Abu Muslim

Abu Muslim al-Khorasani (Arabic: أبو مسلم الخراساني; c. 718–723 – February 755) was a Persian revolutionary and general who played a leading role in the Abbasid Revolution. He organized the Abbasid movement in Khorasan, defeated the Umayyad Caliphate, and helped establish the Abbasid Caliphate in 750 CE.^[1][2]

Abu Muslim al-Khorasani
Traditional depiction of Abu Muslim
Born	c. 718–723 Merv or Isfahan, Persia
Died	February 755 Al-Mada'in, Iraq
Nationality	Persian
Other names	Abd al-Rahman ibn Muslim al-Khorasani
Occupation(s)	Military commander, revolutionary
Known for	Leader of the Abbasid Revolution

Early life

Abu Muslim’s exact origins are uncertain. Some sources say he was born in Merv, others in Isfahan. He may have been of Persian descent, possibly from a family of clients (mawālī) under the Umayyads.^[3] By the early 740s, he was connected with Abbasid agents and became a trusted organizer of their underground movement in Khorasan.^[4]

Role in the Abbasid Revolution

In 747, Abu Muslim raised the **black banners** in Khorasan, calling for the overthrow of the Umayyads. His forces defeated Umayyad armies in several battles, including the decisive **Battle of the Zab** in 750, which ended Umayyad rule.^[5]

Abu Muslim became governor of Khorasan under the Abbasids. He was admired for his charisma and military skill, but also feared for his power. His leadership united Persians, Arabs, and Central Asian peoples under the Abbasid cause.^[6]

Death

In 755, Caliph al-Mansur grew suspicious of Abu Muslim’s influence. He summoned him to Al-Mada'in and had him executed. Abu Muslim’s death shocked his followers and led to later revolts in his name, as many considered him a hero of Persian and Khorasani identity.^[7]

Legacy

Abu Muslim is remembered as one of the most important figures in early Islamic history. He was the **architect of the Abbasid victory**, and his name became legendary in Persian and Central Asian traditions. Later movements, including Shi‘a and Persian nationalist groups, often invoked his memory.^[8][9]