In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Sultan Malik Shah had four sons: Barkiyak, Muhammad, Sanjar, and Mahmood. Mahmood, later known as Nasir Ad-Deen Mahmood, was a young child. Due to his mother, Turkan Khatun, holding a high status during Malik Shah’s reign, they pledged allegiance to Mahmood for him to assume authority. His reign lasted for approximately two years, from 485AH to 487AH, until both he and his mother passed away. Following Mahmood, Rukn Ad-Din Abu Al-Mu’dhaffar Barkiyak Bin Malik Shah took over the throne and ruled until 498 AH. Then came Rukn Ad-Din Malik Shah II, followed by Ghiyaath Ad-Din Abu Shujaa, Muhammad, who assumed power in the same year. Muhammad’s rule continued until the year 511 AH. He was the final ruler of the Great Seljuk State beyond the River, which held control over Khorasan, Iran, and Iraq. Their state eventually declined in 522 AH under the rule of Shahnat Khaawarizm.

With the decline of the Great Seljuk state across the river, the unity of the Seljuks shattered, their strength diminished, and they fragmented into factions, parties, and opposing camps vying for the throne. Consequently, they splintered into numerous states and small emirates within the vast empire. (a) Unlike the era of Sultan Tughrul Beg, Sultan Alp Arslan, Sultan Malik Shah, and their predecessors, these smaller entities were not under the rule of a single sultan. Each part of the Seljuk empire operated independently under separate leadership, with no mention of cooperation between them. As a result, the Khaawarizm state emerged across the river, standing resilient against the Mongol onslaught for a considerable period. Alongside it, the Seljuk emirates in northern Iraq and Shaam, known as the Tabakiyat, were established. Simultaneously, the Seljuk Sultanate of Rome emerged, bravely resisting the Crusades and successfully containing them in the northwestern corner of Asia Minor. However, this sultanate eventually succumbed to the successive Mongol invasions.

There are numerous factors associated with the decline of the Seljuk State, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Abbasid Caliphate. These factors include internal conflicts within the Seljuk family, involving brothers, uncles, sons, and grandchildren. Additionally, the interference of women in governmental affairs, along with certain governors, ministers, and chiefs, instigated conflicts between the Seljuk rulers and Abbasid caliphs. The weakness of the Abbasid Caliphate in the face of the Seljuk military force resulted in their recognition of the legitimacy of any powerful victor who assumed the throne of the Seljuk Sultanate. Furthermore, the Seljuk state’s inability to unify Shaam, Egypt, and Iraq under the Abbasid Caliphate banner, as well as internal divisions among the Seljuks leading to continuous military confrontations, contributed to the exhaustion of their power and the eventual collapse of their sultanate in Iraq. The Baatinee (heretical Shiites) also played a role in the downfall of the Seljuk state through their malicious plots, including continuous attempts to assassinate the Seljuk sultans, chiefs, and leaders under their authority. Lastly, the Crusader invasion from Europe posed a significant challenge to the Seljuk state, further exacerbating their struggles. These are just a few reasons and factors that contributed to the fall of the Seljuk Sultanate and the Abbasid Caliphate.

The Seljuks achieved remarkable feats, with their most significant contribution being the preservation of the Abbasid Caliphate. This caliphate was on the verge of decline around two centuries ago due to the influence of the Buwayhid Raafidah Shiites. The Seljuk state effectively thwarted the ambitions of the Ubaydi state in Egypt, which aimed to unify the Arab and Islamic East under the Baatinee Raafidah Shiite banner. The Seljuks’ efforts laid the groundwork for the eventual unification of the Islamic East by Salah Ad-Din Al-Ayyoobee, under the Sunni Abbasid Caliphate. Moreover, the Seljuks played a crucial role in promoting progress in the regions under their control through the dissemination of Islamic knowledge and efficient administration, ensuring security and stability. They also stood as a formidable barrier against the Crusaders and made significant efforts to repel the Mongol threat. Additionally, they elevated the status of the Sunni path and its scholars in these territories. This concise summary highlights the pivotal role of the Sunni Seljuks in defending Islam. It is unjust, false, and defamatory to label these courageous individuals as “Fragmented Chaotic Groups.” [An Excerpt from Ad-Dawlah Al-Uthmaaniyyah Awaamil An-Nuhood wa Asbaab As-Suqoot. 6/39-41]

(a) Reflect on the statement: “With the decline of the Great Seljuk state across the river, the unity of the Seljuks shattered, their strength diminished, and they fragmented into factions, parties, and opposing camps vying for the throne. Consequently, they splintered into numerous states and small emirates within the vast empire”.

Imam Al-Bukhari said, “Chapter: If somebody does not seek the authority of ruling, then Allaah will surely help him”. AbdurRahmaan Bin Samura [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “O Abdur-Rahmaan! Do not seek to be a ruler, for if you are given authority on your demand, you will be held responsible for it, but if you are given it without asking, you will be helped (by Allah) in it. If you ever take an oath to do something and later on find that something else is better, then you should expiate your oath and do what is better”. [End of Hadith]

The person who pursues authority and attains it will not find assistance. It is well known that holding authority comes with difficulties, so if one does not receive help from Allah, they will become ensnared by it and consequently lose both their worldly life and the afterlife. Hence, a sensible person refrains from seeking authority. However, if they are deserving and it is bestowed upon them without their request, then the truthful and trustworthy [Messenger] has assured them that Allah will assist them. [kitaab al Ahkaam Sahih Al-Bukhaari with Fat-hul Baari. Hadith Number 7146]