327 – Ibn Killis, Abū al-Faraj Yaʿqūb ibn Yūsuf al-Baghdādī

He was the vizier of al-Muʿizz and al-ʿAzīz: Abū al-Faraj Yaʿqūb ibn Yūsuf ibn Ibrāhīm ibn Hārūn ibn Dāwūd ibn Killis al-Baghdādī, originally a Jew who later embraced Islam.

A man of exceptional talent—shrewd, astute, and politically adept—he ranked among the outstanding figures of his era. He traveled to Ramla and served as an agent for merchants, but a large sum was lost through him and he suffered a setback, so he fled to Egypt. A long train of events ensued. The ruler of Egypt, Kāfūr the eunuch, discerned his intelligence and administrative skill, and Ibn Killis, eager for advancement, accepted Islam on a Friday. When the vizier Ibn Hinzābah perceived his ambitions and moved against him, Ibn Killis fled to the Maghrib. With the help of certain Jews at the court of al-Muʿizz al-ʿUbaydī he gained access to the caliph, impressed him, disclosed confidential matters, and encouraged him to seize control of the provinces. He then accompanied al-Muʿizz on his move to Egypt, by which time his prestige had greatly increased.

When al-ʿAzīz assumed power in 365 AH, he appointed Ibn Killis as vizier. The latter remained in lofty station and firm authority until his death.

High-spirited, awe-inspiring, and expert in winning people over, Ibn Killis eventually fell ill. Al-ʿAzīz came down to visit him and said, “O Yaʿqūb, I wish you were something that could be bought, so that I might purchase you from death with my entire realm. Do you have any request?”

He wept, kissed the caliph’s hand, and replied, “For myself—nothing. But for your sake: keep peace with the Byzantines as long as they keep peace with you; be satisfied with the Banū Ḥamdān by confining matters to the Friday sermon and the minting of coins; and leave no quarter to al-Mufarrij ibn Dagfal whenever you can reach him.”

Ibn Killis then died. Al-ʿAzīz buried him in the palace, in the domed chamber he had built for himself, and personally placed him in the grave.