Discover the untold tale of Musa bin Nusayr
Musa bin Nusayr, an illustrious Arab General and Governor during the Umayyad Caliphate, is revered in the most credible accounts as a member of Banu Lakhm, an Arab tribe rooted in north of Arabia. Born during the caliphate of Omar bin Alkhattab, Musa’s notable military and political endeavors came to prominence during the Umayyad era. He led the expansionist campaigns that swept through North Africa and Alandalus.
Historical interpretations of this pivotal period diverge intriguingly. Some chronicles attribute the move into the Iberian Peninsula to conflicts involving the prince of Ceuta and the Visigothic ruler, while others dispute this. Yet, whatever the initial spark may have been, the expansion into Iberia seemed destined. The Umayyad Empire knew no bounds. After consolidating power across North Africa, advancing into the Iberian Peninsula was an almost inevitable progression.
Musa became captivated by the vision of expanding into the Iberian Peninsula. Driven by this ambition, he wrote to the Caliph Alwaleed bin Abdulmalik in Damascus, seeking permission to confront the Visigoths, who were, by many accounts, unwelcome rulers at the time. However, the Caliph was initially reluctant, expressing his concern over the peril of crossing the sea and the potential loss of valuable troops. In response, Musa reassured him, saying that it’s a narrow sea and the opposite shore is visible. Determined and persistent, he implored the Caliph for approval to embark on the conquest.
Eventually, the Caliph relented but stipulated that before engaging in full warfare, Musa should first send a reconnaissance force. Thus, Musa dispatched Turaif bin Malik Alnakhi, a Qahtani Arab, who became the first to set foot in the Iberian Peninsula. The expedition confirmed that the venture was indeed feasible. Musa swiftly reported back to Damascus, prompting the Caliph to grant his full support.
Preparations began, and Tariq bin Ziyad, a distinguished Berber general, earnestly requested to lead the campaign. Musa consented, devising a strategic plan to lead part of the army himself along an alternate route that avoided a direct sea crossing, to align with the Caliph’s caution. This careful orchestration marked the beginning of a chapter that would change history.
The campaign was a resounding success. Musa and Tariq met in the heart of Iberia, combining their forces to sweep across nearly the entire peninsula, even pressing north into the southern reaches of France. Musa pushed forward with unyielding determination, reaching as far as Galicia when a messenger arrived with a summons from the Caliph, commanding his return.
Musa, resolute and driven, implored the messenger to allow him just a little more time, explaining that the complete conquest of the peninsula was within reach. He urged the messenger to join him in this final effort, promising that they would return to Damascus together as celebrated heroes. The messenger, moved by Musa's vision and the promise of glory, agreed and the mission was accomplished.
While Musa made his journey back to Damascus, he received a letter from Sulayman bin Abdulmalik, the crown prince and soon-to-be Caliph. Sulayman urged Musa to delay his return, as Alwaleed's health was failing, and he wished for the triumphant news of the conquest to be revealed under his own reign. Defiant, Musa disregarded the letter and pressed on to share the victory with Alwaleed. Indeed Alwaleed passed away shortly after the news has spread, and Sulayman ascended to power.
The new caliph Sulayman became hostile with Musa. He subjected him to brutal treatment, imposing exorbitant taxes that even his tribe, Banu Lakhm, had to shoulder. Guards were assigned to torment him daily. Reduced to begging in the streets of Wadi Alqura, Musa would give any alms he received to his captors in the hope of sparing himself a day’s suffering.
One day, an old friend approached him, saying, "I have always known you to be wise, Musa. Why did you not wait? It was clear Alwaleed was nearing his end." Musa replied, "This is not the time for reproach. I acted not out of strategy but because it felt right; I could not hold the news within me."
A loyal servant who had remained by Musa’s side remarked, “Do you remember how you once rejected gold during your conquest, choosing only the most precious stones and treasures? And now, look at your state.” Musa, pained by the comment, asked, “Are you leaving me too?” The servant responded: “God has forsaken you; why should I stay?”
Tears welled in Musa's eyes, and that night, his tormented journey came to an end. He passed away, leaving behind the echoes of a once-great legacy now shadowed by betrayal and loss.