The Financial Reforms of the Caliph al-Mulhringtadid (279-89/892-901)

Abstract

This study examines a historical phenomenon of the caliphate of al-Muʿtaḍid bi-llāh Aḥmad b. Ṭalḥa (r. 279-89/892-901), namely the remarkable finance-generating policies of his administration. When al-Muʿtaḍid succeeded to the caliphate, the State Treasury was empty except for a few dirhams, on account of the circumstances faced by, and the actions of, his predecessor. First, there had been the internal revolts, especially the Zanj rebellion, which lasted some fifteen years, 255-70/868-83. Second, some of the major Islamic territories had seceded, notably Egypt and al-Shām (Greater Syria), controlled by the Tulunids (254-92/868-96), and Persia, governed by the Saffarids (254-87/867-900): these secessions terminated the flow of revenues from the regions concerned to the ʿAbbasids' capital in Baghdad, in particular land taxes, which were the state's main source of financial support at that time. A third factor was the irresponsible behaviour of the vizier, Ismāʿīl b. Bulbul (d. 279/892), who squandered state funds by distributing them among his own companions and supporters.Under al-Muʿtaḍid, various new measures and procedures were adopted to avoid financial shortfalls and increase state funds. These were so successful that by the end of his caliphate there were more than nine million dinars of ready money in the State Treasury.This study looks at the measures and procedures adopted in order to bring about this sound financial footing. It does so under the successive headings of political, financial and economic, and administrative measures.