Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr

Born in May 624, son of a Companion and grandson of the first caliph Abu Bakr, Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr rode out with his father on the early conquests through Syria, Egypt, and North Africa. He fought beside his aunt Aisha against Ali in the First Fitna, then kept a low profile under Mu'awiya I - until he opposed the succession becoming hereditary. When Yazid died in 683, Ibn al-Zubayr proclaimed himself caliph in Mecca. Umayyad authority collapsed; most provinces accepted him, at least in name. But his refusal to leave the holy city meant he governed little beyond the Hejaz, relying on his brother Mus'ab to hold Iraq. Marwan I rebuilt Umayyad power in Syria, then Abd al-Malik killed Mus'ab in 691 and sent al-Hajjaj to besiege Mecca. Ibn al-Zubayr died fighting in October or November 692, ending the counter-caliphate.