Almohads - Guardians of Tawhid and Reformers of the Maghreb
The Almohads, known in Arabic as al-Muwahhidun (ุงูู ูุญุฏูู), or Unitarians, were a Berber Muslim dynasty and movement that emerged in the early 12th century in the Maghreb and Southern Spain. They were inspired by the rigorous monotheistic doctrine known as Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and driven by a drive for Islamic moral and social reform.
Definition and Etymology
The term Almohads comes from the Arabic “al-Muwahhidun,” derived from “Wahid” (ูุงุญุฏ) meaning “One,” reflecting their strict belief in the oneness of Allah. This self-designation emphasized their fundamental commitment to purifying Islamic beliefs and practices.
Historical Background and Dates
- Founding: The Almohad movement was initiated by Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Tumart, a Berber Berber scholar and religious leader, in 1130 CE.
- Establishment: Around 1147 CE, after conquering Marrakech, the Almohads established their authority and gradually expanded their influence across Morocco, parts of Spain, Algeria, and Tunisia.
- Decline: By 1269 CE, the Almohad Caliphate collapsed under pressures from both internal strife and external military defeats, notably against the Christians in Iberia and rising new powers in the Maghreb.
The Ideological Framework
The Almohad movement aimed to restore Islam to its early form, emphasizing:
- Supremacy of the Qurสพฤn and Hadith: Rejecting the established law schools, they pushed for direct adherence to scriptural sources.
- Tawhid (Monotheism): A return to a stringent form of monotheism, opposing any anthropomorphism or semblance of polytheistic practices.
- Moral and Social Reform: Measures included prohibitions against luxury, music, wine, and certain aspects of Berber pagan customs.
Governance Structure
- Leadership: Governed by a leader (Caliph) advised directly by a council of ten close disciples (akin to apostles), supplemented by a broader assembly of fifty tribal delegates.
- Religious Administration: Included key religious roles like the keeper of public morals, muezzins (callers to prayer), and Qurสพฤn instructors to ensure adherence to their strict religious principles.
Cultural and Political Impact
The Almohads significantly influenced North African and Andalusian societies:
- Architecture: They are celebrated for their significant architectural contributions, including structures like the Giralda in Seville and the Kutubiyya Mosque in Marrakech.
- Cultural Exchange: Through their Andalusian territories, they fostered an environment where philosophy, science, and arts flourished, significantly contributing to the cultural landscape of medieval Europe.
- Conflict and Unification: Played a key role in unifying various Berber tribes under a central Islamic governance model while engaging in numerous conflicts, especially with the Christian kingdoms of Iberia.
Related Terms and Concepts
- Murabitun: An earlier Berber dynasty before the Almohads, which they eventually supplanted.
- Tawhid: Central Islamic tenet emphasizing monotheism, integral to the Almohad ideology.
- Mudejars: Muslims who continued to live under Christian rule in Spain post-reconquest, influenced by Almohad and earlier Islamic legacies.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Al-Muwahhidun, Unitarians, Almohade
- Antonyms: Polytheists, Anthropomorphists
Translations
- Arabic: ุงูู ูุญุฏูู (al-Muwahhidun)
- Spanish: Almohades
- French: Almohades
Notable Quotations
“The Almohad movement crossed the boundaries of theology and politics, melding the two into a tapestry where faith justified sovereignty, and morality mandated administration.” โ Ibn Khaldun
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Study
- “The Almohads: The Rise of an Islamic Empire” by Allen Fromherz
- “Medieval Muslim Historians and the Franks in the Levant” by Alex Mallett
- “The Twelfth-Century Renaissance: Almohads, Cistercians, and Societies in Europe and the Mediterranean” by Brian Catlos
- “The Ornament of the World: How Muslims, Jews, and Christians Created a Culture of Tolerance in Medieval Spain” by Maria Rosa Menocal
Quizzes on Almohads and Their Impact
### Who was the founder of the Almohad movement?
- [x] Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Tumart
- [ ] Abd al-Mu'min
- [ ] Ahmad al-Mansur
- [ ] Musa ibn Nusayr
> **Explanation:** Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Tumart founded the Almohad movement in southern Morocco, emphasizing moral and religious reform based on strict monotheism.
### Which central Islamic tenet was most stressed by the Almohads?
- [x] Tawhid (Oneness of Allah)
- [ ] Jihad (Struggle)
- [ ] Shura (Consultation)
- [ ] Zakat (Charity)
> **Explanation:** Tawhid, the absolute oneness of Allah, was a core doctrine of the Almohads, reflecting their name "al-Muwahhidun," or Unitarians.
### In what year did the Almohads conquer Marrakech?
- [x] 1147 CE
- [ ] 1130 CE
- [ ] 1269 CE
- [ ] 1096 CE
> **Explanation:** The Almohads took control of Marrakech in 1147 CE, establishing it as their capital and consolidating their power in Morocco.
### Which significant architectural landmark did the Almohads build in Seville?
- [x] The Giralda
- [ ] The Alhambra
- [ ] The Great Mosque of Cordoba
- [ ] Medina Azahara
> **Explanation:** The Almohads built the Giralda, a minaret that was part of the Great Mosque of Seville, reflecting their architectural innovation and cultural influence.
### How did the Almohads' views on music and luxury items affect society?
- [x] They banned them to promote modesty and piety.
- [ ] They encouraged their use for cultural enrichment.
- [ ] They were indifferent to them.
- [ ] They taxed them heavily.
> **Explanation:** The Almohads imposed strict bans on music, luxurious clothing, and consumption of wine, aiming to create a morally and religiously sound society.
### What aspect of earlier Berber traditions did the Almohads reject?
- [x] Pagan practices
- [ ] Piety and modesty
- [ ] Monotheism
- [ ] Linguistic diversity
> **Explanation:** The Almohads rejected the pagan practices of the Berber tribes, striving to align social customs strictly with Islamic teachings.
### Who succeeded Muhammad ibn Abdallah ibn Tumart as the Almohad leader?
- [x] Abd al-Mu'min
- [ ] Abu Yusuf Yaqub
- [ ] Yusuf ibn Tashfin
- [ ] Yusuf II
> **Explanation:** After the death of Ibn Tumart, Abd al-Mu'min became the first Almohad Caliph, further expanding their territory and influence.
### Under which dynasty did the Almohad Caliphate ultimately fall?
- [x] Marinids
- [ ] Abbasids
- [ ] Umayyads
- [ ] Mamluks
> **Explanation:** The rise of the Marinid dynasty in the late 13th century marked the downfall of the Almohad Caliphate, leading to the fragmentation of their territories.
In closing, the legacy of the Almohads endures not only in the physical landmarks they left behind but also in their fervent ideologies that carved a formative chapter in Islamic and world history. Reflect upon their teachings, and you may find inspiration in their unwavering commitment to reforms and unity.
Farewell, and may you continue your journey into the rich tapestry of Islamic history with curiosity and diligence.
โ Hassan Al-Mansouri, October 2023
