He was ‘Abdullaah ibn “al-Mutazz billaah” Muhammad ibn “al-Mutawakkil” Ja‘far ibn “al-Mu‘tasim” Muhammad ibn “ar-Rasheed” Haaroon ibn “al-Mahdee”{1}.

He was al-Ameer (the leader) Abul-‘Abbaas al-Haashimee al-‘Abbaasee al-Baghdaadee al-Adeeb (a renowned literary figure) who was known for eloquent Arabic poetry.

He received his literary education from al-Mubarrid and Tha‘lab. He narrated from his educator named Ahmad ibn Sa‘eed ad-Dimashqee. Those who narrated from him were that same educator, as well as Muhammad ibn Yahyaa as-Soolee and others.

He was born in the year 249h. During the year 296h, the prominent did not accept the rulership of the Khaleefah referred to as al-Muqtadir since he was very young. Thus, people caused unrest, revolted against him, and killed his deputy. They then put ibn al-Mu‘tazz in the position of Khaleefah, but he said, “On the condition that no Muslim man is killed due to me.”

Around al-Muqtadir at the time were his close supporters, and they then took up arms and went after the aforementioned people. Consequently, the supporters of ibn al-Mu‘tazz dispersed and broke away from him. Ibn al-Mu‘tazz himself became fearful and went into hiding. He was later captured and killed in secret during Rabee‘ al-Awwal of the year 296h. He was surrendered to Mu’nis al-Khaadim who strangled him, wrapped him in rug, and sent him to his family…

Notes:

{1} The name of “al-Mahdee” is Muhammad, and the continuation of the lineage is: ibn “al-Mansoor” ‘Abdillaah ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Alee ibn ‘Abdillaah ibn ‘Abbaas ibn ‘Abdil-Muttalib. See Mu‘jam al-Udabaa’ 4/1519.

References: Siyar A'laam an-Nubalaa', no. 2537 (at-Tawfeeqiyyah).

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