Council of Ten (Almohad)

The Council of Ten (Arabic: مجلس العشرة or أهل الجماعة) was a group of Ibn Tumart's earliest and closest disciples, at the top of the hierarchy of the Almohad movement.[1]: 68 [2] It was composed of members from different tribes, including ‘Abd al-Mu’min al-Kumi of the Zanata, the chronicler al-Baydhaq of the Sanhaja, and the tribal chief Abu Hafs ‘Umar al-Hintati of the Masmuda.[1]: 68  The Council of Ten evoked the image of the Prophet Muhammad's ten companions,[1]: 68  though sources indicate that, for the Almohad council, ten was more of a name than a fixed number of members.[3]: 32 

The status of members of the Council of Ten was based, not on tribal origin, but on adherence to Almohad doctrine and proximity to Ibn Tumart.[1]: 68  Members of the Council of Ten were appointed as governors and given military responsibilities from the conquest of Marrakesh in 1147 until 1157, when ‘Abd al-Mu’min started appointing his heirs.[3]: 133 

  1. ^ a b c d Bennison, Amira (2016). Almoravid and Almohad Empires. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. ISBN 9780748646821. Retrieved 19 October 2022.
  2. ^ Fromherz, Allen J. (2012). The Almohads: The Rise of an Islamic Empire. I.B.Tauris. pp. 123–124. ISBN 9781780764054.
  3. ^ a b Buresi, Pascal; El Aallaoui, Hicham (2013-01-01). Governing the Empire: Provincial Administration in the Almohad Caliphate (1224-1269). BRILL. doi:10.1163/9789004239715. ISBN 978-90-04-23971-5.