# Abu Muslim al Khorasani

> Abbasid general

**Wikidata**: [Q335210](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q335210)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Muslim)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/abu-muslim-al-khorasani

## Summary
Abu Muslim al Khorasani was an Abbasid general who played a pivotal role in the Abbasid Revolution that overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate in 750 CE. He served as a military leader and da'i (Islamic missionary) who led the decisive Battle of the Zab in 750, securing Abbasid victory. His leadership transformed the political landscape of the Islamic world by establishing Abbasid rule.

## Biography
- Born: January 1, 718
- Died: February 1, 755
- Nationality: Persian (Khorasani)
- Known for: Leading the Abbasid Revolution against the Umayyad Caliphate
- Occupation: Military leader, da'i, wali
- Field: Military leadership, Islamic missionary work, governance

## Contributions
Abu Muslim al Khorasani led the Abbasid Revolution which culminated in the overthrow of the Umayyad Caliphate in 750 CE. He commanded the forces that won the decisive Battle of the Zab, effectively ending Umayyad rule and establishing Abbasid dominance. As a da'i, he organized and mobilized support for the Abbasid cause across Khorasan, building the foundation for the revolution. He served as a wali (governor) in administrative divisions during the early Abbasid period, helping establish new governance structures after the revolution.

## FAQs
**What was Abu Muslim al Khorasani's primary role in Islamic history?**
Abu Muslim al Khorasani was primarily a military leader who orchestrated and led the Abbasid Revolution that overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate in 750 CE. His strategic leadership was instrumental in the Battle of the Zab, which marked the end of Umayyad rule.

**How did Abu Muslim al Khorasani contribute to the Abbasid Revolution?**
He served as both a military commander and a da'i (Islamic missionary) who organized support for the Abbasid cause throughout Khorasan. His dual role allowed him to build both military strength and ideological backing for the revolution.

**What were the key positions held by Abu Muslim al Khorasani?**
Abu Muslim al Khorasani held the positions of military leader, da'i (missionary), and wali (governor) during his career. These roles combined military command, religious outreach, and administrative governance.

**When did Abu Muslim al Khorasani live?**
Abu Muslim al Khorasani lived from approximately 718 CE to 755 CE, dying on February 1, 755. His most significant achievements occurred during the mid-8th century.

## Why They Matter
Abu Muslim al Khorasani fundamentally altered the trajectory of Islamic civilization by leading the revolution that replaced Umayyad rule with Abbasid governance. His military strategies and organizational skills enabled the establishment of a new caliphate that would last for centuries and significantly influence Islamic culture, politics, and expansion. Without his leadership in the Abbasid Revolution, the Islamic world would have remained under Umayyad control, potentially resulting in very different developments in Islamic jurisprudence, culture, and territorial expansion. His role as both military commander and religious organizer established a template for revolutionary leadership that influenced later Islamic movements.

## Notable For
• Leading the successful Abbasid Revolution that overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate in 750 CE
• Commanding victory at the Battle of the Zab, the decisive confrontation of the revolution
• Serving simultaneously as a military leader, da'i (missionary), and wali (governor)
• Organizing revolutionary support across Khorasan as a key Abbasid general
• Being featured on an Abbasid silver dirham struck at Marv in AH 132 (749-50)

## Body
### Early Life and Origins
Abu Muslim al Khorasani was born in 718 CE, with his origins tracing to the Khorasan region, which gave him his distinctive appellation. Historical records identify him as a Persian figure from this eastern province of the Islamic world, positioning him within the cultural and political dynamics of the broader Abbasid movement that sought to challenge Umayyad authority.

### Revolutionary Leadership
As a da'i, Abu Muslim al Khorasani functioned as a subclass of Islamic missionary, working to build ideological and political support for the Abbasid cause. His missionary activities in Khorasan proved crucial in organizing the diverse populations of the region behind the Abbasid banner. This religious and political organizing work laid the groundwork for the military campaign that would eventually topple the established Umayyad order.

### Military Command and Strategy
Abu Muslim al Khorasani's role as a military leader culminated in the Battle of the Zab in 750 CE, fought in Iraq. This engagement represented the climactic confrontation of the Abbasid Revolution, where his tactical leadership secured a decisive victory over Umayyad forces. The battle's outcome effectively ended Umayyad caliphal authority and opened the path for Abbasid ascension to power.

### Administrative Governance
Following the revolutionary success, Abu Muslim al Khorasani assumed the role of wali, an administrative title used during the Caliphate period to designate governors of administrative divisions. This position allowed him to implement new governance structures in territories under Abbasid control, bridging his revolutionary military role with administrative responsibilities.

### Cultural and Political Impact
An Abbasid silver dirham bearing his name was struck at Marv in AH 132 (corresponding to 749-50 CE), indicating his significant status during the revolutionary period. This numismatic evidence demonstrates the immediate recognition of his importance to the Abbasid cause and suggests his role was sufficiently prominent to warrant commemoration on currency.

### Connections and Influences
While historical records connect him to the broader context of Islamic revolutionary figures, his specific relationship to later leaders like Babak Khorramdin of the 9th century reflects the continuing tradition of Persian revolutionary leadership in the Islamic world. Both figures represent significant challenges to established authority in their respective periods.

### Death and Legacy
Abu Muslim al Khorasani died on February 1, 755 CE, marking the end of his active role in Abbasid governance. His death came shortly after the successful conclusion of the revolution he had led, suggesting his influence extended into the early years of Abbasid rule. His legacy encompasses both the immediate political transformation he achieved and the longer-term implications of establishing Abbasid dominance over the Islamic world.

## References

1. general catalog of BnF
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [LIBRIS. 2012](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/nl025h263lkmtxv)
5. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/ebu-muslim-i-horasani)