Amin and Ma'mun in War for Power

Haroon, who was concerned about the power struggle between his sons after his death, decided to implement an innovative plan that was unique in the history of the Abbasids. He divided the entire Islamic territory under his control amongst three of his sons and provided them with independent resources and income. He gave the mainland of his territory to Amin, his primary successor. It included Iraq, Hijaz, Syria, and Northern Africa, with the capital in Baghdad. This large portion of his kingdom was stable and dominated by the Arabs, who were supportive of an Arab caliph. He chose Mamun as Amins successor in the caliphate, and gave him rulership over the eastern parts of his territory, including Iran and Khorasan, with the capital in Merv, current day Mary, Turkmenistan. These areas were unstable and subject to various uprisings. Haroon knew that Mamun, with his leadership skills, could manage the instability in these areas. Furthermore, Mamuns mother was an Iranian slave, and he could better collect support from the Iranians in that area. Finally, Haroon selected his son, Qasim, as Mamuns successor in the caliphate and gave him rulership over small territories around Turkey and northern Iraq. This area was also unstable, however, due to its small size, Haroon was hopeful that Qasim would be able to manage it. Haroon also authorized Mamun to remove Qasim from his position in the future. To ensure that his plan would be implemented after his death, Haroon performed Hajj with his sons and asked them to write a testimony to promise that they would abide by the deal. Haroon then ordered the testimony to be hung inside the Kaba as evidence for the other Muslims who were not present in the Hajj that year.

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