al-Wathiq

Harun al-Wathiq billah ibn al-Mu'tasim, the ninth of the Abbasid caliphs. The sources differ in what they emphasise of his conduct. ²

Some officials had imposed a head-tax on the people of Jarajima at Antioch, and al-Baladhuri counts them among the people of covenant and service. They raised the matter to him as caliph, and he ordered it dropped. Then al-Mutawakkil came and ordered it taken from them again, together with the continuation of their stipends. ³

He was given the allegiance on the nineteenth of Rabi al-Awwal 227 AH, and was called "the younger al-Ma'mun" for his refinement and merit. Al-Suyuti says he was learned in singing, skilled at playing the lute, and a transmitter of poetry. He describes him as the most forbearing of the Abbasid caliphs. ²

Al-Mas'udi says that he followed his father's and uncle's religion in the Mihna, so he tried the people, and ordered the judges not to accept the testimony of anyone who disagreed with him. He describes him as lavish in giving and beloved to his subjects. ⁴

Al-Mas'udi also relates that he held a session for the physicians, and asked them about their schools. ⁵