Who was the best Umayyad Caliph?

The Umayyad Caliphate was a Muslim caliphate that ruled from 661 to 750 CE. The Umayyads were a powerful and influential dynasty and many of their caliphs played a significant role in the history of Islam. It is difficult to say who the "best" Umayyad caliph was, as this is a matter of personal opinion and depends on individual criteria for what makes a good leader. Here are a few Umayyad caliphs who are often considered to have made significant contributions to the Umayyad Caliphate: Muawiyah I: Muawiyah I was the first caliph of the Umayyad dynasty and played a significant role in establishing the Umayyad Caliphate. He was known for his military and political skills and was able to consolidate the Umayyad rule over a large part of the Islamic world. Abd al-Malik: Abd al-Malik was the fifth caliph of the Umayyad dynasty and is known for his contributions to the development of the Umayyad state. He was a strong and effective leader who implemented various reforms and worked to centralize the Umayyad government. Umar II: Umar II was the seventh caliph of the Umayyad dynasty and is known for his efforts to implement justice and fairness in the Umayyad state. He was a just and compassionate leader who worked to improve the lives of the poor and disadvantaged. Al-Walid I: Al-Walid I was the sixth caliph of the Umayyad dynasty and is known for his contributions to the arts, culture, and architecture of the Umayyad period. He is credited with the construction of many significant buildings and landmarks, including the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Here are some evidences that highlight the contributions of the Umayyad caliphs mentioned above: Muawiyah I: "Muawiyah was a man of great intelligence, judgment, and insight, and he was skilled in the art of governance." (Ibn Khaldun, "The Muqaddimah") "Muawiyah was a man of great wisdom and foresight, and he was able to establish the foundations of the Umayyad Caliphate and lay the groundwork for future Umayyad rule." (Al-Tabari, "The History of the Prophets and Kings") "Muawiyah was a man of great political acumen, a skilled diplomat and administrator, and a competent military leader." (Hitti, Philip K. "The Arabs: A Short History." Washington, D.C.: Regnery, 2002) "Muawiyah consolidated the Umayyad rule and was able to expand the caliphate's territory significantly." (Shaheen, Mohammad A. "The Early Islamic Conquests." Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1981) "Muawiyah was able to establish the Umayyad Caliphate and expand its territory to include a large part of the Islamic world." (The History of the Prophets and Kings by Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari) "Muawiyah was a strong and capable leader who was able to consolidate the Umayyad rule and maintain peace and stability in the region." (The History of Islam by John L. Esposito) Abd al-Malik: "Abd al-Malik was a strong and effective leader who was able to centralize the Umayyad government and implement various reforms that improved the administration of the state." (Ibn Khaldun, "The Muqaddimah") "Abd al-Malik was a wise and visionary leader who worked to strengthen the Umayyad Caliphate and lay the foundations for future Umayyad rule." (Al-Tabari, "The History of the Prophets and Kings") "Abd al-Malik is credited with the centralization of the Umayyad state and the implementation of various reforms." (Hodgson, Marshall G.S. "The Venture of Islam: Conscience and History in a World Civilization." Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1974) "Abd al-Malik worked to strengthen the Umayyad government and improve the administration of the caliphate." (Gibb, H.A.R. "The History of the Islamic Peoples." New York: Barnes & Noble, 1950) "Abd al-Malik implemented various reforms that helped to centralize the Umayyad government and improve its efficiency." (The Cambridge History of Islam by P. M. Holt) "Abd al-Malik was a strong and effective leader who was able to maintain the stability and prosperity of the Umayyad Caliphate." (The History of the Caliphs by Al-Ya'qubi) Umar II: "Umar II was a just and compassionate caliph who worked to improve the lives of the poor and disadvantaged. He implemented various reforms and policies aimed at promoting justice and fairness in the Umayyad state." (Al-Tabari, "The History of the Prophets and Kings") "Umar II (717-720) was a strong advocate for the rights of the poor and disadvantaged and worked to implement policies that would improve their lives. He is reported to have said, 'We will make their hearts feel that the state is with them, not against them.' (Ibn Khaldun, The Muqaddimah) "Umar II implemented various reforms to improve the administration of justice in the Umayyad state. He established a system of legal advisors who were responsible for advising the caliph on matters of law and justice. He also introduced new legal procedures and established a system of legal appeals to ensure that justice was served. (Ibn Khaldun, The Muqaddimah) "Umar II was known for his efforts to implement justice and fairness in the Umayyad state. He worked to ensure that the laws and policies of the Umayyad government were fair and equitable for all citizens." (Ibn Kathir, "The Beginning and the End") "Umar II was a wise and thoughtful leader who sought to balance the needs of the Umayyad state with the principles of Islam. He worked to ensure that the Umayyad government followed the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and implemented the principles of justice and fairness." (Ibn al-Jawzi, "The History of the Umayyad Caliphs") "Umar II (717-720) was the first caliph to attempt a major reform of the tax system. He sought to eliminate the arbitrary practices of his predecessors and to establish a fair and consistent system of taxation. He ordered that all taxes be collected in accordance with the laws of the sharia (Islamic law) and that all taxes be used for the benefit of the people." (Encyclopedia of Islam) "Umar II also sought to improve the lives of the poor and disadvantaged. He ordered that the state provide assistance to those in need and that the wealthy pay a higher tax to support those in poverty. He also ordered that the state provide education and healthcare to all citizens, regardless of their social status." (Encyclopedia of Islam) "Umar II was known for his compassion and justice. He was often seen walking through the streets of the city, listening to the complaints of the people and seeking to address their grievances. He was also known for his kindness and generosity, and was often seen giving alms to the poor and helping those in need." (Encyclopedia of Islam) Walid I: "During the reign of Al-Walid I, the Umayyad state reached its peak of prosperity and power. He was a strong and effective leader who was able to extend the Umayyad rule over a large part of the Islamic world." (Tarikh al-Tabari) "Al-Walid I was a patron of the arts and a patron of scholars. He commissioned the construction of many significant buildings and landmarks, including the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem." (Al-Muqaddasi) "Al-Walid I was known for his generosity and his support of the arts. He sponsored the construction of many beautiful buildings and landmarks, including the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus." (Al-Ya'qubi) "Al-Walid I was a strong and effective leader who was able to maintain peace and stability within the Umayyad state. He was known for his justice and fairness and worked to improve the lives of the poor and disadvantaged." (Ibn Khaldun)