Muhammad bin Saud Al Muqrin facts for kids

Muhammad bin Saud Al Muqrin (born 1687, died 1765) was an important leader in the Arabian Peninsula. He is known as the founder of the First Saudi State. This state was the beginning of what is now Saudi Arabia. The ruling family of Saudi Arabia, the House of Saud, is named after his father, Saud bin Muhammad. Muhammad bin Saud was also called Ibn Saud. He was the ruler, or emir, of a town called Ad-Diriyyah.

Who Was Muhammad bin Saud?

Muhammad bin Saud's family was called Al Muqrin. They came from the Banu Audi and Hanifa tribes. Many people think he was a wandering desert dweller, but this is not true. He was the chief, or emir, of a farming village. This village, called Diriyah, was close to modern-day Riyadh. He was also a brave and skilled fighter in the desert.

His Early Life

Muhammad bin Saud was born in Diriyah in 1687. He had three brothers: Mishari, Thunayan, and Farhan. He became the ruler of Diriyah by defeating his brothers.

His Time as Ruler

Ibn Saud became the Emir of Diriyah in the early 1700s. His power began in this town. There, he met Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab. Abdul Wahhab had come to Diriyah seeking protection. Muhammad bin Saud welcomed him.

Forming an Alliance

In 1744 or 1745, Muhammad bin Saud and Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab formed an important alliance. This partnership became official when Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab's daughter married Abdulaziz. Abdulaziz was Muhammad bin Saud's son and future successor. Because of this marriage, the families of Muhammad bin Saud (the House of Saud) and Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab (the Al ash-Sheikh) have stayed close. However, not everyone in Muhammad bin Saud's family agreed with this alliance. His brother, Thunayyan bin Saud, did not support it.

Building the State

Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab gave Muhammad bin Saud military support. This helped the House of Saud become a strong power in the Arabian Peninsula. After their alliance, Muhammad bin Saud started collecting taxes from his people. This led to the rise of important groups in the region. The main parts of Saudi rule that still exist today were formed then. These include the royal family, religious leaders (Wahhabi clerics), and tribal groups. Abdul Wahhab continued to advise Muhammad bin Saud until the end of his rule.

Expanding His Influence

In the 1800s, Muhammad bin Saud sent a trusted person, Salim bin Belal Al Harik, to Oman. He went with a group of seventy armed men. Their goal was to make the tribes in Oman loyal to the Saudis. Some tribes, like the Bani Yas, al Shamis, and al Nuaimi, at first resisted. But they later agreed and followed Wahhabism. The Qawasameh tribe from Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah also joined.

When Muhammad bin Saud himself attacked an area, he would first invite the people to adopt his religion, Wahhabism. He would offer this invitation three times. If they did not accept, his forces would attack.

His Legacy

Ibn Saud is seen as the founder of the First Saudi State. The way he set up his government became a model for future rulers of the House of Saud. His government was based on Islamic ideas and used a system called shura, which means consultation. He ruled his emirate until he passed away in 1765.

Family Life

Muhammad bin Saud's wife was Moudi bint Abi Wahtan Al Kathir. She played a key role in his meeting with Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab. He had four sons: Suud, Faisal, Abdulaziz, and Abdullah. His first two sons, Suud and Faisal, died before him.

Muhammad bin Saud died in Diriyah in 1765. His oldest son, Abdulaziz, became the next ruler. However, another son, Abdullah, challenged Abdulaziz's rule.

Remembering Muhammad bin Saud

The Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University is named after him. This university is a tribute to his role as a founder of what became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

See also

In Spanish: Muhámmad bin Saúd para niños