Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik
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Suleiman bin Abd al-Malik (c. 674 - 717) was an Umayyad caliph who ruled from 715 until 717. His father was Abd al-Malik, and he was a younger brother of the previous caliph, al-Walid I.
Suleiman took power thanks, in part, to political opponents of Al-Hajjaj bin Yousef. However, al-Hajjaj died in 714, so Suleiman persecuted his political allies. Among these were the three famous generals Qutaibah bin Muslim, Musa bin Nusair, and Muhammad bin Qasim. All three were imprisoned and then killed.
Under his rule, expansion continued into mountainous parts of Iran such as Tabiristan. Suleiman also ordered a raid on Constantinople, but it was unsuccessful. In the domestic scene, he had wells built in Mecca for pilgrims, and organized enforcement of prayers. Suleiman was known for his exceptional oratory skills, but his execution of the three generals tarnished his reputation.
He would only rule for two years, but broke with tradition by not maintaining a hereditary dynasty. He ignored his brothers and son, and appointed Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz as his successor on account of Umar's reputation as being one of the most wise, capable and pious persons of that era. This appointment is rare, although it technically fulfils the Sunni Islamic method of appointing a successor, whereas hereditary succession does not.
| Preceded by: Al-Walid I | Caliph 715–717 | Succeeded by: Umar II Template:End boxde:Sulayman (Umayyaden) id:Sulaiman ibn Abd al-Malik |