Al-Oqilat Photographs

Al-Oqilat Photographs

Hero of the Arabian Peninsula King Abdulaziz May God have mercy on him. He valued the Al-Oqilat, kept them close, respected them, and sought their counsel. He appointed some as emirs of regions and others as his representatives abroad, and stood beside them both at home and overseas. May God grant him a spacious place in Paradise. By God's grace and then through his efforts, the Kingdom enjoys security and a good life after humiliation, fear, and hunger.

A photograph of King Abdulaziz in his youth

The renowned Al-Oqilat poet, the shrewd political poet of Najd, said: Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Ouni:

And you see Sheikh Qandil Al-Wata *** With glory, the Sunnah, and knowledge of its Book

Generous deeds, firm resolves, and hard-won gains— / He traveled the paths of praise and right guidance.
He is the imam, son of the just imam; / He is the ruler of rulers and their champion.
He is Faisal's heir, and Turki his grandfather; / He is Abu Faisal, noblest of her sons.

The Buraidah palace built by Prince Muhanna bin Saleh Aba Al-Khail After 1280 AH

A historical photograph of a desert area with a camel caravan and fortress walls in the background.

The Al-Oqilat sheikh, eminent scholar, writer, and historian: Fawzan Al-Sabiq One of the best-known Al-Oqilat leaders. May Allah have mercy on him. He was generous and courageous, loved goodness and those who practiced it, and was known for selflessness, knowledge, sound judgment, insight, and capable leadership. Born in Buraidah in 1275 AH, he died in Cairo in 1373 AH. He memorized the Holy Quran and perfected its recitation under Sheikh Sulaiman bin Mohammed Al-Saif He learned reading and writing at the kuttab of Sheikh Nasser bin Sulaiman Al-Saif. He studied under Sheikh Sulaiman bin Ali Al-Muqbil, and Sheikh Muhammad bin Omar bin Sulaim. He travelled to Riyadh to seek knowledge, then to Kuwait, Al-Zubair, and India.

After returning from his pursuit of knowledge, he began trading in camels, horses, and general merchandise. They bought from Najdi markets or Bedouin communities and drove the animals to the Fertile Crescent, from the Euphrates to the Nile—Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt.

A historical photograph of two men in traditional Arab dress at a formal occasion.
A group portrait of men in traditional dress at a social occasion.
A group portrait of men in traditional and formal dress, including King Faisal and Sheikh Fawzan.
A historical photograph of dignitaries at a formal ceremony, with King Fahd and Sheikh Fawzan at the center against a traditional decorative backdrop.
A formal group portrait with Sheikh Fawzan and other figures standing in rows at a meeting or event.

Sheikh Fawzan and Mr. Charles Crane

Four formally dressed men seated in a traditional room, with a small table before them.

The Al-Oqilat sheikh Hassan bin Muhanna Aba Al-Khail One of the emirs of the Al-Oqilat. His father Muhanna was renowned for transporting pilgrims from Iraq in 1265 AH and was one of the emirs of the Al-Oqilat.

A historical portrait of an Arab man in traditional dress seated calmly.

the Al-Oqilat man Ibrahim bin Sulaiman Al-Jarbou‘ One of the best-known Al-Oqilat leaders, proverbial for his knowledge of routes and water sources. It is related that he once flew from Riyadh on a Dakota aircraft. When he noticed that the pilot was heading southwest, the sheikh Ibrahim said, “Your pilot has lost the way.” When told, the pilot replied, “That is correct.” The sheikh Ibrahim: ‘The route is northwest.’ The captain remarked: ‘You have a great, alert mind.’

A portrait of a man wearing traditional Arab dress, including a ghutra and agal.

The Al-Oqilat sheikh and leader, Prince Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bassam An emir of the Al-Oqilat and one of their leading merchants in the Arabian Peninsula and other Arab lands. He was born in 1250 AH and died, may God have mercy on him, in 1350 AH.

He was renowned for generosity, and his reputation reached rulers. During the reign of Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Rasheed was passing through Hail and came to greet the prince. In the majlis, the prince began teasing Sheikh Muhammad Al-Bassam he said: ‘Muhammad, with all your generosity and gifts, are you seeking to rule?’ Muhammad replied: ‘Your Highness, ruling requires people suited to it. I am a merchant seeking profit. When ten returns twenty, we give from God's bounty to the people. That is our gain from trade and distant journeys.’

May God have mercy on him. He was seated at his table at home in Damascus with his guests when a letter arrived. He read that he had suffered ruin in the currency market and, after Germany's fall, owned nothing. He nevertheless continued sitting with his guests as though nothing had happened, so as not to trouble them. This reflected the nobility, generosity, and patience of Abu Abdullah Al-Tamimi.

* After the sheikh died in Baghdad in 1350 AH, the government printed newspapers in black for several days as an expression of mourning.

To his left are the Deputy Supervisor of Education in Damascus and Sheikh Muhammad Al-Usaimi An Al-Oqilat merchant. Photograph from 1345 AH.

A historical photograph of three seated men in traditional Arab dress.

the Al-Oqilat man Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Mudaifer One of the leading Al-Oqilat figures, known for generosity, courage, chivalry, integrity, and knowledge of routes and water sources. He was nicknamed “Aqqar” for his exceptional generosity—may Allah have mercy on him. He enjoyed high standing with the governors of the Northern Borders, excelled in trade, and was blessed with sons including the respected Sheikh Musaed, known for generosity and munificence; may God grant him a long life.

A clear portrait of a person wearing traditional headwear.

the Al-Oqilat man Ali bin Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Rabdi One of the leading Al-Oqilat merchants and distinguished figures, widely respected for his sound judgment.

To his right is his son, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali bin Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Rabdi —may Allah have mercy on them. The photograph was taken in the Levant in 1328 AH (1910). Sheikh Abdullah From childhood until his death in 1385 AH / 1965 CE, he spent most of his life traveling between the Levant and Buraidah.

A historical photograph of an elderly man in an Arab thobe seated beside a young man in a traditional suit.

the Al-Oqilat man Yahya bin Abdulrahman Al-Shuraidah One of the emirs of the Al-Oqilat. May God have mercy on him; he was courageous and wise, possessed sound judgment, and knew the routes and water sources. Photograph from 1385 AH. When his brother Muhammad the courageous horseman, was martyred in the Battle of Jarrab with King Abdulaziz. The King came to Buraidah to offer condolences to his father Abdulrahman Al-Shuraidah and his martyred son. In a statement showing his humility and noble regard for his companions, he said, ‘I shall take Muhammad's place,’ to console Muhammad's father. May God have mercy on him for such humility.

An old photograph of an elderly man in traditional dress, with indistinct details in the background.

the Al-Oqilat man Abdulrahman bin Muhammad bin Hamoud Al-Bazai A renowned Al-Oqilat man, known for generosity, courage, and sound judgment. Broadly educated, he knew the tribes and families and possessed a deep understanding of politics. He traveled with the Al-Oqilat to Kuwait and Iraq and journeyed west to Jordan, the Levant, Palestine, and Egypt for trade. He was born in Al-Rubay'iyah in 1318 AH and died in Riyadh in 1394 AH.

At the age of fifteen, he took part in the Battle of Jarrab with the army of Ibn Saud against Ibn Rashid.

A black-and-white portrait of a bearded man wearing traditional headwear.

Mr. Sulaiman Al-Mohammed Al-Nuqaidan In his book Poets of Buraidah, vol. 1, first edition, 1409 AH, he wrote: ‘ Abdulrahman Al-Bazai may God have mercy on him, lived in Al-Jawf forty years ago. He was extraordinarily hospitable and spent without counting, yet the income from his trade exceeded what he spent. He maintained three diwaniyahs in Al-Jawf: one for Aqeel, another for the people of Al-Jawf, and a third for the Bedouin. Their fires never went out by night or day. When Al-Bazai left Al-Jawf for Buraidah, these diwaniyahs closed. Popular literary activity was almost paralyzed, and people felt the emptiness keenly. Then Muhammad Al-Bahouth said in a long poem:

Al-Jawf after Al-Bazai feels empty, / Even if they opened shops throughout Al-Jawf.

There was no person there who was not close to me; / I held affection and regard for every one of them.

O home, where is the man who bore the heavy burdens, / The one who remained with you through hardship and ease?

I praise God for the day the family prospered, / Until trade returned twenty for every ten.

His business continued in this manner for more than twenty years, bringing him great wealth and a fine reputation. Longing for Al-Qassim then drew him home. With several Al-Oqilat colleagues, he took part in an idea that seems to have been ahead of its time: around 1365 AH they founded a joint-stock agricultural company, though it did not succeed, as the accompanying document shows.

An official document containing a handwritten Arabic letter on administrative matters, with emblems and the writer’s name at the bottom.
A clear portrait of a smiling man in traditional dress and a turban.

the Al-Oqilat man Hamad bin Abdullah bin Hamoud Al-Bazei An Al-Oqilat man who traveled to Kuwait and Iraq and journeyed west to Jordan, the Levant, Palestine, and Egypt for trade. He was born in Buraidah in 1335 AH and died in Al-Jawf in 1411 AH.

He participated in the Yemen War, then worked with his cousin Abdulrahman Al-Bazai in the city of Al-Jawf.

He traded camels between Arab countries and Arabian horses with pashas and the British in Egypt, as well as with Bedouin communities in the Levant and Iraq, forming close relationships with their leading figures. He left this trade after the establishment of Israel separated Egypt from the Arab East and motor vehicles came into use. He is said to have been among the first to own a car in the north. He then worked in commerce in Turaif for a time before returning to Al-Jawf, where he established a power station to provide the city with electricity.

— The Al-Oqilat man Abdullah Aba Al-Khail A well-known Al-Oqilat merchant who owned horse stables in Egypt. This photograph was taken after his horse won a race, in 1355 AH.

A historical photograph of a man in traditional dress beside a horse.

Photograph of Sheikh Abdullah Aba Al-Khail and his brother Saleh while receiving the trophy at the racecourse in Egypt. Photograph from 1355 AH.

A historical photograph of people at a celebration, centered on the exchange of gifts.

6- Sulaiman Al-Hassan An Al-Oqilat merchant who owned a horse stable in Egypt. This photograph was taken after the horse won the race.

Photograph from 1344 AH.

A historical photograph of two men beside a white horse, one in traditional dress and the other in modern clothing, with a racetrack behind them.

the Al-Oqilat man Hamoud bin Muhammad Al-Mutlaq A well-known Al-Oqilat man, noted for wisdom, sound judgment, courage, and generosity. From Unaizah, he journeyed west from Najd with the Al-Oqilat toward Egypt in 1329 AH / 1908. May God have mercy on him; many Najdis trusted him as an arbiter, leaving their valuables and money with him when traveling or turning to him to dissolve partnerships, because of his integrity and ability to settle disputes by mutual consent. In Egypt he trained and bred racehorses and was among the leading trainers of the period. He was known for weaving and wearing the qasab agal. His majlis was renowned for hospitality and generosity, welcoming visitors arriving from Najd—especially Al-Qassim—at any hour and hosting them for several days. He exchanged many letters with King Abdulaziz may God bless his resting place, in which he kept him informed about the Arabian Peninsula and its people. His only son Muhammad worked in training and breeding racehorses in Egypt from childhood, as did his grandson Mahmoud who inherited and mastered the profession through his father and grandfather. Both continue to live in Cairo.

A black-and-white portrait of a smiling elderly man with a gray beard, wearing a ghutra and agal.

His horses competed in races in Egypt. Photograph from 1341 AH.

A rider on a gray horse beside a handler in an Arab thobe, with another person behind them at a racetrack.

7 — The Al-Oqilat man Saab bin Saleh Al-Tuwaijri A well-known Al-Oqilat man, noted for wisdom, sound judgment, courage, and generosity. He journeyed west with the Al-Oqilat and settled in Egypt's Ain Shams district in 1329 AH; a street was named after him—Saab Saleh Street. He was so renowned for generosity that residents of Ain Shams and Kafr Farouk lined up before his house to draw water from its well. Two pumps met the community's need for clean water. He owned a stable with more than one hundred purebred Arabian horses for racing and breeding. His eldest son Saleh began working with him at age ten and had taken full charge by age fourteen.

A monochrome portrait clearly showing an elderly man in a traditional robe and agal.

the Al-Oqilat man Saleh bin Saab Al-Tuwaijri A well-known Al-Oqilat man, noted for wisdom, sound judgment, courage, and generosity. He was the most celebrated racehorse trainer in the Arab world. His stable held more than 120 outstanding horses. His reputation extended beyond Egypt: he entered races in Lebanon and Greece, achieving leading places and winning trophies at their racecourses. He ranked as Egypt's leading trainer for more than a quarter-century and trained many accomplished trainers and jockeys. He was known for seriousness and dedication at work and for his good humor socially. Today his son Sulaiman manages the stable and trains its horses. He died in Cairo in 1996.

A clear portrait of a man in traditional Arab dress with simply styled hair.

8—Major General and Al-Oqilat leader Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Turki Al-Otaishan An emir of the Al-Oqilat, with Al-Oqilat men standing to his right and left.

Photograph from 1355 AH.

The Al-Oqilat man:Ibrahim bin Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim bin Saleh bin Muhammad Al-Humaidi known as Al-Nashmi.

A leading Al-Oqilat figure, known for generosity, courage, and sound judgment. Al-Nashmi spent his childhood in his hometown of Shaqra, where he learned to read and write, then moved with his father to Unaizah in Al-Qassim. When he reached adulthood, he journeyed west with the Al-Oqilat to Jordan, the Levant, and Egypt for trade. He was born in Shaqra in 1313 AH and died in London in 1398 AH.

An elderly man in traditional Arab dress seated formally against a dark background.

— The Al-Oqilat man Saleh bin Sulaiman Al-Jarboa A well-known Al-Oqilat man of sound judgment whose counsel and decisions were respected. Photograph from 1370 AH.

A monochrome portrait of an elderly man with a long beard wearing traditional dress.

the Al-Oqilat man Abdullah bin Abdulrahman Al-Hunaishil A well-known Al-Oqilat man, noted for generosity, courage, and knowledge of routes and water sources.

The Al-Oqilat man:Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al-Qurait).

A well-known Aqeel man, noted for courage and physical strength. He was friendly, patient, and compassionate, caring for the young before the old and never depriving anyone of his rights. He traveled with them to Jordan, the Levant, Palestine, Egypt, and Sudan for trade. He was born in Buraidah's Al-Subakh district in 1325 AH and died in Arar in 1418 AH. He was known as Qudaih.

the Al-Oqilat man Saleh bin Sulaiman Al-Jarboa An Al-Oqilat man, born in Buraidah in 1333 AH—the year of the Battle of Jarrab.

A portrait of a man in traditional Arab dress with a turban and shawl.

11 — The Al-Oqilat man Muhammad bin Ali Al-Shuwairikh A leading Al-Oqilat figure and, indeed, one of their emirs. May God have mercy on him; he knew the routes and owned the first bank in Riyadh. He was distinguished by generosity and by assisting Muslims in need or afflicted by disaster, at home and abroad, including his donation to the victims of the Kashmir disaster in 1367 AH. He was sorely tested by the deaths of his children. On one journey west, he returned from an arduous trip carrying gifts for his children, including broadcloth garments, only to be met by people offering condolences for six of his children and one of his wives, all of whom had died within a single month. He fathered approximately fifty-six sons and daughters, thirty-three of whom died. He met these painful decrees of God with patience; his first generation of children died from diseases then widespread in Najd. His first wife gave birth to another son, the last full brother of those who had died, and he named him Sulaiman in the hope that he would be spared death. The name Sulaiman He was known by his kunyah, Abu Sulaiman—may Allah have mercy on them both. He brought him great joy and became his right-hand man in trade and the hardships of life. Nevertheless, he did not live Sulaiman did not prove auspicious for long, as illness soon took him; see the biography of his son Sulaiman. One story demonstrating his courage took place during an Al-Oqilat journey through Palestine in 1943, under the British Mandate and before the establishment of Israel. The British found, in the possession of a herder accompanying Sheikh Mohammed Al-Shuwairikh. a pistol. Al-Oqilat men customarily carried weapons on their journeys to protect their trade. Faithful to the Al-Oqilat code, he would not allow the herder to bear responsibility for anything, so he said Mohammed Al-Shuwairikh. He told the British, “The weapon is mine; release the shepherd.” They released the shepherd and took Sheikh Al-Shuwairikh. He was imprisoned with hard labor in Tulkarm. Every morning, he and the other prisoners were taken out to break rocks and pave one of the city’s streets until sunset, then returned to prison until the following morning. Such work did not suit an Al-Oqilat man accustomed to freedom and a life of travel in search of Allah’s bounty. After two weeks, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Shuwairikh. decided to escape. He confided in an Arab prisoner and invited him to come along. The older man advised him: “My son, when a life is cut down it does not grow again. Be patient until your Lord grants relief.” But the Al-Oqilat man’s pride compelled him to undertake this heroic escape, and he asked the prisoner to keep his plan secret. One day, as the prisoners were being dismissed shortly before sunset, Sheikh Muhammad began gathering tools, picks, and equipment scattered at sites near and far from the trees, gradually moving farther away. British soldiers on horseback watched the prisoners. When he disappeared from view, the free man who would not accept injustice made his escape. He did not stop until he reached an Arab's orchard outside the town. He asked for clothes, changed what he was wearing, took fresh grapes from the farm, and continued to Amman. He reached Amman Market, the Al-Oqilat gathering place and their commercial center and forum in Jordan. Photograph from 1340 AH.

* Sheikh Ali Al-Maarik about the Al-Oqilat man Saleh Al-Sultan about the generous son of a generous man, Sheikh Mohammed Al-Shuwairikh. in the Levant, his slaughtered animal was always hanging ready for guests—a sign of his generosity. May God have mercy on him.

* Sheikh Ali Al-Maarik When King Saud arrived in Riyadh after the founder’s death King Abdulaziz to assume the reins of government, the people of Riyadh set up reception camps beyond the airport. The people of Buraidah erected an especially large camp overseen by Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali Al-Shuwairikh and the Buraidah community. During the celebration, Sheikh Sulaiman Al-Saleh Al-Mutawwa He said to King Saud: ‘Your Highness, this herd of camels is your dinner,’ and presented him with an entire herd.

the Al-Oqilat man Sulaiman Al-Jarbou‘ One of the best-known Al-Oqilat figures, he was known for sound judgment, insight, and knowledge of routes. One example of his perception was related from a journey out of Iraq, when the group encountered a man riding a donkey. The sheikh Sulaiman: ‘This man is a spy.’ His companions said: ‘He is not a spy.’ He replied: ‘Either we take him with us, or we do not sleep until we reach Al-Shabakah.’ They traveled throughout the night and reached Al-Shabakah. As was customary, the people there took charge of every mount and unloaded its burden. Iraqi agents then arrived asking about the caravan that had passed along the route. The people of Al-Shabakah answered: ‘We have seen no one. Go and search elsewhere.’ The people of Al-Shabakah loved the Al-Oqilat and knew their trustworthiness and devotion to their faith.

* Sheikh Sulaiman was spending the winter with a flock of sheep he owned, as was Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Rashid Al-Humaid and his brothers, with their flock north of Al-Jouf. Suddenly, Sheikh Sulaiman saw a car approaching. He instructed the shepherds with him to prepare coffee and stood to receive the travelers as guests. Among them was Prince Ibn Shaalan and the Emir of Al-Jawf Al-Sudairi. After sitting down, they drank coffee and tea, then spread the tent rugs as a dining cloth and served dates, dried curds, butter, milk, kleija, Aqeel bread, and a slaughtered animal. During the meal, the prince Al-Sudairi boasted, “Who else could do this in such a place and at such a time?” Prince Ibn Shaalan: ‘He does this and attributes it to Aqeel, while we Al-Sudairi have known them since long ago.’ He then recited this poem:

We intend to go to Aqeel for the midday meal; / Either fortune will favor us, or we shall set up the sinani.

Red coffee beans, ground and mixed with cardamom; / You find flatbread spread across the trays.

They cross the wilderness on sturdy mounts; / Through how many lands they have wandered, hard and easy.

A bearded man in a Saudi thobe and shemagh against a blue background.

the Al-Oqilat man Ibrahim Al-Rashid Al-Humaid, one of the leading Al-Oqilat men. His brothers were Abdullah, Abdulaziz, and Sulaiman. They traveled throughout the Arab lands, and their reputation steadily grew until they became among the wealthiest Al-Oqilat of Najd, owing to their good dealings, high aspirations, and fine character. They managed businesses in countries both within and beyond the Kingdom. Photograph from 1350 AH.

14- Abdullah Hamad Al-Shuraidah An Al-Oqilat man known for sound judgment. This photograph was taken in 1370 AH.

15- Fayez Ali Al-Fayez A leading Al-Oqilat man with sound judgment and a discerning mind. Born in the village of Al-Muraidisiyah to the honorable Al-Fayez family, he was raised by his father, the famous Al-Oqilat man Aliand learned the rudiments of reading and writing. May God have mercy on him; with the rest of his family, he took part in King Abdulaziz's battles to unite the Arabian Peninsula, including the Battle of Al-Bukayriyah in 1322 AH, where he performed a heroic deed. He began traveling with the Al-Oqilat in 1325 AH, first working in the camel and horse trade in Palestine and Jordan. He later moved to Egypt and traded camels and horses with the Al-Oqilat there. He spent most of his life in Egypt and did not return to Al-Qassim until 1373 AH. He died in 1382 AH, leaving six sons, namely Ibrahim, Sulaiman, Fawaz, Abdullah, and Ali in Egypt during his lifetime.

the Al-Oqilat man Saleh Hamad Al-Mohsen A well-known Al-Oqilat man who safeguarded valuables entrusted to him by other Al-Oqilat. He worked with Al-Rumaih and served as an imam at Al-Qantarah Al-Sharqiyah in Sinai.

the Al-Oqilat man Abdulaziz bin Muhammad bin Othman Al-Ubaid A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

the Al-Oqilat man Othman Al-Dubaykhi A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

An elderly bearded man in traditional Saudi dress with a distinctive shawl.

the Al-Oqilat man Abdullah Al-Fallah A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

A portrait of an elderly man wearing traditional Saudi headwear and a shawl.

the Al-Oqilat man Ibrahim Abdullah Al-Nassar A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

An elderly man in a thobe and agal, with a white beard and a serious expression.

the Al-Oqilat man Nasser bin Aqil Al-Rawaf A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

the Al-Oqilat man Abdullah Mohammed Al-Judai‘ A well-known Al-Oqilat man. May God have mercy on him; he was a distinguished poet, quick-witted and formidable in poetic exchanges, as well as exceptionally courageous and physically strong.

O you with luxuriant hair, I lie awake, / My tears streaming down my cheek.
How can you be content while I am heartsick? / What remains if you turn away from me?
The strongbox of my heart has become Lahyan, / Through love of the graceful one with swaying hips.
My mount carries me far over Dhurwan, / For she is a powerful racing camel.
Seek him, even if the passage is difficult, / And cross every lofty barrier.

the Al-Oqilat man Sulaiman bin Mohammed Al-Shuwairikh An Al-Oqilat man. He was born in Buraidah in 1346 AH. His mother died when he was six years old, and he grew up in the care of his father Muhammad Al-Ali Al-Shuwairikh. When he came of age, he became his father's right-hand man and worked beside him in commerce. His fine character, good treatment of others, and honesty had a major effect on the growth of his father's business. He traveled with the Al-Oqilat two or three times and benefited from his father's experience in trade and fair dealing. He was known for devotion to his father; some contemporaries said: ‘We never saw him meet or speak to his father except with a smile.’ May God have mercy on him. An illness struck him and progressed quickly. He sought treatment at the American University of Beirut, but God's decree came first. He died in Beirut and was buried in Al-Midan Cemetery in Damascus in 1383 AH, while still in the prime of youth.

A portrait of a serious-looking man wearing an agal and traditional headwear.

the Al-Oqilat man Ibrahim bin Muhammad Al-Owaid A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

A portrait of an elderly man in a shemagh and cloak, his face marked by age.

the Al-Oqilat man Hamad Mohammed Al-Fallah A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

the Al-Oqilat man Humaid bin Muhammad Al-Fallah A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

the Al-Oqilat man Hamad bin Muhammad Al-Hussein Al-Tamimi An Al-Oqilat man.

A clear portrait of an elderly man wearing traditional headwear.

the Al-Oqilat man Abdulaziz Al-Dubaykhi An Al-Oqilat man.

A black-and-white portrait of an elderly man wearing an agal and shemagh.

the Al-Oqilat man Fayez Al-Qulaish An Al-Oqilat man who undertook a momentous and dangerous mission when he was sent by King Abdulaziz in a letter to Prince Abdulaziz bin Rashid from Buraidah. Ibn Rashid’s camp was north of Al-Rubay‘iyah, and Sheikh Fayez may God have mercy on him, was eighteen years old at the time and delivered the message to Ibn Rashid. It was a terrifying mission, but this hero did not fear death. The event occurred around 1330 AH.

An elderly man in traditional Arab dress seated on a sofa in a home setting.

31- 2 Rashid Al-Nuqair, 3 Muhammad Al-Fayez, 5 Muhammad Al-Souh, 6 Ali Aba Al-Khail

A group of men seated around a fire in a traditional desert setting.

32- Hassan Al-Ajaji – Mohammed Al-Shuwairikh. – Fahd Al-Ajaji – Muhammad Al-Ajaji

The Al-Oqilat sheikh Sulaiman Al-Rumaih An emir of the Al-Oqilat, knowledgeable about routes and water sources and noted for sound judgment, generosity, courage, and chivalry. Here we recount a chivalrous deed by a resident of Buraidah named Sulaiman Al-Rumaih. He worked in trade, most often dealing in camels and sometimes horses, buying and selling wholesale. Trading camels required him to hire herders; trading horses required men known as sayyās, singular sāyis, or grooms. On this journey he was taking horses to Makkah during the reign of the late King Hussein bin Ali Around 1336 AH / 1917, his horse grooms contracted typhoid while halfway between Makkah and Madinah. With the Hajj season approaching, they needed rescue from a barren location that offered neither a comfortable place to sit nor treatment or medicine. The problem was how to carry them: their illness was so severe that none could ride a camel, while motor vehicles were unavailable and virtually nonexistent in the Hejaz. Should Sulaiman Al-Rumaih leave them in the wilderness? That would violate Arab character, which requires an Arab to preserve three duties and never neglect any of them: protecting one who seeks refuge, fulfilling a pledge, and honoring both guests and traveling companions. Although these patients were horse grooms—wage workers employed by Ibn Rumaih—Arab custom and tradition regarded them as traveling companions. Ibn Rumaih fully understood his responsibility toward them. He felt it as an Arab who knew what Arab virtues demanded in such a situation, not as a merchant calculating the loss caused by the immense expense he undertook. There were nearly fifteen patients, or twenty according to another account. For each patient he hired men to carry him on their shoulders in a square bier-like frame; eight men took turns carrying each person. They carried the sick men all the way to Makkah. Ibn Rumaih did not stop after bringing his companions into the city on their shoulders. He hired other workers to carry them in the same way from Makkah to Mina and then Arafat, enabling them to complete the Hajj rites, including tawaf and sa'i. How much did a single patient cost this merchant in workers' wages—ten days from the desert to Makkah, then five or six days from Makkah through completion of the rites? Consider fifteen patients, eight workers assigned to each, and a wage of at least ten riyals for a laborer walking under a heavy load. The reader may calculate the full amount Ibn Rumaih paid. The reader should also recall the observation made in the introduction: generosity and chivalry that lead a merchant to acts like these harm his commercial interests and run directly against the nature of his profession. A generous and chivalrous merchant bears that generosity at the expense of his business, and even of his original capital. Such was the outcome that Sulaiman Al-Rumaihwould face—and in fact did face as a merchant because of his generosity and chivalry. Otherwise, as a man long established in commerce, he would have accumulated vast cash holdings and real estate.

the Al-Oqilat man Mazeed Ibrahim Al-Khataf A well-known Al-Oqilat man. May God have mercy on him; he possessed sound judgment and held a respected place among the Al-Oqilat.

the Al-Oqilat man Saleh Al-Hulaisi one of the valiant and wise emirs of the Al-Oqilat, along with his brother, the Al-Oqilat man Abdullah and the Al-Oqilat man Abdulaziz A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

A photograph of three men in traditional Arab dress, with text identifying their names and the date.

‘You tear it, and I shall sew it.’

I met one evening with members of our community from the Al-Rabdi, Al-Mudaifer, Al-Hujailan, and other families. They were repeating what Sheikh Saleh Al-Hulaisi to his fellow Al-Oqilat men in 1932: ‘You tear it, and I shall sew it.’ When Al-Oqilat caravans arrived, disputes often broke out in the camel market between Al-Oqilat merchants and butchers over trade, money, debts, outstanding balances, promises to pay, and failures to pay. The Al-Oqilat merchants would go to Al-Hulaisi the sheikh of the Al-Oqilat merchants, to present their complaints. He would give them this response, which became a popular proverb among them and endured through history. He Al-Hulaisi had friends and supporters in the government, police, and governorate who upheld his cause through justice and law. This led Al-Hulaisi to reassure his kinsmen with this saying as they sought their lawful rights and defended them before government officials, the police, the governorate, judges, and the courts. Thus Al-Hulaisi reassured them that their rights would be protected. An Al-Oqilat man usually stayed only briefly—from the caravan's arrival until its departure after he had sold his camels. He then traveled onward with the caravan, having authorized the sheikh of the Al-Oqilat, ‘Al-Hulaisi’, to collect what he was owed. We often heard Al-Oqilat men say that Al-Hulaisi paid his kinsmen what they were owed from his own pocket so they could rejoin the caravan and return home. Then Al-Hulaisi would ensure that the debt was recovered from debtors, either voluntarily or through public law and the courts. That is why he told them: ‘You tear it, and I shall sew it.’ Under the title ‘The Chivalry of the Al-Oqilat,’ my teacher Muhammad Al-Sahhar related: ‘When I was a young man in the prime of life, my father Ibrahim Al-Sahhar held a banquet at his home in Bilbeis around 1934. Many Arabs and Egyptian merchants were with us. Then Saleh Al-Hulaisi wished to leave the gathering and return to Cairo on the evening train. It was the last train; the next would not depart until morning. Following the custom of rural and Arab people, I accompanied Al-Hulaisi as we headed toward Bilbeis railway station. He Al-Hulaisi carried his walking stick. We turned onto a road beside the fields and heard a woman crying for help. Then Al-Hulaisi called to me: “Come, let us see what is happening!” It was winter, the weather rainy, and the ground soft and muddy. We found three thieves beating a woman and trying to steal the gold bracelets from her arms. We attacked them, and Al-Hulaisi used his stick while I used my hands. Two thieves fled, leaving the stolen items on the ground. The third was injured and cried for mercy, so we left him. The woman told us her story: “I married a man three months ago, but tonight he threw me out of the house. I begged him to let me go to my family in the morning, but he insisted I leave.” In rural wedding custom, a bride wore six bracelets on each arm and large, turned-gold earrings. We took the woman to her merchant husband's home. Then Al-Hulaisi admonished him for what he had done and for expelling his wife at night. The husband thanked Al-Hulaisi and the young man Al-Sahhar and made us swear to spend the night and eat dinner with him. We had missed the train. Then Al-Hulaisi told him: “We shall sleep in the courtyard.” But the husband refused and swore oath after oath. So Al-Hulaisi andAl-Sahhar slept at his home. The man became one of Al-Hulaisi ’s loyal friends, followed later by his sons. He says Al-Sahhar that the wife later had grown children and became a grandmother. Her descendants still tell the story of their grandmother and the role of Al-Hulaisi andAl-Sahhar in saving her.’

the Al-Oqilat man Nasser Ali Al-Fayez A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

A portrait of a man wearing traditional Middle Eastern headwear.

the Al-Oqilat man Muhammad Al-Dubaykhi An Al-Oqilat man.

A historical photograph of the Dome of the Rock with a person standing before it, showing its architectural details and ornamentation.

the Al-Oqilat man Muhammad Al-Fayez A prominent and highly regarded Al-Oqilat man. May God have mercy on him; Al-Oqilat matters were entrusted to him, and he resolved disputes arising from buying, selling, and other dealings. He rendered great service in this field.

the Al-Oqilat man Abdullah bin Wayel Al-Tuwaijri An Al-Oqilat man.

the Al-Oqilat man Ibrahim bin Abdullah Al-Ruqeibah A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

the Al-Oqilat man Barak bin Othman bin Sulaiman bin Barak bin Ali Al-Dubaykhi A well-known Al-Oqilat man. He related: ‘I traveled with several camels from Al-Hafr to Iraq, accompanied by my son Sulaiman Al-Dubaikhi who was sixteen at the time. We went to Suq Al-Shuyukh in Iraq. When we reached the market, the Iraqis took my son Sulaiman to Baghdad, saying: “He is Iraqi, and we shall conscript him.” I told them he was Saudi, but they would not listen. At Suq Al-Shuyukh was a group of our people from the Al-Assaf, Al-Bassam, and Al-Khamis families, as well asFawzan Al-Sabiq. We followed my son—myself andFawzan Al-Sabiq —by rail, meaning the train, to Baghdad. We went to the military administration and said that my son Sulaiman was Saudi. The Iraqis demanded proof. I had the proof in my bag at Suq Al-Shuyukh; it was only a simple paper. We went to the Saudi Legation in Baghdad. An official told me: “Bring me a photograph of him,” then issued this official certificate in the presence of Fawzan Al-Sabiq and witnesses from the Al-Assaf and Al-Bassam families. The paper was issued in the name of His Majesty King Abdulaziz may God have mercy on him. He thought I had all my family members with me, so I listed every family name—my wife, daughters, and sons—even though my children were in Buraidah and the only one with me was Sulaiman . When I brought the certificate, the Iraqis returned my son. Later, in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz may God have mercy on him, examined it. The King admired it and laughed. This paper was the first proof of Saudi nationality in the Kingdom at that time. May God have mercy on him; he was a hero who feared no danger. On one journey he led a caravan carrying weapons from Iraq to Syria in support of the revolt against French colonial rule. As they entered Damascus, informers reported that the caravan carried weapons. The men at the rear fled, while he was arrested and taken to prison. One prisoner was arrogant and domineering; at mealtimes, no one was allowed near the food until he had finished. This displeased the Al-Oqilat man, who disciplined him before the prisoners and thereafter held authority in the prison. The prison official summoned him and came to respect his strong character, love of justice, and opposition to falsehood. In prison he used the name Muhammad Al-Najdi. He told the official, now his friend, his real name. The official went to Al-Midan and informed leading Al-Oqilat men about Barak Al-Dubaykhi. They posted bail and secured his release.

the Al-Oqilat man Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Rumayyan A well-known Al-Oqilat man who embodied valuable qualities including courage, generosity, selflessness, trustworthiness, and goodwill toward others. May God have mercy on him. In an account from the uprising in Iraq at the beginning of the reign of Abdulkarim Qasim His father was staying at Al-Rashid Hotel in Baghdad when orders imposed a curfew: anyone leaving his residence was deemed an opponent of the revolution and placed himself in certain danger of death. The confinement continued for seven days, exhausting all provisions stored in the hotel. When hunger overwhelmed the guests, his father asked the manager for permission to go out and obtain food, but the manager refused. After he persisted, the manager agreed on condition that he sign a written declaration releasing the hotel from responsibility for his safety. Outside, an army jeep stopped before him. Its commander, an officer with the rank of brigadier, ordered him back to his residence. He explained that he was a Saudi merchant staying at the hotel and had gone out to obtain food for himself and all the guests, who faced starvation. The officer approved his request and drove him to shops his father knew. He obtained about ten sacks of flour and two tins of oil, enough for the hotel's residents throughout the curfew, which lasted nearly a month. Everyone thanked him for courage that was a source of pride, especially because the lives of many people were at stake. May God have mercy on him. He also related that, while returning from Iraq around 1353 AH, he led a caravan of more than one hundred camels loaded with Iraqi goods, including carpets, bishts, and fafun—metal household utensils. They pressed forward continuously by night and day so they could cross Iraqi territory, enter Saudi land, and move away from the border between the two countries. After immense exertion, exhausting fatigue, and long sleeplessness, they performed the Fajr prayer. He fell asleep at his place of prayer with his mount beside him. Immediately after prayer, the herders urged the caravan onward, and his camel departed with it. They were crossing a barren plain without tree, stone, or any landmark by which to navigate; direction was determined only from the stars. When he awoke with the sun already high, he was alone in the desert. He set off in the caravan's direction but could find no camel tracks across the hard, bare ground. Whenever thirst intensified, he ate bulbs of sea squill, a wild onion that grows in late winter and early summer. He walked for three days. At the end of the third, he reached a valley and found shallow pools at its bottom. He drank, and after climbing out with great difficulty, heard camels bellowing and herders calling to one another. It was his caravan. He greeted them, and all praised God for saving him from certain death. They continued to Buraidah, the capital of Al-Qassim from which the Al-Oqilat departed and to which they returned.

the Al-Oqilat man Saleh Abdulaziz Al-Fayez A well-known Al-Oqilat man. He grew up in the care of his maternal relatives, the Al-Jarboa family, leading members of the Al-Oqilat. His two sisters in Buraidah then cared for him with affection, love, and attention until he was seven. His maternal half-sister Haila came from Kuwait to perform the Hajj and took him with her. A woman of considerable learning and religious devotion, she taught the daughters of the honorable Al Sabah, sheikhs of Kuwait. She resolved to raise and educate her brother, easing the effects of his orphanhood as far as she could. She nurtured him and taught him useful knowledge that later illuminated his path, until at thirteen he was able to rely on himself. Coming from an industrious family whose men did not seek ease but were known for patience and for confronting deserts and seas, he asked his sister to let him depart in search of a livelihood and independence. He went to the Levant, met the Al-Oqilat there, and worked with them until the Palestine War began in 1943. Then Saleh Al-Fayez attempted to join the forces supervised byGlubb Pashaknown as Abu Hunaik, but his young age prevented him from being accepted. When King Abdulaziz may God have mercy on him, sent an army to Palestine, Al-Fayez was determined to take part. He joined the medical team accompanying the Saudi army, trained, and became proficient in his work. He received a six-month scholarship in medical sciences, completed it successfully, and obtained a medical certificate from the Syrian government authorizing him to practice medicine. He then joined the Saudi army in Palestine as both fighter and medic, receiving the rank of sergeant. Al- Fayez may God have mercy on him, played an important role in the war. The Syrian government, through its army command, awarded him the Certificate of Loyalty Medal with the gilded silver star for the courage and daring recognized by those who served beside him. During intense fighting between Muslims and Zionist forces, Muslim fighters captured a large enemy tank. Some became preoccupied with it and were suddenly surrounded on all sides. They tried to destroy the tank so they could defend themselves but could not reach it, and several were martyred. With God's help, Saleh Al-Fayez he reached the tank and operated it, opening a route through which the rest of the force escaped. Ibn Fayez was shot in the ear during the tank battle, leaving him hard of hearing for the rest of his life. May God have mercy on him. The late Fahd Al-Mark included him in the roll of honor in his book Roll of Honor: Memory of the Immortals, a valuable and distinctive work authored by Al-Mark may God have mercy on him. It lists the volunteers whom the Syrian army command awarded military decorations for their participation and distinction in those wars. After the war, Al-Fayez returned with the participating Saudi army, then resigned and settled in Taif. He opened a medical clinic there and practiced for about four years. He then returned to his birthplace, Buraidah, and opened the well-known Al-Fayez Pharmacy, one of Al-Qassim's first pharmacies in the 1370s AH. He was a skilled practitioner whose blessed hands treated many kinds of illness at a time when doctors were scarce. The physician Al-Fayez was a man of fine character who loved people and held a place in their hearts. This notable man passed into God's mercy on Tuesday, 5/3/1392 AH.

the Al-Oqilat man Rumayyan bin Saleh Al-Rumayyan A well-known Al-Oqilat man and poet. When he learned of his wife's death while traveling, grief stirred his poetic gift. The following are verses from his elegy:
My she-camel yearned, and I yearned with her, / Remembering a cherished companion.
O my companion, lamp of the house, / May your dwelling be in the highest abode.
When they said, ‘Your beloved is dead,’ / I wept until grief bent me low.

the Al-Oqilat man Jarallah Saleh Al-Buraidi One of the best-known Al-Oqilat leaders, he was a man of sound judgment with knowledge of routes and water sources from the south of the Kingdom to its north. Sheikh Jarallah was among those entrusted by the Sharifs with guarding the Kaaba; they trusted the people of Al-Qassim. He later went to Yemen, trading primarily in coffee as well as general merchandise. He then turned to the Fertile Crescent—Iraq, the Levant, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt—where he traded camels and journeyed west with several herds. May God have mercy on him. He later served as emir of Khabb Al-Buraidi until his death.

The story of Abu Hunaik: Sheikh Jarallah In Transjordan, at Al-Mushaitat in Wadi Al-Sirhan, he had three camel herds. They stopped to rest near the head of the border before the customs post. It was winter and spring, and customs charged three pounds per camel. Everyone sat with the caravan emir conversing when two cars approached and stopped. Abu Hunaik emerged with two officers: Al-Sayegh from Al-Rass and Al-Uyaydi from Unaizah. The sheikh asked the officers, ‘Is there a problem?’ Al-Sayegh replied, ‘You need not worry; there is no harm.’ The sheikh asked, ‘What brings you?’ He welcomed them warmly. Abu Hunaik sat on a camel saddle because he could not sit on the ground. The visitors showed signs of hunger and exhaustion. The hosts set out pressed dates and greens and poured coffee. Since the tea had run out, they roasted sugar in the coffee-roasting pan and added ginger to resemble tea—generosity from whatever was available. One of the sheikh's men baked qursan over the fire. They had slaughtered a camel the previous day, roasted its meat, and spread it on the tent cloth. They served lunch, and the visitors ate their fill. Abu Hunaik spoke, asking: ‘Where are you from—Buraidah, Riyadh, or Makkah?’ The sheikh answered: ‘Buraidah.’ He replied: ‘Good.’ Abu Hunaik then stood and said to Sheikh Jarallah Al-Buraidiasked, “What do you want? How can I help?” The sheikh replied, “We need papers for the Jordanian customs authority.” He wrote them an exemption and receipt, signed and officially stamped the paper, then handed it to Sheikh Jarallahand went on his way. The next day, he sent tea and sugar to Sheikh Al-Buraidi as a gift in return for his generosity and warm welcome.

the Al-Oqilat man Sulaiman Abdulrahman Al-Hadiyah A well-known Al-Oqilat man. When Abdulrahman Al-Hudayyah and Abdulaziz, traveling with three herds, sought hospitality at an Arab home belonging to the Shammar tribe, they found only the lady of the house. She tried to host them, but the home had no food. She searched neighboring houses and found none, for food was scarce that year and the men had left in search of a livelihood. She nevertheless welcomed them, saying through tears: ‘The master of the house has gone to Iraq to bring food. I shall offer you what we have.’ The men understood that she was apologizing. They themselves carried plentiful provisions, but tribal custom was clear: no honorable man could light his own fire beside their homes, for that would diminish and embarrass his hosts. So Abdulrahman Al-Hudayyah may God have mercy on him, unloaded a sack of rice and an ukkah container of ghee. He told her: ‘Do not cry, honorable lady. Take care of your two guests.’ The woman lit the fire, took what she needed, cooked dinner, and returned the sack and ghee container. After dinner, they prepared to depart. She stood with her hand on the camel and swore she would not let him leave until he gave her his name. When the master of the house returned, she told him what had happened. A year later, the man came to Buraidah and asked for the home of Al-Hudayyah. Once he had located it, he knocked at the door. The wife of Abdulrahman Al-Hudayyahanswered. He asked her to open the courtyard gate. She did, and he led in a fine white she-camel, then said goodbye and promised to return shortly. When Al-Hudayyah reached home, his wife told him who had come. He asked about the visitor and instructed her to prepare lunch. The guest arrived after the Dhuhr prayer and led his mount into the courtyard. His host did not question why he had come. After lunch, the guest introduced himself and reminded him of the unforgettable favor: ‘You protected my household in my absence.’ The two men exchanged expressions of affection and goodwill. (Sulaiman bin Fahd Al-Shuraidah).

the Al-Oqilat man Muhammad bin Yusuf Al-Sayifi An Al-Oqilat man.

Three men in traditional Arab dress standing beside a camel in the desert.

the Al-Oqilat man Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Wuhaibi A well-known Al-Oqilat man, noted for sound judgment, knowledge of routes and water sources, and heroic deeds. He was born in Riyadh Al-Khabra in 1302 AH and died in Dammam on 29/11/1395 AH. May God have mercy on him.
Notable events in his life:
1—May Allah have mercy on him. In 1322 AH, he fought alongside King Abdulaziz and the men of Al-Qassim in the Battle of Al-Bukairiyah against Ibn Rashid and the Ottoman army.
2. Around 1329 AH, he traveled with the Al-Oqilat to Iraq, the Levant, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt to trade camels and general merchandise, as signs of the First World War appeared on the horizon.
3. The Sharif, ruler of the Hejaz, began recruiting fighters in preparation for supporting the Allies. His father joined the Sharif's army and was assigned to command a group of Najdi fighters.
4—He participated in battles fought by the Arab Army during the First World War; his final battle was in Aleppo, Syria.
5. In 1340 AH, he and his group of Al-Oqilat took part in the Battle of Maysalun against the French forces advancing to occupy Damascus and overthrow Sharif Faisal's government.
6. He remained away from his homeland for approximately twenty-eight years. After the World War ended, he traded livestock in Egypt with his cousins, whose descendants still live there.
7—Around 1357 AH, he returned home on an official assignment to deliver a gift of horses from King Farouk to King Abdulaziz.
8. He returned to Riyadh Al-Khabra around 1363 AH and left it only to participate in the Palestine War.
9. In 1948, he was assigned to command a group of Saudi volunteers defending Palestine. They entered Palestine with the Egyptian army and were besieged alongside part of that army, leaving only after the armistice between the Arabs and the Jews.
10—He was assigned to supervise the King’s horses in Al-Kharj for approximately two years. He was then placed in charge of a supply caravan transporting provisions from the Hijaz to Riyadh.

the Al-Oqilat man Muhammad bin Fahd Al-Shuraidah A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

the Al-Oqilat man Abdullah bin Fahd Al-Shuraidah A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

A blurred portrait of an elderly man wearing a ghutra.

the Al-Oqilat man Abdulaziz bin Fahd Al-Shuraidah A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

A black-and-white portrait of a man in traditional dress and headwear, looking serious with a slight smile.

53 – Sulaiman bin Fahd Al-Shuraidah A well-known Al-Oqilat man.

A black-and-white portrait of a serious-looking man wearing traditional headwear.

54 – Abdullah bin Mansour Al-Shuraidah A well-known Al-Oqilat man. May God have mercy on him; he was courageous and generous and never closed his door. His motto was: ‘For the sake of worthy men, we took the door off its hinges.’

A portrait of a man in traditional Saudi dress and headwear.

55 – Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Fallah A well-known Al-Oqilat man. May God have mercy on him; he was courageous, generous, and knowledgeable about routes and water sources. He conducted business with Al-Faqir, one of the chiefs of Anazah, who died while an account remained between them.

56 – Muhammad Al-Saleh Al-Sudairi A well-known Al-Oqilat man of sound judgment, devoted to good works and cooperation with others. He had a commanding presence and a strong build.
Rescue and chivalry: One story occurred in Palestine. The group left Nablus for a nearby town in bitter, icy weather. While taking a shortcut, two of his companions and their mounts collapsed from the cold. Sheikh Muhammad hurried to the village and brought kerosene, charcoal, and firewood. He lit them and the flames rose. He mashed dates with olive oil brought from the village, opened each man's mouth, and fed him the mashed dates and oil. Both returned to life. As for Sheikh Muhammad wore a long leather-and-fur coat that enabled him to withstand the cold. With his help, the two men rose and completed the journey—by Allah’s grace and then through Sheikh Muhammad Al-Saleh Al-Sudairi.
Solidarity and chivalry: In Jerusalem, he saw soldiers detaining an Al-Oqilat man. He hurried over to learn what had happened and offered to guarantee the man, even though he did not know the details. A soldier told him to go to the police station to see the officer. He went, met the officer, and was asked to provide bail and pay a fine for the Al-Oqilat man. May God have mercy on him; he guaranteed the man, paid his fine, and secured his release. This exemplified solidarity and cooperation: an Al-Oqilat man did not abandon another Al-Oqilat man, but extended a helping hand.
Another story illustrates his courage. During a journey, he and two companions were in Baghdad negotiating with a hotel owner over the room where they would rest after their travels. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Sudairisaid, “We want the room at the price for one person.” The hotel owner insisted on charging for three. Two Iraqi men were standing beside the owner, and one addressed Sheikh Muhammad was mockingly asked, ‘Are you Jewish or Najdi?’ He sprang upon the questioner like a lion. When the police arrived, the hotel owner said: ‘This Iraqi continually causes me trouble. He is at fault and harasses the guests.’ The police arrested him. The hotel owner told the Al-Oqilat man: ‘You deserve it—your room will cost the price charged for only one person.’

A clear portrait of an elderly man wearing an agal and cloak, showing his face and beard in detail.

57 — Visa Khalil bin Ibrahim Al-Rawaf One of the leading Al-Oqilat figures, renowned for his extensive travels, trade, and knowledge of routes and water sources. Sheikh Khalil to the United States early in this century. He held passport no. 1 in 1327 AH.

An artistic portrait of a person wearing traditional headwear.

58 – Muhammad bin Ali Al-Wuhaibi A well-known Al-Oqilat man, noted for sound judgment and knowledge of water sources. One story occurred on his way to Iraq. He was traveling earnestly with the Khabbah, Birkat Zubaidah to his right and the Umm Dhuhur dunes to his left. The weather was cold and rainy. Because of the severe cold, he stopped after Asr for the evening camp and sat in an abandoned stone room beside the famous Zubaidah Well, also called Al-Bida. He lit a fire and made coffee. A naked man suddenly rushed in and threw himself beside the fire because of the cold. It was a startling sight. Exhaustion then caused the man to faint. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Wuhaibi covered the man, moved him away from the fire, and warmed him against the cold. He mashed dates into coffee and gave it to him to drink, bringing him back to life. After a time the man sat up and spoke with Al-Wuhaibi. He said: ‘When I woke this morning beside Birkat Al-Bida, I was in a state requiring ritual washing. I bathed in the pool while my clothes remained on my camel. When I emerged, the camel bolted. Every time I approached, it fled farther in fear. I was left without clothing. I saw you in the afternoon, but you were upwind and could not hear me calling.’ The next day, Al-Wuhaibi and the man went to the camel's location and found it grazing. The man thanked Al-Wuhaibi for this chivalrous act.

59 – Rashid bin Abdulrahman bin Muhammad Al-Humaidhi A well-known Al-Oqilat man and merchant. May God have mercy on him. He was born in Buraidah in 1333 AH.

An elderly man in a Saudi thobe and ghutra seated on an ornate sofa.

60 – Abdulaziz bin Humaidan Al-Wuhaibi A leading Al-Oqilat man, generous, courageous, and firm in upholding justice. May God have mercy on him. He was born in Riyadh Al-Khabra in 1250 AH and died in Makkah while performing the Hajj in 1340 AH. Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Wuhaibi had the following sons: Muhammad, andWuhaibi may God have mercy on them.

A story of solidarity: During a dispute between Al-Oqilat men and Egyptian butchers in Imbaba, one Al-Oqilat man mounted his camel and cried: ‘To the fight, Sons of Ali!’ The Al-Oqilat rushed together to help. Then Abdulaziz bin Humaidan Al-Wuhaibi looked right and left and found only a small donkey beside its mother. He seized it by the legs and began striking the butchers with it, causing several fractures, until the donkey died in his hands. Egyptians of the time coined a saying: ‘Beware when a Najdi fights with a donkey.’

A Bedouin man in traditional dress seated on a chair and holding a walking stick against a simple natural backdrop.

The office of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaidan Al-Wuhaibi at the camel market in Imbaba, handling accounts and sales.