Muʿāwiyah ibn Abu Sufyan: Founder of a Dynasty
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious the Most Merciful
Muʿāwiyah ibn Sufyan رضي الله عنه was a skilled statesman with a incredible career spanning 40 years. Descending from a powerful political family, he ruled for 20 years as caliph - longer than any sahabah, and stabilised the empire after a turbulent civil war.
He founded the Muslim navy, oversaw military expansion, and introduced strong social reforms. Yet much of his achievements are overshadowed by criticisms after the assassination of Caliph Uthman رضي الله عنه .
This has overshadowed his strong administrative skills and advanced policies which stabilised the burgeoning empire. This article aims to draw to light the political and military achievements under Muʿāwiyah’s reign, both at home and abroad.
Political History
Muʿāwiyah ibn Abī Sufyān Sakhr ibn Ḥarb was born into a prominent family. His father Abu Sufyan had been the leader of Makkah. As a result, Muʿāwiyah descended from a tribe skilled in administration and politics. After he and his family accepted Islam, Muʿāwiyah became a scribe of the Prophet ﷺ due to his educated status, writing letters to other leaders.
He would eventually become the leader of the first Muslim monarchy, which was prophesied by the Prophet ﷺ.
"Safinah narrated to me, he said: 'The Messenger of Allah(s.a.w) said: "Al-Khilafah will be in my Ummah for thirty years, then there will be monarchy after that."'
Muʿāwiyah رضي الله عنه is considered the first Umayyad caliph but in reality it was actually Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه . However, Caliph Uthman is considered part of Khalifa Rashidun (Rightly Guided caliphs.)
Additionally, Umayyad rule was not continuous between Uthman and Muʿāwiyah - the latter of whose family ran for 3 generations.
During the reign of Umar ibn Al Khatab رضي الله عنه, he was appointed governor of Damascus after the former governor - his brother Yazid - died from the plague.
Muʿāwiyah later became the governor of all of Syria during the era of Caliph Uthman and governed for 20 years. During his time as governor, he secured the loyalty and love of the people of Ash Sham. Christians subjects also pledged allegiance, even deferring church disputes over to him. Damascus would later become the capital of the Ummayids with the support of its population. It showed Caliph Muʿāwiyah was a skilled diplomat who successfully maintained loyalty in the Levant.
The caliphate was officially handed to Muʿāwiyah by Hasan ibn Ali who’d ruled for 6 months, establishing the Umayyad empire. (Al-Rashid, 2023)
Personality and Character
As a companion of the Prophet ﷺ Muʿāwiyah رضي الله عنه was pious and knowledgable to the extent that Ibn Abbas declared him as a scholar of Fiqh.
Someone said to Ibn ʿAbbās, ‘Can you speak to the chief of the believers Muʿāwiyyah, as he did not pray except one rakʿah as witr?’ Ibn ʿAbbās replied, ‘He is a faqīh’ (ie. a learned man who can give religious verdicts)
Muʿāwiyah’s most noteworthy trait was forbearance - noted by Arab biographers.
He was blessed with the quality to easily pardon others, which is shown in one particular incident:
Once Wāil ibn Ḥujr رضي الله عنه , was given a piece of land by the Prophet ﷺ who sent Muʿāwiyah رضي الله عنه to point it out. During the journey Wāil ibn Ḥujr was on a camel while Muʿāwiyah was on foot, walking until his feet boiled in the sun.
He requested to sit on the camel behind him. As Wāil ibn Ḥujr was new to Islam and was a prince, he responded: "You cannot sit behind kings."
Muʿāwiyah asked to be given shoes to protect his burning feet, in which Wāil ibn Ḥujr replied: “Consider the shade of the she-camel as shoes."
Muʿāwiyah accepted the circumstances with forbearance, despite also having prestige and being a noble companion of the Prophet ﷺ. He did not make any further objection.
As caliph, he would later host Wāil ibn Ḥujr allow him to sit next to him on the throne.
When Wāil was reminded of the incident he responded: "At that time, I wished I had let you ride ahead of me."
This is a testament to the strong character of Muʿāwiyah who was able to overlook a difficult situation and was merciful enough to pardon and honour Wāil ibn Ḥujr.
(Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal 27239)
There are numerous attacks on the character of Muʿāwiyah رضي الله عنه. A common Shia claim is that he would curse Caliph Ali رضي الله عنه from the pulpits during sermons. However, this was refuted as being baseless.
Muftῑ Taqῑ Uthmānῑ Ṣāḥib wrote a book in Urdu translated as: “Ḥadhrat Mu’āwiyah and the Historical Realities” in which he noted:
“I could not find in any book where it states that Ḥadhrat Mu’āwiyah Radhiyallāhu ‘Anhu would himself regularly curse and insult Ḥadhrat ‘Alῑ Radhiyallāhu ‘Anhu whilst on the pulpit (Mimbar)”
It is most likely that governors would allow attacks against Caliph Ali as there were strong rival factions with opposing loyalties at the time. However this never came from Caliph Mu’āwiyah himself. (Usmani, M.M.T. (1977, 37)
Leadership Style
Caliph Muʿāwiyah had a mastery of winning over people without relying on bloodshed. His method was to delay using force until absolutely necessary - preferring peaceful measures.
His main tactic was to ‘disarm the enemy and shame the opposition’, and was slow to come to anger. This gave him total control over any situation:
Summarising his political technique, Muʿāwiyah notably said;
“I apply not my sword where my lash suffices, nor my lash where my tongue is enough. And even if there be one hair binding me to my fellowmen, I do not let it break. When they pull I loosen, and if they loosen I pull.”
(Hitti, 1914)
When Caliph Muʿāwiyah did exert force, he was firm - crushing uprisings and rebellions. Around him, he kept a team of bodyguards and spies. This deterred the rebels who’d killed Ali and Uthman ( رضي الله عنهم) from attacking him.
He also crushed the Khawarij, who’d played a role in the civil wars, eliminating strife within the caliphate.
Notably, Muʿāwiyah رضي الله عنه also surrounded himself with equally talented politicians. In his inner circle were powerful figures like Amr ibn al-ʿĀṣ, Mughīrah ibn Shuʿbah and Ziyād ibn Abih. They are regarded by the Arabs as the best politicians. (Ibnul-Athir, 247-248)
Governance & Social Reforms
As a ruler, Caliph Muʿāwiyah رضي الله عنه was compassionate to his citizens to secure loyalty and support.
He provided judges with generous salaries of around 2,000 dirhams to stop them from taking bribes. All cases and judgements had to be recorded.
He financially supported the Prophet’s ﷺ family, paying more than 2 million dirhams each to Hassan and Hussein رضي الله عنهم.
Additionally, Muʿāwiyah supported the wives of the Prophet ﷺ such as Mother A'isha رضي الله عنها, whose debts he settled and sent her gifts. Once he sent her 100,000 dirhams which A'isha distributed before nightfall. (Ibn Saʿd,1968, vol. 8, pp. 67–68).
Secondly, Caliph Muʿāwiyah advanced the security apparatus of the police and intelligence, appointing body guards in the Haram and inside the masjid. This was due to the assassinations of previous caliphs, in which masjids were popular for attacks.
The caliphate was centralised during his rule to control expanding territories. He established bureaus - one being the postal service which strengthened communications in the realm. This was through setting up various stations around 20 kilometres from one another, instead of relying on one messenger to deliver information. It allowed horses and the messengers themselves to rest.
Also, a record department was created which documented copies and records. This tracked how much money was sent out, avoiding disputes. (Al-Rashid, 2023)
Byzantines Relationship + Naval Expeditions
Caliph Muʿāwiyah was also tough with the Romans, who he saw as the biggest threat to the Islamic Empire.
During the First Fitnah which saw civil war between Muʿāwiyah and Ali رضي الله عنهم, he did not allow the Romans to take advantage.
Ibn Kathir in Al‑Bidāyah wa‑l‑Nihāyah writes about this incident:
When the king of the Romans saw Muʿāwiyah preoccupied with the war against Ali he approached some frontier lands with a large army and coveted victory. Muʿāwiyah wrote to him: ‘By Allah, if you do not desist and return to your land, O cursed one, I will reconcile with my cousin (Ali) against you and will expel you from all your lands, and I will make the earth narrow for you despite its vastness.’ At that, the king of the Romans feared and withdrew, and sought a truce.
(Ibn Kathīr, 1988 edition, p. 127 )
This shows the political strength and shrewdness of Muʿāwiyah who could still defend the Muslims from external threats, and did not allow internal strife to expose the Muslim empire to invasion.
To protect the Muslims at sea, he created the first Muslim navy. He utilised Roman sailors to construct the ships, ensuring its quality. During the time of Umar ibn Khatab, Muʿāwiyah - then the governor of Syria - advocated for naval raids, ʿin which Caliph Umar prohibited as he was focused on land based defences.’
However, Caliph Uthman permitted naval expeditions which allowed Muʿāwiyah to conquer Cyprus in 649 CE. This land was selected due to being a crucial naval station for the Byzantines, which could also control access to the Levant.
When the Muslims conquered the land, Cyprus agreed to pay an annual tribute of 7,200 dinars and were banned from allying with the Byzantines against the Muslims.
They would later break their treaty, causing a second naval campaign which led to the total conquest of Cyprus in 33AH/654AD. Muʿāwiyah strengthened his influence by sending 12,000 Arab settlers there.
This secured a huge naval victory, boosted Muslim morale and discouraged future attacks by the Byzantines. (Abu Nahel, 2025, 3-5)
Siege of Constantinople
It was Muʿāwiyah رضي الله عنه who ordered the first siege of Constantinople to fulfil the prophecy of the Prophet ﷺ:
'The first army amongst' my followers who will invade Caesar's City will be forgiven for their sins.'
Caliph Muʿāwiyah's strategy with the Romans was to apply pressure on them via the summer and winter expeditions. They would succeed in confusing and weakening the Byzantines. They were kept on the defence to block an opportunity to retaliate.
The first siege on Constantinople took place in 48AH/669AD led by Muʿāwiyah’s son Yazid. Notable companions were present such as Abdullah ibn Zubair, Abdullah ibn Umar, Ibn Abas and Abu Ayub al Ansari رضي الله عنهم.
The siege was unsuccessful due to severe winter and heavy rains. It lasted over six months. During the siege, Abu Ayub al Ansar passed away and was buried close to Constantinople.
Between 54AH–60AH Muʿāwiyyah ordered a six year naval siege upon Constantinople, leading to land and sea forces setting out from Ash Sham.
They succeeded in capturing a number of cities and islands close by, which became military bases to besiege the city. However, Constantinople had natural protection from the sea, making the siege incomplete. They did not succeed in conquering it and the siege was halted after the death of Muʿāwiyyah رضي الله عنه .
The military expedition was momentous as the Muslims were now a force to be reckoned with. In 52AH/673AD they had captured the island of Rhodes, proving they could match the Romans in might. (Al Omary, 2021, 203-5)
Death and Legacy
After a total reign of 19 years and 3 months, Muʿāwiyyah ibn Abu Sufyan died in 60AH at the age of 78 in the month of Rajab. He left half his wealth to the state treasury, leaving his son Yazid ibn Muʿāwiyyah as successor.
Caliph Muʿāwiyyah laid the foundations of the Umayyad dynasty which would rule from 661 to 750. His family governed for several generations until the time of Marwan ibn Hakam. After the Abbasid revolution, the Ummayids would move to Andalusia, spurring a Golden Age and a rule spanning 290 years.
The legacy of Caliph Muʿāwiyah ibn Abu Sufyan teaches many lessons of strong leadership, diplomacy and how to lead with forbearance and clemency. His 40 year career was one of political and military triumphs. His advanced policies stabilised the empire after years of civil war, and led the Muslims to dominance at land and sea.
His forbearance, patience and mastery over people allowed him to forge strong connections and his firmness terrified his enemies.
Studying his political legacy is a key way to producing strong and competent leaders who will be of service to the Muslim world.
Therefore, Caliph Muʿāwiyyah رضي الله عنه is a ruler to be respected. Loving him is the way of the Salaf and hating him is the way of the Shia.
May Allah reward Muʿāwiyyah ibn Abu Sufyan and allow his legacy to inspire future political leaders who will lead the Muslims with skill, forbearance and strength. Ameen.
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Jazakallah khair for reading. Please benefit the ummah by sharing this knowledge and downloading a transcript below. Feel free to use it for your own research or personal study.
Bibliography
Ibn al-Athīr, 1965, vol. 3, pp. 247–248).
Ibn Saʿd, Muḥammad ibn Saʿd ibn Manīʿ (1968) al-Ṭabaqāt al-Kubrā. Beirut: Dār Ṣādir, vol. 8.
Abu Nahel, Osama. (2025). The Role of the Islamic Navy in Bolstering the Presence of Muslims in the Eastern Basin of the Mediterranean Sea (28-99 AH / 648-718 AD). 4. 1-24.
Al-Rashid, A., 2023. Muawiyah: A first-class statesman and pioneer of civilisation. Al Majalla, 2 March. Available at: https://en.majalla.com/node/287226/culture-social-affairs/muawiyah-first-class-statesman-and-pioneer-civilisation
Al-Omary, A.I.I. (2021) Islamic Conquests Throughout the Ages. Riyadh: Darussalam Publishers, pp. 502. ISBN 9786035004596
Hitti, P.K. (1914) The Caliphate. In: The Arabs; A Short History. TOTA Curated Archives. Available at: https://www.tota.world/article/1081
Ibn Kathīr, Al‑Bidāyah wa‑l‑Nihāyah, vol. 8, 1988, vol. 8. Beirut: Dar al‑Kutub al‑Ilmiyyah, p. 127
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Sahih al‑Bukhari (n.d.) Chapter: Narration about Muawiya رضي الله عنه [online], Sunnah.com. Available at: https://sounah.com/en/bab/2088/
Sahih al-Bukhari 2924: https://sunnah.com/bukhari:2924
Usmani, M.M.T. (1977) Hazrat Muawiyah (R) and Historical Realities (حضرت معاویہ اور تاریخی حقائق). Karachi: Maktaba Ma‘ariful Qur’an.
