The Role of Al-Rabi’ bin Ziyad Al-Harithi in the Conquest of Eastern Islamic Territories

Abstract

Al-Rabi’ bin Ziyad Al-Harithi belongs to the Al-Harith bin Ka’b tribe, which was famous for the courage of its men and knights and their courage in wars and fighting in battles. Therefore, Al-Rabi’ lived his first days in an environment that strengthened his lofty advantages, and inherited the virtues of nomadism from his tribe and his family. He grew up in Najran, where nomadism met civilization. Al-Rabi’’s gifted nature was mixed with the acquired knowledge. This combination created the rare personality of Al-Rabi bin Ziyad Al-Harithi in terms of his human and leadership qualities.

     The time of Al-Rabi’ bin Ziyad Al-Harithi’s conversion to Islam is not known, but he had companions, and he led a Muslim army during the reign of Omar bin Al-Khattab (peace be upon him). During this reign, only the prophet’s companions were assigned high official positions. However, nothing was known about his jihad under the banner of the Prophet, Muhammed. Therefore, Al-Rabi’ had the honor of the companionship, but he did not attain the honor of jihad in the battles of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

     Al-Rabi’ bin Ziyad Al-Harithi was known for his forbearance and humility when he was a prince, and his self-confidence when he was not. He was famous for his courage and strength of character, for adhering to the Holy Koran and prioritizing it over everything else, and for not submitting to anyone who contradicted it in its verses and rulings. Al-Rabi’ was also characterized by intelligence, acumen, wisdom, sound judgment, and concern for the interests of Muslims. The military competence of Al-Rabi bin Ziyad Al-Harithi was evident in the Islamic conquests. He was the conqueror of Beiruth and Manadher from Al-Ahwaz, Kerman, the Country of Al-Dawar, Sijistan, and Second Khorasan.

     Al-Rabi’ ibn Ziyad crossed the Oxus River with an army of Arabs, and he took the war spoils and distributed them among his warriors. He won victory over the Turks and defeated Ratbil, king of Sijistan, who was known for breaking covenants and rebelling against Arab rule. He regained the areas controlled by Ratbil. The Banu Al-Harith bin Ka'b were the most respected people of Iraq during the reign of Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan, and they were famous for their honesty and competence, so the ruling of Islamic Al-Amsar was assigned to them. Among the most famous of them was Al-Rabi' bin Ziyad Al-Harithi, who ruled over Bahrain, Sijistan, and Khorasan. Al-Rabi bin Ziyad Al-Harithi is one of the prominent princes and governors who contributed to the development of the intellectual and scientific movement in the Islamic East and played an important role in spreading Islam and teaching people the principles of Islamic law.