Ya'qub ibn Dawud

Abu Abdallah Ya'qub ibn Dawud (died 802) was a close confidant of the Abbasid Caliph al-Mahdi (r. 775–785) and vizier of the Caliphate for a period of three years (779/80–782/3).

Biography Ya'qub was born to a family known for its Alid sympathies, and participated in the failed Alid revolt of 762–763. He was subsequently imprisoned until released by al-Mahdi, who endeavoured to heal the dispute between the Abbasids and the Alids, soon after his accession. He quickly became one of the Caliph's closest advisors, placing his contacts with the Alids in the service of Mahdi's conciliatory policy, although it is reported that he first gained the Caliph's favour by betraying another Alid sympathizer who planned to escape. Nevertheless, his increasing power and his pro-Alid policies brought about his downfall, after his enemies got to the Caliph himself. Allegedly, the Caliph tested his loyalty by handing over to him an Alid supporter and ordering his execution. When Ya'qub instead let him escape, he was dismissed from his offices and imprisoned.

He was released from prison on the accession of Harun al-Rashid (r. 786–809), and journeyed to Mecca, where he spent his final years until his death, probably in 802.