What role did the mawali play in the ‘Abbasid revolution?

The Mawali played a significant role in the ‘Abbasid revolution as they formed a significant part of the revolutionary forces.

The Mawali, non-Arab Muslims who had converted to Islam, were a crucial part of the ‘Abbasid revolution, which took place in the 8th century. The revolution was a significant event in Islamic history as it led to the overthrow of the Umayyad Caliphate and the establishment of the ‘Abbasid Caliphate. The Mawali were instrumental in this revolution due to their dissatisfaction with the Umayyad rule, which they perceived as discriminatory and unjust.

Under the Umayyad rule, the Mawali were treated as second-class citizens despite their conversion to Islam. They were subjected to higher taxes than Arab Muslims and were excluded from positions of power and influence. This led to widespread discontent among the Mawali, who felt that they were not being treated equally despite their adherence to the Islamic faith. The ‘Abbasids capitalised on this discontent and promised the Mawali equal status with Arab Muslims, a promise that appealed to the Mawali and led them to support the ‘Abbasid cause.

The Mawali's support for the ‘Abbasids was not just ideological but also practical. They formed a significant part of the revolutionary forces that fought against the Umayyads. Their numbers and their willingness to fight for the ‘Abbasid cause were crucial in the success of the revolution. The Mawali's support was so significant that the ‘Abbasid revolution is often referred to as a Mawali revolution.

Once the ‘Abbasids came to power, they fulfilled their promise to the Mawali by granting them equal status with Arab Muslims. This marked a significant shift in the social and political dynamics of the Islamic world and was a direct result of the Mawali's role in the ‘Abbasid revolution. The Mawali's role in the revolution and their subsequent elevation in status under the ‘Abbasid rule highlight their importance in Islamic history and their influence on the development of the Islamic world.