Al-Mu'tadid has meanwhile continued his efforts to regain control of al-Jazira following the defeat of the Kharijites.

Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Shaybani is the son of Ahmad ibn Isa al-Shaybani and grandson of Isa ibn al-Shaykh al-Shaybani.

Exploiting the weakness of the Abbasid Caliphate after the turmoil of the "Anarchy at Samarra", Isa and Ahmad had established themselves as the virtually independent rulers of Diyarbakr in the Jazira.

Ahmad had also been able to expand his control into southern Armenia and for a short time controlled Mosul as well, before the Caliph al-Mu'tadid evicted him from the city and forced him to recognized Abbasid suzerainty in 893.

Ahmad had remained in control of Diyar Bakr and his Armenian gains, but was thereafter careful to appease the Caliph and appear loyal to him.

When Ahmad died in 898, Muhammad had succeeded him in Diyarbakr, but al-Mu'tadid now resolved to complete the resubmission of the entire Jazira to direct caliphal control.

In 899, he campaigns against Muhammad and besieges him in his capital from April/May until June, when Muhammad surrenders in exchange for clemency both for himself and his followers.

The Caliph treats Muhammad well, and after installing his own son, Ali al-Muktafi, as governor of the Jazira, takes the captive emir with him to Baghdad.