HISHAM II

This quotation tells us important facts about the Caliphate in Moorish Spain. First, the Caliphate was not always hereditary. In this case the Caliph was picking his own successor who was not of his own family. In addition, there was some meritocracy expected by the Muslim population. Hisham had to extol the virtue of his selection. Last, nobility and high birth was not an absolute requirement. Hisham tells the people that he has searched both the aristocracy and the commoners looking for the right candidate. Actually, the successor had none of the virtues attributed to him. He was a dishonest scoundrel of the worst sort. The Caliph was very weak, and Abd Al-Rahman al Sanchol not only persuaded the Caliph to name him successor, but many historians believe that al Sanchol actually wrote the proclamation that Hisham II read.

This quotation tells us important facts about the Caliphate in Moorish Spain. First, the Caliphate was not always hereditary. In this case the Caliph was picking his own successor who was not of his own family. In addition, there was some meritocracy expected by the Muslim population. Hisham had to extol the virtue of his selection. Last, nobility and high birth was not an absolute requirement. Hisham tells the people that he has searched both the aristocracy and the commoners looking for the right candidate. Actually, the successor had none of the virtues attributed to him. He was a dishonest scoundrel of the worst sort. The Caliph was very weak, and Abd Al-Rahman al Sanchol not only persuaded the Caliph to name him successor, but many historians believe that al Sanchol actually wrote the proclamation that Hisham II read.