The title al-Ikhshīd, in Turkish, means “king of kings.” His grandfather passed away in 247 AH. Ṭughj then became one of the chief commanders under Khumārawayh. Later he travelled to Baghdad, where he was shown great respect, but arrogance and conceit toward the vizier became evident in his conduct, so he and this son were imprisoned. The father died in captivity, while Muḥammad was eventually released, and many events transpired until he gained sovereignty.

He was a gallant, courageous, resolute, alert, and awe-inspiring leader, consistently successful in war, generous to his troops, and exceedingly strong-armed (1); scarcely anyone could draw his bow (2). The number of his mamluks reached eight thousand. Another report claims that his army numbered four hundred thousand horsemen (3), though this is far-fetched. He left several sons who ruled after him (4).

He died in Damascus in Dhū al-Ḥijjah 334 AH at the age of sixty-six. His body was later transferred and buried in Jerusalem—may Allah forgive him.

Ibn Rāʾiq fought against him, but al-Ikhshīd defeated him. Afterwards al-Ikhshīd’s brother marched out, met Ibn Rāʾiq, and was killed. Ibn Rāʾiq regretted the matter and sent his son Muzāhim to al-Ikhshīd so that he might be slain in retribution for his brother; al-Ikhshīd, however, pardoned him, bestowed a robe of honor upon Muzāhim, and sent him back to his father (5).