Muhammad was 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 turmoils of the "Anarchy at Samarra", Isa and Ahmad had established themselves as the virtually independent rulers of Diyar Bakr 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 recognize Abbasid suzerainty in 893. Ahmad remained in control of Diyar Bakr and his Armenian gains, but was thereafter careful to appease the Caliph and appear loyal to him.Canard (1978), pp. 88–90Kennedy (2004), p. 182
