Obolos 39

ISLAMIC, Umayyad Caliphate. temp. 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, AH 65-86 / AD 685-705. Pashiz (Bronze, 19 mm, 3.21 g, 5 h), Anonymous (Ibn al-Ash'ath?), Susa / Shush / al-Sus (Iran, Khuzestan), 82 AH = 701/2 AD. Standing figure, both hands raised next to the head in the form of “Du’ā” (supplication); In Pahlavi to left: šwš (Susa); to right: lwb'k (ravāg = current). Rev. In three lines in Kufic: بسم الله / سنة اثنين / و ثمنين (In the name of Allah, in the year 82). Gyselen type 41. Zeno #281650. Third known example on the market. Extremely rare and of historical interest! Smoothed, otherwise, good fine.

This exceptional coin type was previously described as depicting a standing caliph; however, there is no evidence to attribute this piece to caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, especially considering another known coin type struck in Susa with the typical characteristics of the caliph, with his sword and whip hanging to his side (Gyselen 39). Instead, it seems that the figure is pointing to a different personality. Both hands are raised next to the head in the form of “Du’ā” (supplication), most probably with the back of the hands pointed to the head, as seen on other specimens. In Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), this form of prayer is known when asking for supplication and salvation with complete submission to what God has decreed, the relief from hardship or when asking God for rain.
A possible attribution is that this coin was issued by Abd al-Rahman ibn Muhammad ibn al-Ash'ath, a former Umayyad military commander who later led a failed revolt from Sistan against Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, the governor of Iraq, which ultimately even led to a rebellion against the entire Marwanid rule. Marching towards Iraq, he defeated a first army of al-Hajjaj at Tustar, not far away from Susa, and entered Basra victorious just at the end of 81 AH. But this did not last long, only a few months. In 82 AH, his army was defeated, and he withdrew to Kufa, where he took control of the city. Finally, in 83 AH, he was overwhelmed by the Syrian Umayyad army, and the revolt was broken down. Ibn al-Ash'ath fled eastward with some remaining men back to Susa. It seems that Susa was used from the beginning of the revolt as a sort of settlement and retreat camp for his army. One of the reports mentions that he was captured by Zunbil (the king of Zabulistan), who had agreed with Al-Hajjaj to his extradition. Fearing an encounter with Al-Hajjaj, he committed suicide.
It seems reasonable to assume that Ibn al-Ash'ath, in the context of his revolt, is depicted on this coin type, seeking God's help and victory in these difficult times. Probably, the coin was struck just after his entrance into Basra when news reached Susa, serving as a reminder for the people that God is on his side and that his prayer was accepted. The geographical and historical context at least allows to think in the direction of such an interpretation.