Sa'id al-Dawla, Hamdanid emir of Aleppo, had died in January 1002, although according to a tradition recorded by Ibn al-Adim, he was poisoned at the behest of Lu'lu', his vizier.Along with his son Mansur, Lu'lu' now assumed direct power over Aleppo, at first as ostensible guardians over Sa'id al-Dawla's sons Abu'l-Hasan Ali and Abu'l-Ma'ali Sharif, until, in 1003/4, he had them exiled to Egypt.

As Emir of Aleppo, Lu'lu' is a capable ruler, who will be remembered for his wisdom and justice.

He has also managed to maintain the balance between Constantinople and the Fatimids: although he recognizes Fatimid suzerainty, he continues to pay tribute to Constantinople, and had imprisoned the adventurer al-Asfar, who dreamed of launching jihad against the Empire.

Lu'lu' dies in 1008/9, and is succeeded by his son Mansur.

Mansur is unpopular, faces several challenges to his rule by rival factions and tribes, and quickly becomes subordinate to the Fatimids.