Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik

Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik, the seventh Umayyad caliph, ruled from 715 until his death, following a lineage of powerful leaders. Born in six hundred seventy-five, he was the son of Caliph Abd al-Malik and Wallada bint al-Abbas. His political career began as the governor of Palestine, where he was mentored by the theologian Raja ibn Haywa. During this time, he developed significant alliances, notably with Yazid ibn al-Muhallab, a prominent adversary of al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, the influential viceroy of Iraq under his brother, al-Walid I.

As governor, Sulayman was instrumental in founding the city of Ramla, which replaced Lydda as the district capital of Palestine. This new city not only became an economic hub but also attracted many Muslim scholars, maintaining its status as the commercial and administrative center of Palestine until the eleventh century. However, his tenure was marked by resentment towards al-Hajjaj's dominance over his brother, which influenced his later decisions as caliph.

Upon ascending to the caliphate, Sulayman swiftly dismissed governors and generals appointed by his predecessor, many of whom had played crucial roles in expanding the Caliphate's territories. Notable figures such as Qutayba ibn Muslim and Muhammad ibn al-Qasim faced dire consequences, including execution and revolt. Despite continuing militaristic policies, territorial expansion largely halted during his reign, hindered by effective resistance along the Central Asian frontiers and the disintegration of Arab military leadership.

Sulayman intensified conflicts with the Byzantine Empire, culminating in the disastrous siege of Constantinople from seven hundred seventeen to seven hundred eighteen. He met his end in Dabiq during this siege, leaving behind a legacy marked by unconventional choices, including nominating his cousin Umar as his successor instead of a direct descendant. His reign coincided with the approaching centennial of the Hijra, leading contemporary poets to perceive him in a messianic light.