Harun al-Rashid

Harun al-Rashid (رحمه الله), fifth Abbasid Caliph, presided over the golden age of Islamic science and civilization in Baghdad (*Bayt al-Hikmah*), but he was also one of history's most dedicated warrior sovereigns. He lived by the famous principle: *'One year on pilgrimage to Makkah, and one year on jihad in the field of battle.'* When Byzantine Emperor Nikephoros I repudiated peace treaties and demanded back the tribute previously paid by Empress Irene, Harun wrote on the back of the Emperor's letter: 'From Harun, Commander of the Faithful, to Nikephoros the Roman dog: I have read your letter. The answer is what you shall see with your eyes, not what you shall hear with your ears!' He personally commanded the punitive expedition, capturing Heraclea and enforcing total peace.