Tariq bin Ziyad
Tariq bin Ziyad was a converted slave. Not much is known about his childhood, except that as a child he became the slave of Musa bin Nusair, the Muslim Governor of Africa. He treated Tariq very well, educated him and trained him to be a soldier. Later he was appointed the Governor of Tangier where he ruled ably and justly. He went on to become a famous general himself who was destined to be the conqueror of Spain. During the rule of the Umayyad Caliph Abdul Malik bin Marwan, Tariq with 7000 Muslims crossed the strait, separating Africa and Europe. As his troops landed in Europe, Tariq gathered them on a hill which took the name of Jabl-al-Tariq (the Rock of Tariq) now called Gibralter. Here he burnt his boats and delivered his famous speech, he told his troops that they cannot retreat. Their only way of survival was to attack the enemy and conquer Spain. The inspired Muslims forces eventually conquered Spain.
Unfortunately, Tariq fell a victim to the disunity and intrigues of the authorities. He was recalled by the Caliph to Damascus. There is no record of his later life in history. All that is known is that Caliph Suleiman bin Abd Al Malik who succeeded Caliph Waleed bin Abd Al Malik banished him from Damascus. Tariq bin Ziyad went to Makkah and probably lived his last days
in Makkah.
