False Messiah

Attracting a large following, Abu Isa declared himself the messiah and led a rebellion against Persian rule. By drawing a circle in the sand and swearing protection to all within, he instilled fear of sorcery among the Persians—a tactic that elevated his status.

Wandering from town to town, the cult drew in the unsuspecting with promises of grandeur, only to unravel its deceitful truth.

His knowledge and talent led him to hubris. He imagined he could redeem Israel and defeat the Abbasid kingdom that ruled the entire East.