The Origins of CCD
🛡 The Origins of CCD: A Legacy from Hazrat Ameer Muawiyah (RA)
These days, Pakistan—especially Punjab—is abuzz with news of the CCD (Counter Crime Department), which has successfully apprehended or neutralized many major criminals, gangsters, murderers, and smugglers. Those still at large have begun taking oaths with the Qur’an in their hands in mosques, pledging never to return to crime and begging for forgiveness.
But let us ask: Who first established the concept of CCD or CTD in Islamic governance?
The general police department was first formalized by Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA). Around 15–20 years later, Hazrat Ameer Muawiyah (RA) laid the foundations of a special department akin to today’s CCD, known then as a “special police force” to monitor and control hardened and high-level criminals.
🕵️♂️ Intelligence and Policing in the Era of Hazrat Muawiyah (RA)
According to historical traditions and authentic Muslim historians, Hazrat Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan (RA)—the founder of the Umayyad Caliphate—took several revolutionary administrative measures to strengthen law and order and governance in the Islamic state. One of the most significant innovations was the establishment of a state intelligence and policing system.
📌 Organized Police Force (Shurtah)
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Hazrat Muawiyah (RA) developed the “Shurtah” system, which functioned similarly to modern-day CID/CTD or secret police.
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This force not only dealt with thieves and criminals but also political threats, rebellion, and state security.
📌 Network of Informants (Mukhabireen)
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He established a network of spies and informants reporting from various cities and regions.
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This model was later enhanced by the Abbasid caliphs.
📌 Proactive Intelligence Gathering
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A far-sighted and strategic leader, Hazrat Muawiyah (RA) was often aware of revolts or conspiracies before they took place, and he acted swiftly to suppress them.
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This reflects the efficiency of his intelligence system.
📌 Strong Administrative Capital
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Under his leadership, Damascus became the center of administration, with structured offices for governance, judiciary, finance, and policing—resembling today’s city police and civil departments.
❓ Was this the first of its kind in the Islamic State?
Yes. While the Khulafa-e-Rashideen ensured peace and justice, a centralized and formal intelligence/policing agency was not established. Hazrat Umar (RA) laid many foundational systems, but it was under Hazrat Muawiyah (RA) that the full-fledged police and intelligence institutions took shape.
👑 Hazrat Muawiyah (RA): Innovations, Reforms, and Contributions
Not only was Hazrat Muawiyah (RA) a noble Companion of the Prophet ﷺ, and a scribe of divine revelation, but also an unmatched ruler and visionary who unified the Ummah, expanded the Islamic empire, and introduced numerous administrative, military, and civil reforms that became models for future generations.
🕌 Prophetic Glad Tidings Fulfilled
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The first army of my Ummah to undertake a naval expedition will surely enter Paradise, and the army that conquers the city of Caesar (Rome/Constantinople) will also be among the people of Paradise.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
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The first prophecy was fulfilled in the reign of Caliph Uthman (RA), when Hazrat Muawiyah (RA) led the historic naval campaign and conquered Cyprus.
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The second prophecy was fulfilled during his rule when the Muslim army attacked Constantinople (Byzantium), with Hazrat Abu Ayyub Ansari (RA) among its ranks.
🛠 Key Reforms and Innovations Introduced by Hazrat Muawiyah (RA)
1. ✅ Establishment of the First Islamic Navy
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Built the first organized naval fleet in Islamic history.
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Conquered key islands including Cyprus and repelled Roman forces.
2. ✅ Foundation of the First CCD-like Police Force
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Formed a special police unit to control organized and dangerous criminals—resembling today’s CCD or CTD.
3. ✅ Creation of a State Postal and Intelligence System
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Introduced “Barid”—a fast, efficient state postal and communication system.
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Developed a robust spy network for national security.
4. ✅ Advancement of Medicine and Surgery
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Established medical and surgical institutions.
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Built the first residential hospital in Damascus.
5. ✅ Interest-Free Commercial Lending
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Issued non-interest-based business loans from the Bayt al-Mal (State Treasury) to promote trade and industry.
6. ✅ Reform of the Kaaba’s Covering
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Instituted the practice of removing the old covering of the Kaaba before placing the new one, a practice that continues today.
7. ✅ Introduction of Siege Weaponry (Mangonel)
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First to use manjaniq (mangonel) in siege warfare, instrumental in conquering forts.
8. ✅ Canal Construction
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Dug the first canal in the Arab world to enhance agriculture and irrigation.
9. ✅ Development of Diwani Script and Writing System
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Innovated the “Diwani” script, laying the groundwork for refined Arabic calligraphy.
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Made writing a public and administrative tool for the nation.
10. ✅ Sealing Official Orders and Archiving
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Introduced official seals on government documents and retained archived copies, like modern document control systems.
11. ✅ Formation of Parliament and Grievance Redress System
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Established a consultative body resembling a parliament.
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Created a “complaint cell” for public redressal.
12. ✅ Seasonal Army Structuring
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Deployed separate summer and winter military units, ensuring readiness in all conditions.
13. ✅ Preservation of Ahadith and Religious Institutions
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Established a formal department for the collection and teaching of Ahadith, safeguarding Islamic knowledge.
14. ✅ Vast Territorial Conquests
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Hoisted the Islamic flag in over 5400 regions across ten major empires.
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Conquered Caesarea, the largest city of the time with 300 markets and a police force of 100,000.
📚 References:
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Al-Bidaya wa’l-Nihaya – Ibn Kathir
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Tarikh al-Khulafa – Al-Suyuti
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Futuh al-Buldan – Al-Baladhuri
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Sirat Ameer Muawiyah – Abdul Shakoor Fahmi
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Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh – Ibn al-Athir
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Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah – Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani
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