Circa 680 - 720
Umayyad Khalifah

Reformer. Although the Umayyad dynasty (661-750) is generally known among Muslim historical writers for repression rather than reform, Khalifah 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz (also known as 'Umar II), who reigned for only two and a half years (717-720), is an exception to that characterization. Known for his piety and frugality, he reformed the tax system, putting the mawali (non-Arab Muslims) on a equal basis with Arab Muslims.

Career. Born in Madinah, 'Umar was the son of a governor of Egypt and a descendant of Khalifah 'Umar ibn al-Khattab ('Umar I, ruled 634-644). After a traditional education in Madinah, he was made governor of the Hijaz region of Arabia, which includes Makkah and Madinah, in 706. During his tenure as governor, he formed a council of pious Muslims to advise him on his rule. He was elevated to khalifah in 717.

The Role...