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The twentieth Abbasid Caliph, al-Radi bi'llah, is identified by the full name Abu'l-Abbas Muhammad ibn al-Muqtadir.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source material identifies the twentieth Abbasid Caliph, al-Radi bi'llah, by the full name Abu'l-Abbas Muhammad ibn al-Muqtadir.
Al-Radi bi'llah was born in Baghdad on January 1, 909.
Answer: True
Explanation: The historical records indicate that al-Radi bi'llah was born in Baghdad on January 1, 909 CE.
Al-Radi bi'llah died in 940 at the age of 31 in Damascus.
Answer: False
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah died on December 23, 940 CE, at the age of 31, in Baghdad, not Damascus.
Al-Radi bi'llah was the son of Caliph al-Muqtadir and a mother named Zalum, who was of Greek origin.
Answer: True
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah was indeed the son of Caliph al-Muqtadir. His mother was Zalum, noted as a Greek-born slave concubine.
Historical records mention two consorts for al-Radi bi'llah: Farha and Rabab.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source material identifies Farha and Rabab as consorts of al-Radi bi'llah.
Al-Radi bi'llah had no known children.
Answer: False
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah had one known son, named al-Abbas.
At the age of four, the future al-Radi received nominal governorships over Yemen and Khurasan.
Answer: False
Explanation: At the age of four, the future al-Radi was granted nominal governorships over Egypt and the Maghreb, not Yemen and Khurasan.
In 930, Abu'l-Abbas was granted the governorship of Syria but continued to live in his palace in the Muharrim quarter of Baghdad.
Answer: True
Explanation: Abu'l-Abbas received the governorship over Syria in 930 CE from his father, but he continued to reside in Baghdad, in his palace in the Muharrim quarter.
Al-Radi's father, al-Muqtadir, reigned as Caliph from 908 to 932.
Answer: True
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah's father, al-Muqtadir, served as Caliph for the period spanning 908 to 932 CE.
What was the regnal name of the twentieth Abbasid Caliph, Abu'l-Abbas Muhammad ibn al-Muqtadir?
Answer: Al-Radi bi'llah
Explanation: The regnal name of the twentieth Abbasid Caliph, Abu'l-Abbas Muhammad ibn al-Muqtadir, was al-Radi bi'llah.
In which city was al-Radi bi'llah born?
Answer: Baghdad
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah was born in Baghdad.
Who was al-Radi bi'llah's father?
Answer: Al-Muqtadir
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah's father was al-Muqtadir, who himself served as Caliph.
Which of the following was NOT listed as a consort of al-Radi bi'llah?
Answer: Aisha
Explanation: While Farha and Rabab are listed as consorts of al-Radi bi'llah, Aisha is not mentioned in the provided source material.
Who was al-Radi bi'llah's only known son?
Answer: Abu'l-Abbas
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah's only known son was named al-Abbas.
At what young age did al-Radi receive nominal governorships of Egypt and the Maghreb?
Answer: Four years old
Explanation: Al-Radi received nominal governorships over Egypt and the Maghreb at the tender age of four.
Al-Radi bi'llah reigned as Caliph for approximately six years, from 934 to 940.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical records indicate that al-Radi bi'llah served as Caliph from April 24, 934 CE, to December 23, 940 CE, a period of approximately six years and eight months.
The Caliph al-Muttaqi immediately preceded al-Radi bi'llah on the Abbasid throne.
Answer: False
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah was preceded by al-Qahir on the Abbasid throne, not al-Muttaqi.
After his father al-Muqtadir's death in 932, Abu'l-Abbas was immediately chosen as the next Caliph.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following his father's death, Abu'l-Abbas was proposed as a successor, but his uncle al-Qahir was chosen instead.
Abu'l-Abbas ascended to the throne only after his rival and uncle, al-Qahir, was deposed.
Answer: True
Explanation: Abu'l-Abbas remained imprisoned until the deposition of al-Qahir, after which he was freed and ascended to the throne.
The Caliph al-Muttaqi immediately preceded al-Radi bi'llah on the Abbasid throne.
Answer: False
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah was preceded by al-Qahir on the Abbasid throne, not al-Muttaqi.
During which years did al-Radi bi'llah serve as the Abbasid Caliph?
Answer: 934 - 940
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah served as the Abbasid Caliph from 934 CE to 940 CE.
Who was the immediate predecessor of al-Radi bi'llah on the Abbasid throne?
Answer: Al-Qahir
Explanation: The immediate predecessor of al-Radi bi'llah on the Abbasid throne was al-Qahir.
After his father al-Muqtadir was killed, who was chosen as Caliph instead of Abu'l-Abbas?
Answer: Al-Qahir
Explanation: After the death of al-Muqtadir, Abu'l-Abbas's uncle, al-Qahir, was chosen as Caliph, not Abu'l-Abbas himself.
Al-Radi's reign is significant because it marked the beginning of the Caliph's absolute political dominance over military leaders.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Al-Radi's reign is significant precisely because it marked the *decline* of the Caliph's political power, with military leaders becoming dominant and the Caliph functioning as a figurehead.
The creation of the post 'amir al-umara' signified a shift where the Caliph retained ultimate political authority.
Answer: False
Explanation: The creation of the 'amir al-umara' post signified a profound shift where the Caliph's political authority was eclipsed, and de facto rule passed to the military commander.
The authority of the amir al-umara was publicly recognized by including his name in the Friday sermon (khutba) alongside the Caliph's.
Answer: True
Explanation: The public recognition of the amir al-umara's authority was formally established by mentioning his name in the khutba, the sermon delivered during Friday prayers, concurrent with the Caliph's name.
During al-Radi's reign, the Caliphate maintained control over vast territories including the East, Egypt, and most of Syria.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to this assertion, during al-Radi's reign, the Caliphate had lost control over vast territories, including the East, Egypt, and much of Syria, which were either in revolt or held by other powers.
The title 'amir al-umara' translates to 'Commander of the Faithful'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The title 'amir al-umara' translates to 'Commander of Commanders,' not 'Commander of the Faithful,' which is a different designation.
The Mongol conquest marked the end of the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad.
Answer: True
Explanation: The historical consensus identifies the Mongol conquest as the definitive event that brought the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad to its conclusion.
What significant political change occurred during the reign of al-Radi bi'llah?
Answer: The Caliph's political power ended, with military leaders becoming dominant.
Explanation: The reign of al-Radi bi'llah witnessed a significant political transformation: the Caliph's effective political power waned, yielding to the ascendancy of military leaders who assumed the role of 'amir al-umara' and became the de facto rulers.
What military post was created, effectively transferring de facto rule away from the Caliph?
Answer: Amir al-Umara (Commander of Commanders)
Explanation: The creation of the post of 'amir al-umara' (Commander of Commanders) effectively transferred de facto rule away from the Caliph.
Who was the first appointee to the powerful position of amir al-umara?
Answer: Muhammad ibn Ra'iq
Explanation: Muhammad ibn Ra'iq was the first individual appointed to the powerful position of amir al-umara.
How was the authority of the amir al-umara publicly acknowledged?
Answer: His name was mentioned in the khutba alongside the Caliph.
Explanation: The authority of the amir al-umara was publicly acknowledged by the inclusion of his name in the khutba (Friday sermon) alongside that of the Caliph.
Which of the following territories was NOT mentioned as being lost or in revolt during al-Radi's reign?
Answer: Andalusia (Spain)
Explanation: While territories such as the East, Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia, Basra, and Wasit were lost or in revolt, Andalusia (Spain) is not mentioned in the provided text as being affected during al-Radi's reign.
What event marked the ultimate end of the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad?
Answer: The Mongol conquest
Explanation: The historical consensus identifies the Mongol conquest as the definitive event that brought the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad to its conclusion.
Which of the following best describes the Caliph's power during al-Radi's reign?
Answer: Figurehead with limited authority, largely dependent on the amir al-umara.
Explanation: During al-Radi's reign, the Caliph's power was largely that of a figurehead, with significant de facto authority held by the military leaders, particularly the amir al-umara.
The commander-in-chief Mu'nis al-Muzaffar tutored the young Abu'l-Abbas when he was sent to Egypt.
Answer: True
Explanation: The commander-in-chief Mu'nis al-Muzaffar served as the tutor for the young Abu'l-Abbas during his time in Egypt.
Abu'l-Abbas attempted to mediate the conflict between his father al-Muqtadir and the vizier Ibn Muqla.
Answer: False
Explanation: Abu'l-Abbas, in conjunction with the vizier Ibn Muqla, attempted to mediate the conflict between his father, Caliph al-Muqtadir, and the commander-in-chief Mu'nis al-Muzaffar, not between his father and Ibn Muqla.
Rumors in 931 suggested Mu'nis planned to declare Abu'l-Abbas caliph in Baghdad.
Answer: False
Explanation: Rumors in 931 CE suggested Mu'nis intended to declare Abu'l-Abbas caliph in Syria, not Baghdad.
Ibn Muqla was appointed vizier after Ali ibn Isa al-Jarrah accepted the position.
Answer: False
Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. Ali ibn Isa al-Jarrah declined the position of vizier; it was subsequently offered to and accepted by Ibn Muqla.
During the initial months of al-Radi's reign, Ibn Muqla held significant power before Muhammad ibn Yaqut's downfall.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the initial months of al-Radi's reign, Muhammad ibn Yaqut held significant power. Ibn Muqla only gained substantial administrative control after Muhammad ibn Yaqut's downfall in April 935 CE.
In 935, Hanbali fanatics in Baghdad engaged in activities such as destroying wine and musical instruments and attacking rivals.
Answer: True
Explanation: The historical accounts confirm that in 935 CE, Hanbali fanatics in Baghdad engaged in disruptive activities, including the destruction of prohibited items like wine and musical instruments, and confrontations with rival groups.
Ibn Muqla successfully reasserted control over the Jazira province, including its capital Mosul, in 935.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Ibn Muqla captured Mosul in 935 CE, he was compelled to return to Baghdad, indicating he did not successfully reassert sustained control over the province.
Ibn Muqla was dismissed as vizier after being arrested by Muhammad ibn Yaqut.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ibn Muqla was dismissed as vizier after being arrested by al-Muzaffar, the brother of Muhammad ibn Yaqut, not by Muhammad ibn Yaqut directly.
A significant financial crisis was NOT among the internal issues plaguing the Caliphate during al-Radi's reign.
Answer: False
Explanation: A significant financial crisis was indeed among the internal issues plaguing the Caliphate during al-Radi's reign, alongside the activities of religious fanatics.
Who tutored the young Abu'l-Abbas when he was sent to Egypt?
Answer: Mu'nis al-Muzaffar
Explanation: The commander-in-chief Mu'nis al-Muzaffar tutored the young Abu'l-Abbas during his time in Egypt.
During the conflict between his father and Mu'nis al-Muzaffar, what role did Abu'l-Abbas attempt to play?
Answer: He attempted to mediate the conflict.
Explanation: Abu'l-Abbas attempted to mediate the conflict between his father, Caliph al-Muqtadir, and the commander-in-chief Mu'nis al-Muzaffar.
Who was appointed vizier after Ali ibn Isa al-Jarrah declined the post?
Answer: Ibn Muqla
Explanation: Ibn Muqla was appointed vizier after Ali ibn Isa al-Jarrah declined the position.
What was the primary internal challenge faced by the central government during al-Radi's reign?
Answer: Regional governors withholding taxes
Explanation: The primary internal challenge was the increasing autonomy of regional governors who withheld taxes, thereby crippling the central government's finances and functionality.
Al-Radi bi'llah's regnal name, 'al-Radi bi'llah', translates to 'Ruler of the Faithful'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The regnal name 'al-Radi bi'llah' translates from Arabic to 'Content with God,' not 'Ruler of the Faithful.'
Al-Radi bi'llah adhered to the Shia branch of Islam.
Answer: False
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah adhered to Sunni Islam, not Shia Islam.
The historian al-Masudi described al-Radi as being physically unattractive and uninterested in scholarly discussions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, the historian al-Masudi described al-Radi bi'llah as pleasing in appearance, fond of scents, generous, and engaged in scholarly discussions.
Al-Radi is considered the last 'real' Caliph because he was the last to personally engage in traditional Caliphal duties like delivering sermons and distributing charity.
Answer: True
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah is often designated the last 'real' Caliph because he was the final Caliph to personally engage in traditional duties such as delivering sermons, holding philosophical assemblies, distributing charity, and moderating official conduct.
Al-Radi was the last Caliph to hold assemblies with philosophers to discuss current events.
Answer: True
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah is recognized as the final Caliph to engage in such intellectual discourse, holding assemblies with philosophers to discuss current events.
What is the meaning of the Arabic regnal name 'al-Radi bi'llah'?
Answer: Content with God
Explanation: The Arabic regnal name 'al-Radi bi'llah' translates to 'Content with God.'
What was the religious affiliation of al-Radi bi'llah?
Answer: Sunni Islam
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah adhered to Sunni Islam.
How did the historian al-Masudi describe al-Radi's personal demeanor?
Answer: Pleasing in appearance, fond of scents, and generous
Explanation: Al-Masudi characterized al-Radi bi'llah as possessing a pleasing appearance, being fond of scents, and demonstrating generosity. He was also noted for his engagement with historical discussions and summoning scholars.
Why is al-Radi often called the 'last of the real Caliphs'?
Answer: He was the last to personally perform traditional Caliphal duties like public speaking and charity.
Explanation: Al-Radi bi'llah is often designated the last 'real' Caliph because he was the final Caliph to personally engage in traditional duties such as delivering sermons, holding philosophical assemblies, distributing charity, and moderating official conduct.
The Hamdanid prince Sayf al-Daula was responsible for halting the advance of the Byzantines during this era.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Hamdanid prince Sayf al-Daula, known as 'Sword of the Nation,' is credited with halting the Byzantine advance during this period.
The image accompanying the text shows a silver dirham minted during al-Radi's reign.
Answer: False
Explanation: The image actually displays a gold dinar, not a silver dirham, minted in al-Ahwaz in 934 CE during al-Radi's reign.
The notation '[B]' in the Abbasid Caliph list signifies caliphs recognized only within the city of Baghdad.
Answer: True
Explanation: The notation '[B]' in Abbasid Caliph lists denotes ephemeral rulers whose authority was recognized solely within the confines of Baghdad.
Who successfully halted the advance of the Byzantines during the period of al-Radi's caliphate?
Answer: Sayf al-Daula
Explanation: The Hamdanid prince Sayf al-Daula, known as 'Sword of the Nation,' is credited with halting the Byzantine advance during this period.
What does the image of the gold dinar indicate about al-Radi's rule?
Answer: It was minted in al-Ahwaz in 934.
Explanation: The gold dinar, minted in al-Ahwaz in 934 CE, indicates the Caliphate's continued minting activities and territorial reach, at least in that region, during the early part of al-Radi's reign.