"They are like lions in their fortresses, eagles on their horses, and women on their ships" Musa ibnu Nusayr said

والصَّلَاةُ والسَّلاَمُ عَلَى سَيّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ أَشْرَفِ اْلمُرْسَلِيْنَ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ الطَّيّبِيْنَ الطَّاهِرِيْن

After the passing of the Prophet ﷺ, the companions were deeply grieved by his loss, to the point that one stated: "When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ died, everything in Medina that his presence had illuminated darkened," and another said: "When we buried the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, our hearts felt estranged."

However, this sorrow did not deter the companions from spreading the message of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. They did not remain idle in their homes nor become preoccupied with worldly matters. For instance, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq immediately dispatched armies to combat the apostates and those who withheld zakat after the Prophet's death, without waiting for the Muslims to gain strength, even though several companions disagreed with him.

The Islamic conquests continued during the caliphates of ^Umar and ^Uthman, and their successors until the Islamic caliphate expanded significantly. As a result, many individuals, who later became prominent scholars and figures of the 'Ummah, embraced Islam. Among them were people like Sirin, the father of Muhammad ibnu Sirin, and Yasar, the father of Al-Hasanu l-Basriyy. Indeed, they were captured by Khalid ibnu l-Walid in one of the battles during the conquest of Iraq. Nusayr was another notable figure. He was the father of Musa ibn Nusayr -the shaykh of the Mujahidin- who played a significant role in the Islamic conquests, especially in the conquest of Al-‘Andalus. May Allah reward him generously.

His Name and Lineage

The esteemed Emir, Abu ^Abdi r-Rahman Musa ibnu Nusayr Al-Lakhmiyy, the governor of the Maghreb and the conqueror of Al-‘Andalus, was said to have been a slave of a woman from the Lakhm tribe, while others claimed Banu ‘Ummayah manumitted him. Originally from ^Aynu t-Tamr, his father, Nusayr, was captured by Khalid ibnu l-Walid during the conquest of Iraq. Initially named Nasr, he was enslaved, renamed Nusayr, and eventually freed. His son was Musa ibnu Nusayr, who played a pivotal role in the conquest of Al-‘Andalus alongside Tariq ibnu Ziyad. May Allah have mercy on both of them.

His Characteristics and Virtues

Musa ibnu Nusayr was a respected figure, known for his wisdom and determination. A devout warrior for the sake of Allah he remained steadfast in battles and exhibited bravery. His strategic insight and military tactics were so remarkable that he was distinguished by the cognomen of " the shaykh of the Mujahidin " He achieved vast conquests and reached Constantinople. His passion for jihad extended to his children, who were also warriors and leaders of armies. Despite his military prowess, he was known for his piety and righteousness.

His Jihad

Musa was entrusted with naval expeditions by Mu^awiyah, during which he conquered Cyprus and built fortresses there. He appointed his slave Tariq to govern western North Africa, and Tariq promptly conquered Al-‘Andalus. Musa joined him and completed the conquest, encountering astonishing events along the way. When the Muslims were on the verge of defeat, Musa uncovered his tent, revealing his daughters and spouses, and stepped out. He raised his hands in prayer, supplication, and tears until the sheaths of the swords were shattered before him. Thus, they engaged the enemy with utmost sincerity and triumph ensued, granting them spoils beyond description, including the golden and jewelled table of Sulayman, peace be upon him.

It is said that he obtained sixteen large jars sealed with Sulayman's signet ring. He opened four of them and pierced one. A demon suddenly emerged and said, "O Prophet of Allah, I will no longer cause mischief on the earth." Then he looked around and exclaimed, "By Allah, I do not see Sulayman or his kingdom", before departing. He was a demon whom Sulayman had confined in this jar, and he remained there until Musa ibn Nusayr conquered Andalusia. As for the rest of the jars, they were buried.

Al-Layth said: “Musa sent his son Marwan at the head of an army, capturing one hundred thousand prisoners. He also sent his brother’s son, who captured another one hundred thousand Berbers. A man guided them to a treasure in Andalusia, and they removed its door. Inside, they discovered rubies and emeralds that dazzled them. Some likened this treasure to a carpet woven with gold, pearls, and rubies of such opulence that it would be too heavy for two men to carry together, prompting them to divide it with an axe.

It is said that when Musa entered ‘Ifriqiyyah (Tunisia), he found its cities mostly empty, and the region was suffering a drought. He ordered the people to pray, fast, and observe piety. Leading them into the desert, accompanied by all the animals, weeping and clamour persisted until noon. Musa subsequently prayed, delivered a sermon, and invoked Allah. Eventually, the rain fell and they were saved.

When Musa ibnu Nusayr ventured into Andalusia, advancing deeper into enemy territory, his army expressed concerns about further conquests: "Where do you intend to lead us? What we have in our hands suffices us." He replied, "If you followed my command, I would reach Constantinople." Ultimately, he returned to the Maghreb, humbly riding his mule ‘Kawkab’ despite his immense wealth. He ordered that loads of gold and silk be borne on the backs of bull calves and appointed his son as the governor of ‘Ifriqiyyah.

He took with him a hundred Berber chiefs among notable captives, and twenty kings with their offspring. Arriving in Egypt with unprecedented grandeur, he generously rewarded scholars and nobles with the spoils. He then journeyed towards the Levant, intending to inform Al-Walid ibnu ^Abdu l-Malik of the conquest of Andalusia. During his journey, Al-Walid fell ill, and Sulayman ibnu ^Abdu l-Malik sent him a letter ordering him to halt. In fact, Sulayman intended to claim the victory for himself upon Al-Walid’s death. However, Musa did not comply and continued his march until he met Al-Walid before his passing and informed him of the victory, laden with treasures beyond measure, with the table alone estimated at one hundred thousand dinars. Resentful, Sulayman swore to crucify Musa as soon as he had the opportunity.

It is said that he once declared, "By Allah, if the people were to follow me, I would lead them to the Romans, and Allah would grant the conquest of their lands through my hands." It is also reported that on a Friday, while Al-Walid was seated upon his minbar, Musa returned from battle. He had arrayed thirty kings in crowns and luxurious garments. Entering the mosque with them, he positioned them beneath the minbar —these were the ones he had triumphed over in that battle. Al-Walid praised Allah and thanked him.

His Stance with Sulayman ibnu ^Abdu l-Malik

When Sulayman ascended to power, he humiliated and punished Musa for his previous disobedience. Despite his corpulence, he subjected him to the sun's scorching heat, until Musa collapsed. ^Umar ibnu ^Abdi l-^Aziz felt deeply troubled by this treatment. Sulayman then remarked, "O Abu Hafs, I believe I have fulfilled my oath", pretending that he had now carried out what he had sworn to do, and thus he released Musa.

Yazid ibnu l-Muhallab took him under his wing, and Musa ransomed himself for a million dinars. Yazid told him: "You had a great number of slaves and soldiers. Why did you not remain in your place of honour and send gifts instead?" He replied, "If I had wished, I could have done so, but I chose to prioritise Allah and did not see fit to rebel."

One day, Sulayman asked him: "What did you rely on during the heat of battle?" He replied, "Prayer and patience." Sulayman then asked, "Which horses did you find to be the most enduring?" He answered: "The bay horses." Sulayman continued: "Which nations fought the hardest?" Musa responded: "They are too numerous to describe." Sulayman pressed further: "Tell me about the Romans." Musa described: "They are like lions in their fortresses, eagles on their horses, and women on their ships. If they see an opportunity, they seize it, and if they foresee defeat, they become chamois fleeing to the mountains. They do not view retreat as a disgrace."

Sulayman then inquired: “Tell me about the Berbers.” Musa replied, “They are the non-Arabs who most resemble the Arabs in bravery, steadfastness, endurance and horsemanship, except that they are the most treacherous of people”. “And what about the people of Andalusia”? he asked. Musa replied, "They are indulgent kings and brave horsemen who do not recoil in dread." “And the Franks”? Musa stated, "They have great numbers, endurance, strength, and might."

Sulayman asked, "How did the battles between you and them go?" Musa answered, "By Allah, I have never had a banner defeated, nor a gathering dispersed, nor have the Muslims suffered any calamity under my command since I entered my forties until I reached my eighties."  He then began to enumerate what he had acquired of jewels and emeralds until Sulayman was bewildered.

And he once said: "O ‘Amira l-Mu'minin, a thousand sheep were to be sold for a hundred dirhams, a she-camel for ten dirhams, and people would pass by a cow without paying attention to it. I even have seen a christian man, his wife, and children being sold for fifty dirhams!"

During this period and after that came the siege of Constantinople, by both land and sea, which lasted for about a year. The banner of jihad was widespread throughout the regions, religion triumphed, the state expanded, and unity prevailed.

When Sulayman resolved to march upon and conquer Constantinople, Musa ibnu Nusayr and his brother Maslamah were present with him. Sulayman inquired, "Give me your counsel." Musa responded, "O ‘Amira l-Mu'minin if this is your desire, follow the example of the Companions in their conquests. Whenever they captured a city, they established it as a stronghold for Islam. Begin with the pathways, and conquer the fortresses along the way until you reach Constantinople. Surely, they will surrender willingly!" He then turned to Maslamah and asked, "What is your opinion?" Maslamah replied, "This is the strategy, provided that life is prolonged for it or if the future unfolds as you envisage; it may take fifteen years! However, I propose that you dispatch the Muslims to assault Constantinople by both land and sea and lay siege to it. As long as they remain under siege, they will either pay tribute willingly or we will compel them to pay it. Once that occurs, all the forts below it will fall under your control!" Sulayman declared, "That is the opinion!"

His passing

Musa ibnu Nusayr passed away, may Allah have mercy on him in Marru dh-Dhuhran or Wadi l-Qura, with some differences regarding the exact location. This occurred in the year ninety-seven or ninety-nine. He had accompanied Sulayman ibnu ^Abdu l-Malik on the pilgrimage and passed away there. May Allah grant him the best reward in the Hereafter.

And Allah knows best and is the most just, and all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds.

Sources:

These matters are compiled and summarised from:

• "Siyaru ‘A'lami n-Nubala" by Ibnu Kathir.
• "Al-Kamil fi t-Tarikh" by Ibnu l-‘Athir.
• "Al-Bidayatu wa n-Nihayah" by Ibnu Kathir.
• "Tarikhu t-Tabariyy" by Imam At-Tabariyy.