In his comprehensive historical writings, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, consistently strives to elucidate historical truths and present compelling evidence to authenticate the facts he examines. His meticulous research not only rectifies numerous narratives and misconceptions but also unveils uncharted territories within Arab, Islamic, and broader human history.
In the book titled "History of the Nabhani Kings in Oman 1154-1622," published in its inaugural edition in 2023 by Al Qasimi Publications, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi presents a groundbreaking and distinctive thesis on a pivotal historical epoch in the Arabian Gulf region, specifically focusing on Oman. The book unravels previously unexplored aspects of this era, effectively rectifying historical inaccuracies and shedding light on overlooked narratives. The introduction of the book emphasizes its role in narrating a significant part of Oman's history spanning 500 years, namely the history of the Nabhani kings and sultans. Historians have faced challenges in precisely documenting this period due to a scarcity of reliable scientific sources, relying instead on anecdotal accounts and unfounded allegations, which have marred the reputation of the esteemed Nabhanis. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi's work fills this void, capturing the essence of what was previously lost to history and presenting a meticulously researched and verified account of the Nabhani era in Oman.
The book extensively relies on a collection of rare references and manuscripts, all of which are part of the author's holdings housed in the "Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre" and "Al Qasimi Publications" in Sharjah. In addition to these valuable manuscripts, the book incorporates a remarkable assortment of substantial Portuguese documents, contemporaneous with the events that transpired in Oman. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, acknowledging the significance of this work, states, "This book serves as the second instalment of the encyclopaedia I titled 'The Sultan of Dates.' Through this contribution, I aspire to fulfil our obligation of serving the rich history of Oman."
Correction of Course:
A perceptive reader will undoubtedly observe that this book serves several significant purposes, all approached through a meticulously documented and scientific lens. Foremost, it endeavours to serve the history of Oman, which stands as an integral part of the region's past and the broader Arab world. The author's primary objective lies in rectifying the errors propagated by historians, which have found their way into numerous books. Additionally, the book aims to rehabilitate the history of the Nabhani, freeing it from misconceptions that have permeated the minds of many due to the influence of unverified writings.
This monumental undertaking, by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, utilizes rare references and manuscripts essential for correcting historical inaccuracies. Through diligent research, the author captures and rectifies these distortions, ensuring the preservation of accurate historical facts. By employing scientific methodologies and drawing upon credible sources, the book represents a significant and commendable effort to realign our understanding of the past and honour the legacy of the Nabhani.
The book comprises 275 pages, leaving no stone unturned in its exploration of the news and history of the Nabhani dynasty. It goes beyond mere documentation, incorporating analysis and observations to enrich the reader's understanding. Divided into three sections, the book begins with the section titled "The First Nabhanis." The second section encompasses two chapters: the first focuses on the rule of Imam Muhammad bin Ismail Al-Ahmad in Nizwa and King Masoud bin Himyar bin Saeed Al-Nabhani in Samail, while the second chapter delves into the rule of Imam Barakat bin Muhammad bin Ismail Al-Ahmad in Nizwa and King Umair bin Himyar bin Saeed Al-Nabhani in Samail.
The third section is titled "The Struggle of the Nabhani Sultans and the Demise of the King." As a testament to its comprehensive nature, the book also encompasses appendices featuring valuable rare manuscripts and documents, accompanied by photographs for visual reference. Furthermore, each chapter is accompanied by meticulously crafted footnotes, enriching the reader's understanding and providing additional context. To facilitate navigation, the book concludes with an index that covers flags, countries, and places, further enhancing its accessibility as a valuable reference work.
Establishment of the State
The initial section of the book meticulously traces the narrative of the first Nabhani and the nascent stages of state formation. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah delves into the historical account, commencing from the concluding years of the imams' rule in Oman. It was during this time that Falah bin Al-Mohsen Al-Nabhani emerged in Quriyat in the year 549 AH, corresponding to 1154 AD, challenging the authority of Imam Abu Jaber bin Musa Al-Kindi in Nizwa. This pivotal event marks the inception of the Nabhani dynasty and sets the stage for the subsequent developments in the region's history.
During this period, a series of wars unfolded, and it was King Falah bin Al-Mohsen who emerged as the founder of the Bani Nabhan state. Despite the emergence of the Nabhani rule, the imams appointed in Nizwa, including Imam Muhammad bin Khanbash, continued their reign. However, in 1161 AD, Imam Muhammad bin Khanbash passed away, leaving a profound impact on the people of Oman. His final resting place is at Falaj Al-Ghantiq, located in the scenic Mount Dhi Al-Jundub. The loss of Imam Muhammad bin Khanbash was deeply felt by the Omanis, as they were left without a clear successor to assume the imamate. This situation created a state of uncertainty and disagreement among the various sects, further complicating the selection of a new imam to lead them.
During this period, a significant figure named Muhammad bin Omar bin Nabhan emerged alongside his brothers Nabhan and Ahmed. Together, they seized control over all Omani states, leading to the unification of Oman under Muhammad bin Omar bin Nabhan's leadership. Muhammad bin Omar bin Nabhan earned the title of king, and his reign marked a period of unity and consolidation for the region. Following Muhammad's rule, his brother Nabhan bin Omar bin Nabhan assumed the kingship, followed by King Ahmed bin Omar bin Nabhan. These three kings were renowned for their exceptional courage, earning them a reputation as the bravest men in the land. Moreover, their close connection with the people ensured that they understood and addressed the needs of their subjects, cementing their popularity and support among the Omani population.
The book provides a significant insight into the post-reign period of the three Nabhani kings, highlighting that Oman was subsequently ruled by the sons of Omar bin Nabhan. After the reign of King Ali Abu al-Qasim bin Omar bin Muhammad bin Omar in 1213 AD, the kingship passed to King Nabhan bin Omar bin Muhammad bin Omar in 1242 AD. Following King Nabhan bin Omar's rule, his three sons, namely Kahlan, Omar, and Suleiman, emerged as potential successors. Kahlan, being the eldest among them, ultimately ascended to the throne as the new king, continuing the Nabhani lineage.
The book highlights an intriguing event involving the departure of Prince Mahmoud bin Muhammad Al-Kushi from Hormuz in 1261 AD. He made his way to the village of Qalhat situated on the eastern coast of Oman. At that time, the ruler of Oman was King Abu Al-Maali Kahlan bin Nabhan bin Omar, along with his brother Omar bin Nabhan bin Omar. Mahmoud bin Muhammad Al-Kushi was entrusted with the task of occupying Oman and integrating it into the Kingdom of Hormuz. When he arrived in Qalhat, he requested the presence of King Abu Al-Ma'ali Kahlan bin Nabhan bin Omar to meet with him.
During the meeting, Mahmoud requested benefits and tributes from the people of Oman. However, King Kahlan, expressing his limited authority, apologized and clarified that he only controlled a small town in Oman. Despite this, Mahmoud urged King Kahlan to provide him with a military force to confront those who opposed him among the people of Oman.
Nevertheless, King Kahlan informed Mahmoud that the people of Oman were not capable of providing the requested benefits and tributes, which greatly disappointed Mahmoud. This refusal from King Kahlan further fuelled Mahmoud Al-Kushi's resentment towards him, leading him to devise a plot. Al-Kushi summoned princes from various regions in Oman, enticing them with generous sums of money, and they pledged their support to him, promising victory over the people of Oman and pledging to join him in his cause.
The book then delves into an intriguing narrative about Mahmoud Kushi. He embarked on a sea journey from Qalhat to Dhofar, where he engaged in hostilities, resulting in the deaths of numerous people in Dhofar and the acquisition of substantial wealth. On his return to Oman, Mahmoud decided to travel by land instead of the sea route. However, due to the excessive weight of his spoils loaded onto the boats, he encountered difficulties and his army faced hunger and thirst. It is said that around five thousand soldiers in his army perished due to these challenges, and some accounts even suggest a higher number. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Kushi himself reportedly passed away in 1272. Following his demise, King Saif al-Din Nusrat ascended the throne of Hormuz in the year 671 AH.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah continues to narrate the Nabhani story following the demise of King Kahlan, highlighting the significant developments that unfolded during this period. King Omar bin Nabhan bin Omar bin Muhammad succeeded Kahlan and faced numerous challenges, difficulties, and wars. Despite these obstacles, his reign persisted until his passing. He was then succeeded by his son, Kahlan bin Omar bin Nabhan, in 1276. Similar to his predecessors, Kahlan encountered movements opposing the Nabhani rule.
After Kahlan, his son Muzaffar bin Suleiman bin Nabhan ascended to the throne. Muzaffar proved to be a strong and capable ruler, demonstrating his prowess through his actions. He dispatched his companions to Peta, located on the east coast of Africa, where they successfully took control of Mogadishu, Marqa, and Barawa without engaging in warfare. This expansionist move showcased the strength and influence of the Nabhani kingdom under Muzaffar's reign.
Ibn Battuta
The book highlights a significant event during that era, namely the visit of Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al-Lawati Al-Tanji, famously known as Ibn Battuta, to the King of Oman in the year 1331. During Ibn Battuta's visit, the reigning king was Abu Muhammad bin Nabhan. Ibn Battuta described the king's customary practice of holding a council outside his house, where he would sit and receive visitors without the presence of ushers or ministers. The king warmly welcomed anyone who entered, be it a stranger or otherwise, adhering to the Arab custom of honouring guests and providing them with hospitality. Ibn Battuta further explored the cities along the Omani coast during his visit, and he left noteworthy accounts of his experiences in those locations:
“Among the cities was the notable city of Izki, which I did not personally enter but was described to me as a splendid city. It boasted rivers, gardens, lush vegetation, and an abundance of palm trees.”
Between 1560 AD and 1561 AD, Oman witnessed the rule of four powers. Sultan Sultan bin Al-Muhsin bin Suleiman Al-Nabhani governed Nizwa, while Prince Omar bin Himyar bin Hafez Al-Nabhani succeeded his brother Hafez as ruler of Samail. Additionally, Imam Abdullah bin Muhammad Al-Qarn Al-Hinai held power in Bahla. Meanwhile, the coastal cities of Oman were under the control of both the Portuguese and the Haramza, reflecting the complex political dynamics during that time.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah sheds light on the significant period when Sultan Sultan bin Al-Mohsen bin Suleiman Al-Nabhani relocated his capital to the city of Bahla. During this time, he held sway over the majority of the western regions of Oman and earned the title of the Great Sultan. The book provides valuable insight into Sultan Sultan bin Al-Mohsen's background, describing him as one of the grandsons of King Falah bin Al-Mohsen bin Nabhan, the founder of the Bani Nabhan state. Sultan Sultan bin Al-Mohsen hails from the Bani Al-Muhsin branch, while their cousins, who are the Nabhani kings, belong to the Bani Omar branch. The author makes a distinction between these two branches, exploring their conflicts and narrating the events leading up to the demise of their respective kings.
Exploration
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah delves into a wealth of information regarding the historical period of Oman, shedding light on its neighbouring countries and the broader regional context. Through the narrative, he explores the formation of the Kingdom of Hormuz, discussing its notable kings and their influence on events in Oman and the wider region. His Highness emphasizes the significant overlapping interests that existed during that time.
Furthermore, His Highness takes readers on a captivating tour of the cities of Oman during that era, recounting Ibn Battuta's visit and highlighting the important landmarks and customs that characterized the region. This detailed exploration provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the historical landscape, enabling them to grasp the prevailing conditions and cultural traditions of the time.
The book delves into detailed descriptions of various places and cities, offering a comprehensive analysis of the Portuguese aggression on Oman and the subsequent resistance and valor displayed by its inhabitants. Notably, the book devotes significant attention to the historical cities of Oman and their pivotal roles during that era. It provides in-depth insights into their significance and contributions within the historical context. Moreover, the book takes care to provide character and incident definitions, ensuring that readers establish a strong connection with the events and their chronological sequence.
Source: Al Khaleej Newspaper