UNDERSTANDING ISLAM

humbly to the command of the Quran.” (Hilyat al-Awliya, Vol. 1, p. 336) After the caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Talib, Abdullah ibn alZubayr was regarded as one of the most suitable individuals in the Muslim world to take on leadership. He was distinguished by his bravery, wisdom, and piety. The people of Hijaz and Iraq pledged allegiance to him. However, in 73 AH, he was martyred in battle against Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, the governor under Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. His grave stands as a reminder of a man who bowed fully before God, but who never bowed before tyranny or injustice. 5. Abu Ja‘far Mansur Abu Ja‘far al-Mansur (101–158 AH / 719–775 CE) was one of the most capable and strategic caliphs of the Abbasid dynasty. He founded the city of Baghdad in Iraq and developed it into the greatest center of learning and politics of its time. His era saw a major translation movement, with many works from foreign languages translated into Arabic. The well-known Arabic translation, known as Kalila wa Dimna, of the Sanskrit work Panchatantra was completed during this period. Like many rulers, he took harsh measures against his political rivals and had several of them eliminated. Nevertheless, in terms of maintaining order and ensuring