Their name derives from murabitun, ‘performers of ribat’, usually interpreted as indicating their links with fortified convent on the frontiers of Islam, although must likely referring to a way of life that united both spiritual and military discipline.
The founder of the Almoravid movement a teacher of Maliki law named And Allah ibn Yassin, was originally brought to the desert by a Berber chief who eager for his people to receive proper Islamic instruction.
Ibn Yassin developed a core group of followers who he he later sent to conquer the surrounding lands and enforce his rigorous interpretation of Islam. Although Ibn Yassin was killed in battle in 1058 his successors Abu Bakr ibn Umar (d. 1087) an Yusuf Ibn Tashfin (d.1106) extended Almoravid rule southward into Ghana and northward throughout Morocco and into Islamicate Spain.
It was under ibn Tashfin - responsible for the conquest of the rest of Morocco, part of Algeria and Andalus - that the movement united under a single religious political and military leadership with the capital of the empire established in the newly founded Marrakech.
In 1086, the dynasty moved into Spain at the request of Al-Mutamid. Toledo had fallen and the Muslim in Spain needed aid. AlMoravid dynasty was able to stop the advance of the Christian armies.
In 1086, the dynasty moved into Spain at the request of Al-Mutamid. Toledo had fallen and the Muslim in Spain needed aid. AlMoravid dynasty was able to stop the advance of the Christian armies.
But the Christians began to win back territory in 1118. In 1147, they were overthrown by the Almohad dynasty.
Almoravid dynasty (1042-1147)
Almoravid dynasty (1042-1147)
