By Salim Mohamed Badat
The phrase “the cursed tree” in the Quran has long been interpreted by early commentators to refer to Banu Umayyah, the clan that would later hijack the caliphate and turn it into a corrupt monarchy.
Prophet Muhammad (saw) himself was shown a vision of these tyrants ascending his pulpit like monkeys, prompting the revelation of this verse.
Among those cursed in this lineage stands al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, the feared Umayyad governor of Iraq, hailed by some as a skilled administrator, but condemned by many more for his unparalleled brutality, especially against the Sahabah (companions) and Tabiin (successors).
But this story doesn’t begin with al-Hajjaj, it begins with a man the Prophet (saw) personally expelled from Madinah: al Hkam ibn Abi al-As .
The Root of the Cursed Tree: al-Hakam ibn Abi al-As.
Al-Hakam, the father of Marwan ibn al Ḥakam, was a relative of the Prophet l(saw) a cousin of his father. Yet, despite this blood tie, he was known to mock the Prophet (saw) , imitate his speech and gestures behind his back, and spy on him during critical times. His behavior was so offensive that the Prophet (saw) personally banished him to al- Taif
Despite this divine and prophetic rejection, after the Prophet (saw) passed away, he was nevertheless allowed to return to Madinah with his son Marwan and both were granted influential positions.
The Rise of Marwan ibn al-Hakam – The First Marwanid Caliph.
Marwan ibn al-Hakam, son of the expelled man, was a key political figure in the aftermath of the first civil war (fitna). He became caliph briefly in 684 CE during the chaos following the death of Yazīd ibn Muawiyah.
Known for instigating the battle of al Harra against the people of Madinah and sowing seeds of discord, Marwan set the tone for his son Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, who would become one of the most iron-fisted rulers in Umayyad history.
Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan – The Architect of Tyranny.
Despite his scholarly youth, reportedly reading Quran in the mosque when notified of his father’s death Abd al-Malik quickly abandoned all religious humility upon seizing power. He is quoted as saying: “Now, no more Quran and prayer, now only sword and crown.”
He consolidated Umayyad power, ruthlessly crushed rebellions, and centralised authority. But his most infamous legacy was his appointment of al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf al-Thaqafi as governor over Iraq, a man whose cruelty would echo through Islamic history.
The Enforcer of Umayyad Oppression: al Hajjaj ibn Yusuf.
Born in Taiif, al-Hajjaj rose from modest beginnings as a schoolteacher to become the most feared governor in Umayyad history. Under the rule of Abd al-Malik, al Hajjāj was sent to quell rebellions, particularly those led by noble companions of the Prophet (saw) and their students.
Atrocities Committed:
Killing of Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr (RA)
Grandson of Abu Bakr (RA), Companion of the Prophet (saw).
Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr (RA)
Refused to recognize the illegitimate rule of Yazid and declared an independent caliphate in Makkah.
Hajjaj laid siege to the Kabah, catapulted it, and executed Ibn al-Zubayr, hanging his body for days.
Execution of Companions and Tabiīn.
Hajjaj’s cruelty extended to scholars, judges, and pious leaders:
Saīd ibn Jubayr (RA) – A revered Tabii and student of Ibn Abbas, known for his piety and knowledge. After a fearless exchange with Hajjaj he was executed, and it is said Hajjaj was never at peace afterward.
Abd al-Raḥman ibn Abi Layla – Fled to avoid persecution.
Amir al-Shabi – Was imprisoned and tortured.
Companions who opposed the Umayyads were tortured, humiliated, and executed, sometimes after mock trials.
Hajjaj is reported to have killed over 120,000 people, and imprisoned thousands more, including pregnant women and children. Many died in confinement without trial.
Yazīd and Karbala – The Rotten Root Before Hajjaj.
Before Abd al-Malik and Hajjaj came Yazid ibn Muawiyah, under whom the massacre of Karbala occurred, where Imam al-Husayn (RA), the grandson of the Prophet (saw) , was martyred alongside his family.
Yazid’s reign saw:
Karbala (680 CE) – Brutal murder of Husayn(RA) and his companions.
The attack on Madinah (Battle of al-Harra) –Thousands of civilians were raped and killed.
The siege of Makkah – Where the Kabah was damaged by fire.
This was the point when many scholars and pious Muslims began referring to Banu Umayyah as the cursed tree, seeing in them the fulfillment of the Quranic warning.
The Cursed Legacy: A Dynasty of Oppression.
From al-Hakam, mocked and expelled by the Prophet (saw) , to Marwan, to Abd al-Malik, and finally to al-Ḥajjaj, we see a spiritual and moral decline masked in the name of governance and unity.
The Quran warns against leaders who spread tyranny in the name of power:
“And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire touch you...”
(Quran 11:113)
Conclusion: A Warning from History.
The saga of the Marwanid Umayyads and their enforcer al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf is not just a dark chapter in Islamic history, it is a warning. When power is placed above piety, and lineage above righteousness, the consequences are catastrophic: not just for individuals, but for the entire Ummah.
The Prophet (saw) warned us repeatedly:
“The most fearsome thing I fear for my Ummah is the misleading leaders.”
Musnad Aḥmad
May Allah protect the Ummah from ever falling again under the shadow of such cursed trees.
Salim Mohamed Badat
Writer exploring the intersection of faith, politics and justice
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