The leader of the Zanj Rebellion was Ali ibn Muhammad. He is also often referred to as Ali bin Muhammad or Sahib al-Zanj.

Quick Scoop

  • The Zanj Rebellion was a major uprising in southern Iraq from 869 to 883.
  • Ali ibn Muhammad led the revolt and rallied enslaved Africans and other discontented groups against the Abbasid Caliphate.
  • Historical sources also describe him as the self-proclaimed leader of the Zanj, which is why the revolt is sometimes linked directly to his name.

Name detail

Ali ibn Muhammad is the most widely cited name in modern summaries, while Sahib al-Zanj is a title meaning “Leader/Companion of the Zanj”. That makes him the central figure you’re looking for.

TL;DR: Ali ibn Muhammad led the Zanj Rebellion.