Muhammed II al-Faqih

Muhammad II (* 1235, † 1302), surnamed al -Faqih ( " the lawyer " ), was from 1273 to 1302 Emir of Granada.

Muhammad II succeeded his father Muhammad ibn Nasr I. (1232-1273) in Granada. The strengthening of the Marinids in Morocco, he was forced to swing between these policies and Castile, as both forces are trying to control the Strait of Gibraltar ( Tarifa and Algeciras were owned by the Nasrid ). Here, Muhammad II was supported by Aragon and Genoa, which had as sea powers of the Mediterranean a great interest in free access to the Atlantic Ocean.

First, however, had an alliance with the Marinids be completed, which Algeciras, Tarifa and Gibraltar were left as bases ( 1275-1293 ). But after this stretched their influence in the western part of the Sultanate of Granada and allied themselves with the opposition Banu Ashkilula, there was also fighting between the Nasrid and Marinids. 1279 succeeded Muhammad II the submission of Málaga, in which the Banu Ashkilula had entrenched themselves. An alliance of Marinids with the Banu Ashkilula and Castile against Granada (1280-1281) could be neutralized. After the Banu Ashkilula 1288 defeated at Guadix and had been driven out to North Africa, Muhammad II allied with Castile and drove the Marinids from Tarifa. 1295 then was again Castile attacked and conquered some border areas.

After the death of Muhammad II, his son Muhammad III was. Successor on the throne of Granada ( 1302-1309 ).