ISLAMIC, Umayyad Caliphate. al-Qatari ibn al-Fuja'a, Kharijite rebel, AH 69-79 / AD 688-698. Drachm (Silver, 31 mm, 3.74 g, 7 h), Arab-Sasanian type, BYŠ (Bishapur), AH 75 = AD 694/5. Crowned and draped Sasanian-style bust to right; behind head, AFZUT GDH ('may his kingship increase' in Pahlawi); before head, APDWLA KTRYY / AMYR Y WRWYSNYKAN' (Abdallah Qatari, the Commander of the Faithful, who has increased the Royal Glory' in Pahlawi); in outer margin, 'la hukm illa lillah' ('There is no judgment except God's' in Arabic).
Rev. Sasanian fire altar set on three steps, flanked by two attending priests (mabedh) standing facing; above altar, star and crescent; to left, date; to right, mint ('BYŠ' in Pahlawi). SICA I, 194. Rare and beautifully toned. Very fine.
From the Shaqiq Collection, formed over the past 20 years.
Al-Qatari ibn al-Fuja'a was a poet and leader of the Azraqi Kharijites in their rebellion against the Umayyad Caliphate.
