When the divided and weak Muslim Arab states (Taaifas) of Andalus (Spain) were being defeated in successive battles by the Crusaders of Spain, and loosing territories, they had a decisive meeting.
The Arabs petty rulers saw that Sultan Yousuf bin Tashfeen had established a strong government and Islamic state in North Africa, Ad-Dawlatul-Murabiteen (Al-Moravid Empire). Sultan Yousuf bin Tashfeen was a non-Arab Berber, he had a magnificent army.
When the Arabs thought of inviting Sultan Yousuf bin Tashfeen to defeat the Crusaders, one of the Arab princes presented his fears on inviting Sultan Yousuf bin Tashfeen to his father Al-Mu’tamid (King of Seville) saying (summarizing his words), ‘What if Yousuf bin Tashfeen stays on and doesn’t leave Spain (i.e. makes us loose our lands and kingships)?’
Al-Mu’tamid said:
“I have no desire to be branded by my descendants as the man who delivered al-Andalus as prey to the infidels. I am loath to have my name cursed in every Muslim pulpit. And, for my part, I would rather be a camel-driver in Africa (under Yousuf bin Tashfeen) than a swine-herder in Castile (under the Christians).”
This quote made them invite the lion from the lions of Islam, Sultan Yousuf bin Tashfeen, to Spain, in 1086 C.E.
He came with a Berber army of 15,000 heavily armed men, and along with 10,000 Andalusian Muslims, this force defeated the Christians, who had an army three times that of the Muslims, in the Battle of Sagrajas, totally annihilating them and significantly delaying the total loss of Spain by many years and generations.
-Abu Muaaz Mohammed Manna
(5th August 2020)
Saheehus-Seerah 