Harun al-Rashid

Lore & Background

Hārūn was born in Rey, the son of caliph al-Mahdi and al-Khayzuran, a woman of strong personality who greatly influenced state affairs. He studied history, geography, rhetoric, music, poetry, economics, hadith, and the Quran, and underwent physical training in swordplay, archery, and the art of war. Before becoming caliph, he nominally led campaigns against the Eastern Roman Empire in 780 and 782, the latter reaching the Asian suburbs of Constantinople; upon his return, he was given the laqab 'al-Rashid' and promoted to crown prince.

Upon the death of his father in 785, his brother al-Hadi became caliph but reigned only a year and two months. Al-Hadi clashed with their mother over her influence and attempted to depose Hārūn as crown prince. After al-Hadi's death (variously reported as an abdominal ulcer or assassination prompted by his own mother), al-Khayzuran released Yahya ibn Khalid from prison and arranged for Hārūn to become caliph in 786. Hārūn appointed able ministers, including Yahya as vizier with full executive powers for seventeen years. In 796, he moved his court and government to Raqqa in present-day Syria, where he spent most of his reign, visiting Baghdad only once.

Reader's Guide

Hārūn al-Rashīd's reign is traditionally regarded as the beginning of the Islamic Golden Age, a period of significant cultural, scientific, and economic flourishing. Under his rule, Baghdad became the most splendid city of its period, funded by tribute from many rulers. He established the Bayt al-Hikma (House of Wisdom) in Baghdad, a legendary library that symbolized the era's intellectual pursuits. Domestically, he released many Umayyads and 'Alids imprisoned by his brother, declared amnesty for political groups of the Quraysh, and pursued policies similar to those of his father. Large-scale hostilities broke out with Byzantium, and the Abbasid Empire reached its peak during his reign. A Frankish mission in 799 brought gifts to Charlemagne's court, including a clock that was deemed a conjuration. Portions of the fictional One Thousand and One Nights are set in his court, and his life has been the subject of many tales, both factual and fictitious. According to Shia belief, he imprisoned and poisoned Musa ibn Ja'far, the 7th Imam, in Baghdad.

Did You Know?

• Hārūn al-Rashīd's birth date is debated, with various sources giving dates from 763 to 766.
• He established the legendary library Bayt al-Hikma ('House of Wisdom') in Baghdad.
• In 799, a Frankish mission came to offer friendship, and Hārūn sent a clock to Charlemagne's court that was deemed a conjuration.
• Portions of the fictional One Thousand and One Nights are set in Hārūn's court.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Harun al-Rashid (17 March 763 or February 766 — 24 March 809) was the fifth Abbasid Caliph and reigned from 15 September 786 to 24 March 809." — Harun al-Rashid "O, mistress of the mansion in Firk,And mistress of the Sultan and his kingdomFor God's sake, spare to slay meFor I am neither Daylam nor Turk." — Harun al-Rashid "Al-Suyuti, History of The Caliphs, Translated by Major H. S. Jarrett, Calcutta (India), 1881." — Harun al-Rashid