He was an Ummayyad caliph known for his piety and most respected. His father Abdul Aziz was related to Hazrat Umar. He was appointed governor of the Hejaz in 706. During the time of his accession, there was discontent among the Muslims about the Ummayads for putting political interests ahead of religious principles. Initiating a policy of internal consolidation, he attempted no military victories. He dismissed the dishonest officials, reformed the taxation system and granted the Mawalis (non-Arabs) the same rights as Muslim Arabs.