Mukhtar ibn Abi ‘Ubayd Allah al-Thaqafī (b. 1/622-3 – d. 67/687) was an early Islamic revolutionary based in Kufa, Iraq, the leader of one of the uprisings against the Umayyad Caliphs in vengeance for the blood of Imam Husain ibn ‘Ali (peace be upon him). The Uprising of Mukhtar al-Thaqafi represents a pivotal moment in Islamic history, emerging in the aftermath of the tragedy of Karbala in 680 CE. Mukhtar, a companion of Imam Husain, mobilized a movement seeking justice for the martyrs of Karbala and aimed to challenge the Umayyad regime responsible for their deaths. His revolt is characterized by its revolutionary fervor and significant socio-political implications, as it not only focused on avenging the injustice faced by the Prophet’s family but also sought to establish a government based on Islamic principles. Mukhtar’s leadership and strategic efforts left a lasting impact on the Shi’a identity and the struggle against tyranny, marking his uprising as a symbol of resistance and the quest for justice in the face of oppression.
His Birth and Lineage
Al-Mukhtar is originally from Ta’if, the Thaqif clan. His great-grandfather, Mas’ud al-Thaqafi was one of the nobles of Hijaz, and was nicknamed ‘Azim al-Qaryatayn (i.e., The Great of the two tribes). His father, Abu ‘Ubayd al-Thaqafi, was one of the noble companions of the noble Prophet. He was killed in the Battle of al-Jisr, one of the battles fought during the era of the second caliph, known as the Qadisiyya Wars. His mother was Dawma bint ‘Amr ibn Wahb. Ibn Tayfur has reported that she spoke eloquently and was articulate. Al-Mukhtar ibn Abi ‘Ubayd al-Thaqafi was called by his teknonym, Abu Ishaq, and was nicknamed Kaysan, which means smart and incisive.
His uncle, Sa’d ibn Mas’ud al-Thaqafi, was appointed as the governor of Mada’in by Imam ‘Ali (peace be upon him). His brothers, Wahb, Malik, and Jibr, were killed with their father in the Battle of al-Jisr. Al-Mukhtar was born in Taif in 622 CE (the same year the Prophet Muhammad migrated to Medina) but later moved to Iraq at a young age and grew up in Kufa. At the age of 13, he took part in the Battle of al-Jisr, where he lost his father and brothers. Regardless of his young age, he insisted on going to the battlefield but was prevented by his uncle, Sa’d ibn Mas’ud.
His Noble Qualities
The narrators mentioned that al-Mukhtar used to fast most days during his short-term Caliphate in gratitude for his revenge on the murderers of Imam al-Husain (peace be upon him), al-Mukhtar. Minhal ibn ‘Amr says, “I invited al-Mukhtar to my house on the day that Harmala was killed, but I was told that al-Mukhtar is fasting in gratitude to Allah.”
Ibn Taqtaqi records that al-Mukhtar was a noble and effortful man. Given that the Thaqif tribe was known for their bravery, and al-Mukhtar’s father and uncle were the great military leaders of early Islam, al-Mukhtar was nurtured in the same way.
Al-Mukhtar was God-fearing and pious. He devoted his life to his religion. He built the foundations of his government on inclusive justice among the people. Despite his many works, he sat among the people and gave them legal decisions. He followed the policy of the Commander of the Faithful, ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be on him).
As for his friendship and loyalty toward the members of the pure Prophet’s Household (peace be on them), al-Mukhtar showed sincere friendship toward them and adored them. A proof for this is that Muslim b. ‘Aqil, al-Husayn’s emissary to Kufa, stopped at his house, told him of his secrets, negotiated with him about the affairs of the revolt, and informed him of those who pledged allegiance to Imam al-Husain (peace be on him).
Among the qualities of al-Mukhtar was that he was a military-inspired commander. He was the most brilliant of the army commanders in designing war plans and appointing military methods to overcome the events. It was he who schemed the successful plans of the military coup. He led this coup against the government of Kufa. Hence his plans were then unique in the Islamic world.
It is pertinent to mention that al-Mukhtar occupied an exalted position in the sight of the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (peace be on them), and secured their good pleasure. He pleased them when he avenged their blood, and destroyed those who shed their blood. There are many traditions concerning lauding him, respecting him, and admiring his benefits toward the Prophet’s Household.
Before the Uprising of Imam Husain (PBUH)
It is documented that during Mu’awiya’s rule, al-Mukhtar activity was in support of Imam Husain (PBUH). Al-Dhahabi reports that al-Mukhtar went to Basra during the reign of Mu’awiya and invited its residents to Imam Husain (PBUH). He was arrested by ‘Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad, who was the governor of Basra at the time and whipped one hundred times. Then he was exiled to Ta’if (Dhahabī, Siyar aʿlām al-nubalāʾ, vol. 3, p. 544).
However, during the Battle of Karbala, al-Mukhtar was absent in the Event of ‘Ashura, but his absence was not on purpose, as he was imprisoned by ‘Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad until the end of Imam Husain’s uprising.
After the Event of ‘Ashura
After the ‘Event of ‘Ashura’, al-Mukhtar was freed by ‘Ubayd Allah on the condition that he leave Kufa within three days, and if he was seen afterwards, he would be killed. Meanwhile, it should be mentioned that Al-Mukhtar refused to participate in the Uprising of Tawwabin because he believed it was useless, and that Sulaiman ibn Surad al-Khuza’i was unfamiliar with combat skills and tact. With al-Mukhtar’s refusal, four thousand individuals, of the sixteen thousand who had given their allegiance to Sulaiman ibn Surad retreated because they believed he was incompetent in combat tactics.
His Uprising
Al-Mukhtar announced his great revolt, which aimed to accomplish social justice among men and avenge the martyrdom of Imam Husain (peace be on him). Hence, the motto of his uprising was: “Come on to demand vengeance for al-Husain!” This effective call was a thunderbolt against the traitors who committed the most atrocious crime in human history. The righteous, deprived people responded to him.
Meanwhile, the objectives of this uprising are as follows:
1. Equality between the Arabs and non-Arabs: Al-Mukhtar accomplished equality between the Arabs and non-Arabs in all the rights and duties. He demolished the barriers the Umayyad government established to prefer the Arabs to non-Arabs and singled them out for distinctions. It is worth mentioning that the non-Arabs were the backbone of al-Mukhtar’s government. Hence, al-Mukhtar entrusted the important offices to them and appointed them as commanders-in-chief of his army and he was sure of their sincerity to him.
2. Demanding Vengeance for al-Husain (PBUH): Al-Mukhtar was not craving for the kingdom when he announced his great revolt, as those who envied him said. Rather, he wanted to demand vengeance for Imam Husain ibn Ali (PBUH) who was unjustly killed along with 72 other members of his family and companions. He was indignant with those who killed him, peace be on him. When the power went well with him, he ordered them to be pursued everywhere and arrested. Then he ordered them to be killed, their properties to be confiscated, and their house to be demolished. Now we will briefly present some of his measures against them.
On Rabi’ al-Awwal 14, 66 A.H (October 19, 685 CE), al-Mukhtar initiated an uprising in revenge for Imam al-Husain’s blood. During his uprising, al-Mukhtar managed to kill Shimr ibn Dhi al-Jawshan, Khawli ibn Yazid, ‘Umar ibn Sa’d, and ‘Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad, and others who took part and played a significant role in killing Imam al-Husain (PBUH) and his companions. The commander of the army of the uprising was Ibrahim ibn Malik al-Ashtar (the son of Malik al-Ashtar al-Nakha’i), and he was the one who killed ‘Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad in Mosul.
After eighteen months of rule and war with three groups, the Umayyads in Syria, the Zubayr Dynasty in Hijaz, and the nobles of Kufa, al-Mukhtar was killed on Ramadan 14, 67 A.H (April 3, 687) at his 67, by Mus’ab ibn al-Zubayr, the governor of Basra and younger brother of Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr. On Mus’ab’s command, al-Mukhtar’s hands were cut off and nailed to the wall of Masjid al-Kufa. When Hajjaj ibn Yusuf gained power over Kufa, he ordered the hands to be buried.
After al-Mukhtar’s death, his followers, consisting of 6000 people encircled the palace, and surrendered. Mus’ab ibn al-Zubayr ordered all of them to be killed. The decision was so horrifying that when ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Umar saw Mus’ab, said: “Even if they were 6000 sheep which belonged to your father, you shouldn’t have done this.”
Conclusion
The Uprising of Mukhtar al-Thaqafi stands as a seminal event in Islamic history, symbolizing the relentless pursuit of justice and resistance against tyranny following the tragedy of Karbala. Mukhtar’s leadership galvanized a movement that sought not only to avenge the martyrs of Karbala, but also to establish governance rooted in Islamic principles. His revolt significantly shaped the Shi’a identity, embedding a legacy of resistance in the face of oppression that continues to resonate today. Mukhtar’s actions reaffirm the importance of accountability and justice within the Islamic framework, highlighting the enduring struggle against injustice and tyranny across generations.
