Proverbs and Sayings About the Al-Oqilat:
The rallying cry of the Al-Oqilat and the people of Al-Qassim: “Sons of Ali.”
The Al-Oqilat became so renowned for courage that they were called “Lions of the Desert.”
They were equally known for loyalty and trustworthiness: a deposit entrusted to them was never lost. Hence the saying, “Be an Aqili.”
The Al-Oqilat were known for determined travel and covering great distances: “Aqeel’s riders neither stop for the night nor rest at midday.”
Prince Saud Al-Arafah, standing beside the Sharif, said of Al-Oqilat loyalty: “Fortunate is the man who has you with him.”
“An abundance of money may make even a noble man leave you.”
“He brought the camel and all it carried”—said of someone who brought the entire matter at once.
“The Levant is yours when time oppresses you.”
“India is yours when what you have runs out.”
“He has seen the minarets of Egypt”—said of a widely travelled man.
What Travelers Wrote About the Al-Oqilat:
Maurizi wrote that he compensated for his limited Arabic by speaking Turkish, a language many Al-Oqilat men knew in addition to their own. “It is firmly established that the Al-Oqilat were among the most cultured men of Najd and among the most dedicated in their pursuit of knowledge.”
One traveler who formed close ties with the Al-Oqilat wrote that they used dictionaries and read the Mu‘allaqat of pre-Islamic poetry.
Traveler Henry Layard wrote that the Al-Oqilat cared for those accompanying them, defended them on their journeys, and treated them kindly. Describing two Al-Oqilat escorts, he said: “At night my companions were extremely vigilant. Every tree put them on their guard against anyone who might be concealed behind it. They listened so intently that every rustle sounded to them like horses’ hooves. This caution did not arise from fear; when I understood the extent of their vigilance, I slept in safety.”
Henry Layard Early Adventures in Persia Susiana and Babylon 1884 P.301
Travelers Wilfrid and Lady Anne Blunt recalled that the Aqili who accompanied them had the finest character, the highest resolve, and was the most trustworthy of all those with whom they dealt.
Lady Anne Blunt A Pilgrimage to Nejd
The Cradle of the Arab Arace and our Persian Campaign 2vols London . 1968 vol I P.3
Historian Dr. Ahmed Qadri’s account of the Al-Oqilat’s valor and courage in that war testifies to the importance of their role. I am certain that, had other Arab forces played so prominent a part in those battles, they would have received far more recognition than the Al-Oqilat did—especially since others were defending their own territory, whereas the Al-Oqilat were helping defend Arab lands beyond their homeland.
Every Christian and Jewish traveler or merchant who accompanied the Al-Oqilat testified to their good character, sound judgment, keen intelligence, courage, trustworthiness, and the other qualities of a true Muslim.
Quoted from Najdis Beyond the Borders, p. 248.
Compiled and prepared by Abdullatif bin Saleh Al-Wuhaibi