OverviewA companion who became governor of Syria and founded the Umayyad caliphate.CategoryCompanionPeriodBirth date unknown · d. c. 680 CE
Life and settingMu‘awiya served as governor of Syria before his conflict with Ali ibn Abi Talib during the first Muslim civil war.Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam
Work and legacyHe became caliph in 661 following Hasan ibn Ali's withdrawal from rule. His designation of Yazid as successor helped establish the dynastic form of Umayyad government.Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam
SourcesOriginal concise biography based on the cited references. Historical reports, later devotional traditions and uncertain dates are distinguished where relevant.TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam
