the son of Mirvan, and the 5th khalif of the race of the Omniades, surnamed Rash al Hegianat, i.e. the Skinner of a stone, because of his extreme avarice; as also Abouzebab, because his breath was said to be so poisonous as to kill all the flies which rested on his face. Yet he surpassed all his predecessors in power and dominion; for in his reign the Indies were conquered in the east, and his armies penetrated Spain in the west: he likewise extended his empire toward the south, by making himself master of Medina and Mecca. He began his reign in the 65th of the hegira, A.D. 648; reigned 15 years; and four of his sons enjoyed the khalifate one after another.