Jaifar (جيفر) - King of Oman and His Role in the Spread of Islam
Definition and Historical Context
Jaifar (جيفر): Jaifar was a king of ʿUmān (present-day Oman) during the time of Prophet Muhammad. He is historically noteworthy for his conversion to Islam following a despatch delivered by Muhammad’s envoy, ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ. This event played a crucial role in the subsequent spread of Islam throughout the province of Oman.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: جيفر (Jaifar)
- Turkish: Ceyfer
Historical Narrative
According to historical accounts, following the siege of Tāʾif towards the end of the eighth year of the Hijra (circa 630 CE), Prophet Muhammad sent ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ with a message to Jaifar ibn al-Julanda, the King of Oman. The message invited Jaifar and his brother to accept Islam and submit to the new faith. Initially, Jaifar and his brother were resistant, expressing concerns about losing their sovereignty and strength among other Arab tribes.
However, after reconsideration and subsequent discussions, they decided to embrace Islam. This conversion was a significant moment, as it led the people of Oman to also accept Islam willingly. The populace promptly began paying tithes (zakat) administered by ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ, who continued to serve as the Prophet’s representative in the region until Muhammad’s death.
Source Reference
The event is documented in multiple historical sources, including:
- William Muir: “Life of Mahomet” (New Edition, p. 471).
Further Reading
For those interested in exploring more about Jaifar and the early Islamic expansions, the following books are recommended:
- “The Life of Muhammad” by William Muir - Offers a detailed biographical account of Prophet Muhammad, including the context of Jaifar’s conversion.
- “Islamic History: A Very Short Introduction” by Adam J. Silverstein - Provides an overarching understanding of Islamic history, beneficial for contextualizing events like Jaifar’s conversion.
- “The Early Islamic Conquests” by Fred M. Donner - Expands on the broader narrative of Islamic spread, incorporating the impact of local rulers’ conversions.
Takeaways
- Jaifar ibn al-Julanda was a pivotal figure whose acceptance of Islam facilitated the religion’s spread in Oman.
- His story exemplifies the dynamics of early Islamic evangelism and local political responses to it.
- Jaifar’s conversion underscores the complexities and varying reception of Islam among different tribes and regions in the early Islamic era.
Conclusion
The conversion of Jaifar (جيفر) marked an important milestone in the Islamic history of Oman. This event highlights the role of individual leaders and their critical decisions in the propagation of Islam during its nascent stages. The story of Jaifar serves as an example of how religious, political, and social factors intertwined to shape the early Islamic world.
