FALL OF ABU MUSLIM The Khalifah, instead of rewarding a man who had saved his throne, was now bent on his destruction. The influence of Abu Muslim aroused the jealousy and hatred of the Khalifah. He was virtually the ruler of Khurasan and thus became the source of danger to the throne. The Khalifah though it wise not to allow the grass to grow under his feet as Abu Muslim’s power was going to surpass every limit. He invited Abu Muslim to visit the royal Court on his return journey to Khurasan. He was well-received at the Court and on one unlucky day he was put to death.
Abu Muslim was by far the greatest figure of the age. ”Hardly thirty-five years old, he had by his rare wisdom, zeal and generalship, changed the whole outlook of Islam and raised the House of al-Abbas upon the ruins of the House of Umayya”. After the death of Abu Muslim, a serious rising threatened the empire in Persia under the leadership of Sunbadh who stepped forth as the avenger of Abu Muslim. His memory remained alive in the eastern provinces and starting with the movement of al-Mukanna gave rise during many years, to political and religious agitation. A similar rebellion followed in Mesopotamia, where the imperial forces were repeatedly discomfited. But within a short time peace was restored in both the places.
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