Yahya bin Ibrahim

Yahiya bin Ibrahim was a leader of the Banu Gudala tribe. (c. 440/1048)Levtzion and Hopkins, "Corpus of Early Arabic Sources for West African History" (Cambridge, 1981)] Yahiya bin Ibrahim's primary significance was in his involvement with Abd Allah bin Yasin, who would later a large part of the Banu Gudala.

Background

The Banu Gudala were a tribe of the Sanhaja. They lived closest to the coast, beyond the Banu Lamtuna. These tribes rose to proclaim the truth, to repel injustice and to abolish all non-canonical taxes (magharim). They were Sunnis, strict adherents the school of Malik bin Anas.

Abd Allah bin Yasin began to call people to Holy war and made them proclaim the truth.

As described by Al-Bakri Yahiya b Ibrahim went on the Pilgrimage to Mecca and during his return journey met a jurist (Abu Imran al-Fasi). Al-Fasi was interested in the religious doctrines and customs of Ibrahim's native country. Al-Fasi found Ibrahim "wholly ignorant, though avid to learn, full of good intentions and firm of faith"

From Al- Bakri:

Unfortunately, Abu Imran did could not find anyone among those he deemed fit. So he sent Ibrahim to find Waggag bin Zalwi of the Maluksus Ibrahim followed Abu Imran's advice and visited Zalwi. Zalwi recommended a man called Abd Allah b. Yasin.

Fallout

Abd Allah bin Yasin remained among the Banu Gudala, but considered their property impure. They turned hostile to him later on because of his apparent contradictions in judgment. They deprived him of the right to impose his legal opinions and counsel. They also took away his house, expelled him and looted his possessions.

Yasin visited Waggag who took the following action

References