[7] The Ascent and Decline of The Ottoman Empire- [The birth of a future outstanding leader during the chaos brought on by the Mongol invasions]

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

The Ottomans originated from a Turkmen tribe residing in Kurdistan during the early seventh century after Hijrah, which aligns with the thirteenth century CE. They turned to herding following the Mongolian invasion under Genghis Khan in Iraq and parts of East Asia Minor. Sulaymaan, Uthmaan’s grandfather, migrated in 616 AH from Kurdistan with a tribe to Anatolia and settled in Ahlat (Khlat). After he died in 628 AH/1230 CE, his middle son Ertugrul took over. Ertugrul led his people further northwest in Anatolia, accompanied by around a hundred families and over four hundred horsemen. While escaping the Mongolian attack, Ertugrul heard a commotion and discovered a fierce battle between Muslims and Christians. The Byzantine army was winning, but Ertugrul didn’t hesitate, rather he bravely joined the fight, helping his fellow Muslims and ultimately contributing to their victory over the Christians. After the battle, he, as the leader of the Islamic Seljuk Army, and his group managed to acquire territory along the western borders of Anatolia, adjacent to the fortified frontier towns in Rome. This presented them with an opportunity to expand their land at the expense of the Romans. The Seljuks became strong allies and active participants in the Jihad against the Romans, forging a close relationship between their emerging state and the Seljuks of Rome due to their shared Islamic faith and a common enemy. This alliance endured throughout Ertugrul’s lifetime until he died in 699 AH / 1299 CE. Following his demise, his son Uthman, who assumed power, continued his father’s policy of territorial expansion in the Roman lands.

In 656 AH/1258 CE, Uthman, the son of Artughal, was born, and he is credited with the establishment of the Ottoman Empire. During this year, the Mongols, under the leadership of Hulagu, launched a military campaign against Baghdad – the capital of the Ottoman Caliphate – resulting in devastating consequences and immense tragedies. Imam Ibn Kathir [may Allah have mercy upon him] described how the Mongols mercilessly slaughtered men, women, children, Shaikhs, the elderly, and young men. People sought refuge in wells, dens of wild animals, and sewers, hiding for days on end. Some gathered in inns, only to have the Tartars break down doors or set them ablaze, chasing those who fled to rooftops and alleys, leaving bloodshed in their wake. Truly, we belong to Allah, and to Him, we shall return! It was only the Jewish and Christian inhabitants of the Muslim lands, along with those who sought shelter with them, who were spared from the Mongol onslaught.

The distress was immense and the circumstances were disastrous. The Ummah was weakened and depleted due to their sins and disobedience, allowing the Mongols to gain the upper hand. They dishonoured and shed blood, causing death and plundering the country. In these challenging times and prevailing weakness, Uthman, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, was born. At this juncture, a significant revelation emerges regarding the Ummah’s journey towards reclaiming authority, despite being in a state of utmost vulnerability. This resurgence toward strength, triumph, and empowerment is undoubtedly rooted in Allah’s perfect Wisdom, intention, and all-encompassing Will. The people of truth do not rush when it comes to Allah’s promises, for they will be supported and granted authority. Hence, they must consider the divinely ordained Sharee’ah and the events that Allah has decreed to occur in the universe. [An Excerpt from Ad-Dawlah Al-Uthmaaniyyah Awaamil An-Nuhood Wa Asbaab As-Suqoot. 42-45]