Biography of Muʿāwiya ibn Abī Sufyān (RA)

Muʿāwiya ibn Abī Sufyān (رضي الله عنه) was one of the Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) and the first ruler of the Umayyad Caliphate.

His Lineage and Birth

• His full name was Muʿāwiya ibn Abī Sufyān Sakhr ibn Harb ibn Umayya ibn ʿAbd Shams.
• He was born in Makkah around the year 602 CE.
• His father was Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, at first one of the leaders of Quraysh who opposed Islam, but later embraced it.
• His mother was Hind bint ʿUtbah, who also initially opposed Islam but eventually became a Muslim.

His Acceptance of Islam

• Muʿāwiya embraced Islam during the Conquest of Makkah (8 AH / 630 CE).
• Afterward, he became one of the Prophet’s Companions and served as a scribe who wrote for the Prophet (ﷺ).

His Service and Governance

• During the caliphate of ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab (RA), Muʿāwiya was appointed as governor of Damascus and Syria.
• Later, under ʿUthman ibn ʿAffan (RA), his authority was extended over the entire region of Sham (Greater Syria).
• He was a skilled leader and military strategist, establishing the first Islamic naval fleet.

His Caliphate

• After the assassination of ʿAli ibn Abī Ṭālib (RA), a major conflict arose among Muslims.
• Muʿāwiya demanded justice for the killing of ʿUthman (RA) before reconciliation.
• The most significant battle between him and ʿAli (RA) was the Battle of Ṣiffīn (37 AH).
• Eventually, the Muslim community united under his leadership, and he was recognized as the Caliph.

The Umayyad Dynasty

• Muʿāwiya became the first Umayyad Caliph (41 AH – 60 AH / 661 – 680 CE).
• The year 41 AH is known as ʿĀm al-Jamāʿa (The Year of Unity) because the Muslims, who had been divided, were reunited under his rule.
• During his reign, he established strong administrative and military systems, making Damascus the capital.
• He expanded Muslim territories, particularly against the Byzantine Empire by land and sea.

His Death

• Muʿāwiya passed away in 60 AH (680 CE) in Damascus.
• He was succeeded by his son Yazid ibn Muʿāwiya, making it the first hereditary succession in Islamic leadership.

His Qualities

• He was known for his intelligence, political wisdom, patience, and strategic leadership.
• He laid the foundations of the Umayyad Caliphate, which lasted for nearly 90 years.

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