'i travelled west to swear allegiance to Ibrahim ibn Muhammad, and it was with him that Abu Muslim was sent east to assume control.
7.
Abu Muslim became the de facto governor of Khurasan, and gained fame as a general in the late 740s in defeating the rebellion of Bihafarid, the leader of a syncretic Persian sect that was Mazdaist.
8.
Abu Muslim received support in suppressing the rebellion both from purist Muslims and Zoroastrians.
9.
Abu Muslim later changed his mind and decided to appear in his presence due to a combination of perceived disobedience, al-Mansur's promise to keep him as governor of Khurasan, and the assurances of some of his close aides, some of whom were bribed by al-Mansur.
10.
Abu Muslim went to Iraq to meet al-Mansur in al-Mada'in in 755.
11.
Al-Mansur proceeded to enumerate his grievances against Abu Muslim, who kept reminding the Caliph of his efforts to enthrone him.
12.
Against Abu Muslim were charges of being a zindiq or heretic.
13.
Abu Muslim's mutilated body was thrown in the river Tigris, and his commanders were bribed to acquiesce to the murder.
14.
Furthermore, there are records indicating that Abu Muslim planned to execute all Arabic speakers in Khorasan.
15.
Abu Muslim's murder was not well received by the residents of Khurasan, and there was resentment and rebellion among the population over the brutal methods used by Al-Mansur.