Muhammad III of Córdoba

Muhammad bin 'Abd ar-Rahman bin 'Obayd Allah , known as Muhammad III was the 10th Caliph of the Caliphate of Córdoba.

Background

Muhammad III was abruptly selected as caliph on 17 January 1024 when a mob of unemployed workmen attacked the Alcázar palace and deposed the existing caliph, Abd ar-Rahman V. At the time, the capital city of Córdoba was unstable. Intent upon returning the rule of Córdoba back to the Umayyads, the citizens had put Abd ar-Rahman V on the throne in December 1023 and then allowed him to rule only 47 days.

Muhammad III was selected to succeed Abd ar-Rahman V by the mob.

Reign

Muhammad III ruled Córdoba from 1024 to 1025. Muhammad III's reigned was marked by instability, like his predecessor. In May 1025, he learned about a plot by Yahya ibn Ali ibn Hammud al-Mu'tali to depose him and fled, sneaking from Córdoba disguised as a singer.

Weeks later it is believed that Muhammad III was poisoned by a courtier that had accompanied him in his flight.

Muhammad III is known as the father of the famous poet Wallada bint al-Mustakfi, whom he had with an Iberian Christian slave.