Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (646 – 8 October 705) is the 5th Umayyad Caliph.

He was born in Makkah and grew up in Medinah (both are cities in modern day Saudi Arabia).

`Abd al-Malik is a well-educated man and capable ruler, despite the many political problems that impede his rule.

In his reign, all important records are translated into Arabic, and for the first time a special currency for the Muslim world is minted, which leads to war with the Byzantine Empire under Justinian II.

The Byzantines are led by Leontios at the Battle of Sebastopolis in 692 in Asia Minor and are decisively defeated by the Caliph after the defection of a large contingent of Slavs.

The Islamic currency is then made the only currency exchange in the Muslim world.

Also, many reforms happen in his time as regards agriculture and commerce.

`Abd al-Malik consolidates Muslim rule and extends it, makes Arabic the state language, and organizes a regular postal service.