Suleiman took power thanks in part to political opponents of Al-Hajjaj bin Yousef. However, al-Hajjaj died in 714, so Suleiman persecuted his political allies, among these were the three famous generals Qutaibah bin Muslim, Musa bin Nusair, and Muhammad bin Qasim. All three were imprisoned and then killed.

Under his rule, expansion continued into mountainous parts of Iran such as Tabiristan. Suleiman also ordered a raid on Constantinople, but it was unsucessful. In the domestic scene, he had wells built in Mecca for pilgrims and organized enforcement of prayers. Suleiman was known for his exceptional oratory skills, but his execution of three excellent generals has tarnished his reputation.

He would only rule for two years, but broke with tradition by not maintaining a hereditary dynasty. He ignored his brothers and son, and appointed Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz as his sucessor on account of Umar's reputation as being one of the most wise, capabale and pious persons of that era. This appointment is rare, although it technically fullfils the Sunni Islamic method of appointing a sucessor, whereas hereditary sucession does not.