Mu’awiya I Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Child, Wife, Death

Mu’awiya I, also known as Mu’awiya ibn Abi Sufyan, was a pivotal figure in early Islamic history, recognized for establishing the Umayyad Caliphate and serving as its first caliph from 661 to 680 CE.

Born into the influential Quraysh tribe in Mecca, his early life was about his opposition to Prophet Muhammad, a stance that shifted following the Muslim conquest of Mecca.

Profile

• Full name: Mu’awiya ibn Abi Sufyan
• Date of birth: Circa 602 CE
• Age as of 2025: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Mecca, Arabian Peninsula
• Nationality: Arab
• Profession: Caliph, Governor, Military Leader
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Father: Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, Mother: Hind bint Utba
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Maysun bint Bahdal
• Children: Yazid I
• Relationship status: N/A
• Religion: Islam
• Ethnicity: Arab
• Net worth: $100+ million (modern estimates)

Early Life and Education

Mu’awiya ibn Abi Sufyan was born around 602 CE in Mecca, a city that was a significant commercial and religious center in the Arabian Peninsula.

His father, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, was a prominent leader of the Quraysh tribe and initially opposed the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. His mother, Hind bint Utba, also belonged to the influential Banu Abd Shams clan. The tribal dynamics and the socio-political landscape of Mecca shaped Mu’awiya’s early years.  

Following the Muslim conquest of Mecca, Mu’awiya embraced Islam and served as a scribe for the Prophet, gaining valuable experience in administration and governance. Details about his formal education are scarce, but his subsequent roles suggest a deep understanding of political and military affairs.

Personal Life

Mu’awiya’s marriage to Maysun bint Bahdal, a member of the Kalb tribe, was both a personal union and a strategic alliance that strengthened his political position in Syria.

Maysun was the mother of his son, Yazid I, who would later succeed Mu’awiya as caliph. Accounts suggest that Maysun took an active role in Yazid’s upbringing, exposing him to the desert life of her tribe to instill traditional values.  

Career

Mu’awiya’s political career began in earnest when Caliph Umar appointed him as the governor of Damascus in 640 CE. He effectively managed the province, building a strong military and administrative base. His leadership was tested during the First Fitna (Islamic civil war) following Caliph Uthman’s assassination.  

Mu’awiya demanded justice for Uthman’s death and eventually opposed Caliph Ali’s leadership, leading to the Battle of Siffin in 657 CE. The conflict was resolved through arbitration, but the dispute remained unresolved. After Ali’s assassination in 661 CE, Mu’awiya negotiated with Ali’s son, Hasan, who subsequently abdicated in favour of Mu’awiya, allowing him to become the caliph.

As caliph, Mu’awiya established the Umayyad dynasty, centralized the administration, expanded the empire’s frontiers, and developed naval forces to challenge Byzantine power.

Net Worth

Mu’awiya’s modern net worth is estimated to be around $ 100 million or more.

Death

Mu’awiya I died in April or May of 680 CE in Damascus, Syria. His death marked the end of his nearly two-decade rule and the beginning of his son Yazid I’s caliphate, which would face immediate challenges, including the revolt of Husayn ibn Ali.

Controversy

Mu’awiya’s reign was not without controversy. His rise to power involved significant conflict, particularly with Caliph Ali, leading to the First Fitna. Critics argue that Mu’awiya’s establishment of a dynastic rule deviated from the previous system of leadership in the Islamic community, which was based on election.

His appointment of his son Yazid as successor was unprecedented and sparked dissent, notably from Husayn ibn Ali, which ultimately led to the tragic Battle of Karbala. Additionally, some historical accounts accuse Mu’awiya of implementing policies that favoured his clan and consolidating power through political maneuvering.  

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