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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books History of The Caliphs The Marwanids’ Government Al Marwan’s Rule Yazid's demise (in Safar 64 A.H) was the origin of instability in the Sufyanids's sovereignty. Such instability could be felt not only in the lands distant from the capital but also inside Damascus, the center of the Umayyads's caliphate. The instability was expanded when Mu'awiya II after forty days or four months abdicated.

He announced, الا وان جدّي معاوية بن ابي سفيان نازع الامر من كان أولى به منه في القرابة برسول الله وأحق في الاسلام، سابق المسلمين، اول المؤمنين وابن عم رسول رب العالمين وأبا بقيّة خاتم المرسلين “ My forefather, Mu'awiya did battle with the one who was the closest to the Prophet in kinship and had long record in Islam.

The ever-first Muslim, the ever-first believer, the Prophet's cousin and the father of the Seal of the Prophet's Household was no one save he.” Enumerating some of his father's and forefather's negative conducts, he added, “They martyred the Prophet's kinfolks, profaned the sacred sanctuary and set fire on Ka'ba. Neverever will I undertake your responsibility.”[^1] Marwan Ibn Hakam suggested that he organize a council like 'Umar.

He recoiled from the responsibility, however.[^2] It was astonishing that he was Yazid's son especially when he described his brother,'Abd al-Rahman Ibn Yazid as, كان ناسكاً متألّها [^3] “He is a divine man and a worshipper.” The principal threat to the Umayyads was in the oriental Islamic lands. It was due to the emergence of a rather powerful substitute from 61 A.H. in Mecca who bid his time to take advantage of the existing instability and dethrone the Umayyads in that area.

After Yazid's death, 'Ubayd Allah Ibn Ziyad, the governor, tried to keep still Basra and Kufa under his power but the riot of Basra people had him escape to Damascus.[^4] From then on after Mukhtar until 72 A.H., Iraq was ruled by Ibn Zubayr and the Umayyads contented themselves with only Damascus and Egypt. With the prevailing instability in Damascus, some allied themselves with Ibn Zubayr to eradicate the Umayyads. Nu'man Ibn Bashir Ansari governing Hims turned to Ibn Zubayr.

Dhahhak Ibn Qays, one of the most influential Umayyads commanders, took control of Damascus. In Palestine, Natil Ibn Qays Judhami joined Ibn Zubayr. 'Abd al-Rahman Ibn Jahdam Fihri as Ibn Zubayr's agent began his activities in Egypt.