Saudi Arabia’s first ruler, Imam Mohammed bin Saud, was a "master political engineer" who built a state with distinction and turned challenges into opportunities, according to Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al- Shukair, a Saudi social researcher and anthropology expert.
Al-Shukair told Asharq Al-Awsat on the occasion of Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day that the 18th century leader displayed exceptional skill in stabilizing Diriyah, allowing it to serve as the launchpad for the first Saudi state. He noted that Mohammed bin Saud’s disciplined and balanced personality was reflected in his political approach.
The researcher highlighted courage, ethical commitment, and a quiet presence at the heart of events as defining traits of the kingdom’s founder.
He also drew parallels between Mohammed bin Saud and Abdulrahman Al-Dakhil, the founder of the Umayyad Emirate in Andalusia, pointing to their similar political strategies, crisis management skills, and ability to recognize opportunities within challenges.
The history of the first Saudi state has largely been examined through a local lens despite its emergence on the global stage during a pivotal era in Islamic history, according to Al-Shukair.
Al-Shukair noted that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz restored the historical significance of the first Saudi state, placing its narrative in the correct context after years of neglect, distortion, and marginalization.
Political landscape before Mohammed bin Saud’s rule
Asked about the political conditions preceding Imam Mohammed bin Saud’s leadership of Diriyah, Al-Shukair said discussions on the state’s origins often focus on religious aspects rather than political dynamics.
Before Mohammed bin Saud assumed power with the title of "Emir," Diriyah faced significant political instability. Governance frequently shifted among competing branches of the Al Muqrin family, fueling internal rivalries over leadership.
Regionally, three key powers shaped central Arabia: the Emirate of Uyayna, the most influential at the time; the Emirate of Riyadh, which was gaining prominence under Emir Daham bin Dawwas; and Diriyah itself. Other Najdi emirates remained localized and less significant.
Al-Shukair, who authored "Najd: The Complete Story", said he observed a critical flaw in how the first Saudi state’s history is studied. Despite its role in a transformative period of Islamic history, it has often been analyzed solely within a local framework, limiting deeper philosophical and analytical interpretations and confining discussions to traditional historical narratives.
The history of the first Saudi state, according to Al-Shukair, contains overlooked gaps, including an 18-year period that has largely disappeared from historical records.
In his book, Al-Shukair challenges these historical omissions, arguing that many researchers have unconsciously accepted them.
He also highlights what he calls the "phantom history"—five centuries preceding the Saudi state that remain obscure. His findings point to a vast body of knowledge built on fragile foundations, urging scholars to reevaluate and critically examine historical narratives.
Defining moment in history
Asked about the turning point that led to Imam Mohammed bin Saud’s rise as Emir of Diriyah, Al-Shukair described it as a scene worthy of a Hollywood epic—yet historians have treated it with a conventional perspective, allowing the story to pass unnoticed for three centuries.
The dramatic event unfolded when Mohammed bin Humaid bin Muammar, Emir of Uyayna, invited Emir Zaid bin Marwan to his palace under false pretenses. Zaid arrived with 40 men, including Mohammed bin Saud. As the gathering commenced, Bin Muammar’s men ambushed them, opening fire on Zaid and his entourage. The attack left Zaid and many of his companions dead.
Mohammed bin Saud, however, miraculously escaped the bloodshed, dodging bullets as he fled back to Diriyah with the surviving members of his entourage.
Despite the pivotal nature of this event—where fate and leadership instincts combined to save Mohammed bin Saud—it has not received the strategic or philosophical analysis it deserves, Al-Shukair said. In his research, he sought to reinterpret this moment, emphasizing the ruler’s composure and decisiveness in the face of death.
While tracing the exact location of the massacre, Al-Shukair discovered that the palace where it occurred is now undergoing restoration.
"It is remarkable," he noted, "that the restoration of history coincides with the restoration of the very structures that witnessed these events."
Following his return to Diriyah, the town’s elders and leaders unanimously pledged allegiance to Mohammed bin Saud in 1139 AH (1727 CE), appointing him emir. His unanimous selection marked a rare moment in history—one that laid the foundation for a powerful state.
The Uyayna incident was a "critical hour" that altered the course of Saudi history, as per Al-Shukair.
Although the events unfolded in less than an hour, it marked the longest and most transformative hour of the 18th century in Najd, with its dramatic twists—from assassination attempts to survival, to the rise of a new Emir and the foundation of a state.
Al-Shukair likened the ascension of Mohammed bin Saud to the emirate of Diriyah to the rise of a survivor emerging from the wreckage. Drawing from the words of poet Rumi, he remarked, "When you surpass a difficult phase in life, continue as a survivor, not as a victim."
Humanizing history: The founding of Saudi Arabia
Asked about his approach to humanizing history, Al-Shukair, known for his focus on the daily lives of historical figures through his research on Saudi memory and popular history, emphasized the importance of innovative comparisons in understanding history. He believes such comparisons offer a modern way to humanize the past, revealing how the circumstances that shape great leaders are often similar, regardless of time or place.
Al-Shukair drew a parallel between two influential figures: Abdulrahman Al-Dakhil in Andalusia and Mohammed bin Saud in Diriyah.
Both leaders, he argued, exhibited remarkable crisis management skills, seeing opportunities where others saw only challenges. Both leaders focused on strengthening their nations’ economies instead of seeking revenge, a strategic move that ensured their countries’ success and stability.
"Leaders who prioritize the state’s greater good build lasting achievements, while those who focus on vengeance are distracted from their long-term goals, leading to unnecessary risks," Al-Shukair said.
He also argued that the founding moment of Saudi Arabia wasn't limited to Mohammed bin Saud but extended to his descendants.
In his article, "Exceptional Leaders and Geopolitics between Najd and Russia", Al-Shukair compared the leadership strategies of Ivan the Terrible and Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed.
Both leaders halted foreign invasions and pursued defensive expansion, a unique approach that brought peace to their nations despite enduring centuries of external threats.
Master political strategist
When asked how Mohammed bin Saud handled internal and external turmoil after assuming the emirate, Al-Shukair explained that the young leader inherited a politically unstable Diriyah.
The emirate was beset by internal conflicts among relatives and external threats from Riyadh and Uyayna.
Mohammed bin Saud, however, demonstrated remarkable political acumen, uniting the internal factions and shifting the political struggles outward.
Not all conflicts could be resolved through force, he recognized, so he tactfully directed part of the conflict outside Diriyah while maintaining control over the internal situation.
His diplomatic skills were key to stabilizing Diriyah from the moment he became Emir in 1139 AH (1727 CE). Al-Shukair argued that this stability was not merely a temporary goal but a dynamic force that fueled public life.
The ongoing struggle with Riyadh was also seen as part of this dynamic—one that enabled growth and expansion with careful strategy and governance.
Imam Mohammed bin Saud's political strategy was a brilliant combination of foresight and adaptability, turning crises into opportunities with remarkable skill.
According to Al-Shukair, the Emir handled political challenges with the precision of a seasoned strategist, knowing when to confront, avoid, or re-invest in conflicts. His approach not only united the internal factions of Diriyah but also redirected internal power struggles outward, ensuring the stability of the city-state while neutralizing threats.
Al-Shukair pointed out that Mohammed bin Saud understood the power of redirecting internal tensions into external conflicts, a strategy that allowed him to consolidate authority while maintaining internal unity.
Courage and ethical commitment
When asked about the qualities that enabled Imam Mohammed bin Saud to lead under such turbulent conditions, Al-Shukair emphasized his courage and ethical commitment.
The Emir was known for his quiet presence in the heart of political events, where silence became a powerful political tool. His adherence to responsibility, fulfilling promises even at great personal cost, reflected his disciplined and strategic leadership
His calm demeanor and steadfast principles were evident during his time as a counselor to Prince Zaid, observing political shifts with keen awareness.
When the political climate in Diriyah stabilized under his leadership, Al-Shukair argued that it was not merely a result of time passing, but the culmination of profound political and social values that had yet to be fully analyzed. Mohammed bin Saud established key institutions in religion, economy, military, and development, which laid the foundation for a stable society.
"Stability is a monumental achievement, but it often goes unnoticed by historians who focus only on periods of unrest," Al-Shukair remarked, likening the social body to a human body, where health is often unrecognized until something goes wrong.
"Imam Mohammed bin Saud invested significant economic, social, and moral capital to keep Diriyah ‘healthy,’ yet historians often ignore the ordinary state of affairs."
Symbol of independence
Al-Shukair also discussed how Mohammed bin Saud's policies transformed Diriyah’s relationship with external powers.
He successfully ended the incursions and influence of the Princes of Makkah and Al-Ahsa, solidifying Diriyah's independence. This move proved crucial in asserting Diriyah as a central force in Najd, a symbolic assertion of independence.
Though he aided Prince Dahham bin Duwas of Riyadh in consolidating power initially, Mohammed bin Saud soon saw through Dahham's opportunistic nature, leading him to confront the Riyadh Emirate after Dahham's siege of Diriyah.
Key milestones in the rise of Saudi Arabia
Al-Shukair highlighted three pivotal milestones in Imam Mohammed bin Saud's reign that formed the foundation of the First Saudi State:
*Internal Stabilization: The first key moment was the 18 years of internal stability he secured after becoming Emir in 1139 AH (1727 CE).
Al-Shukair stressed that these years had been overlooked in Saudi history until King Salman restored them to their rightful place.
"This period required immense effort to stabilize Diriyah and focus the population on trade and agriculture—key pillars of development."
*Strengthening the religious institution: Mohammed bin Saud also expanded and strengthened the religious institution in Diriyah by embracing the Salafi movement. Al-Shukair noted that while the 18th century saw religious movements rise and fade, the Salafi movement, supported by the Saudi state, became a transformative force in the modern history of the Arab world.
This period marked the shift from Mohammed bin Saud being known as "Prince" to taking on the title of "Imam," emphasizing his leadership in both temporal and spiritual matters.
*The Riyadh conflict: The third milestone was the 29-year struggle between Diriyah and Riyadh. Al-Shukair described Mohammed bin Saud as a master of long-term warfare, achieving strategic balances that would later enable the expansion of the Saudi state under his successors.
After his death in 1179 AH (1765 CE), his son Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed continued to fight Riyadh until Dahham’s defeat in 1187 AH, signaling the start of Saudi Arabia’s expansion across the Arab world.
Al-Shukair expressed concern that historians have often neglected these earlier phases of Saudi history, focusing too much on the later developments.
"Many historians are trapped by the texts and perspectives of their time," he said. "I’ve made it my mission to study Saudi society deeply, reconnecting with the roots of these events and their cultural significance."
Relationship with the local community
The relationship between Imam Mohammed bin Saud and the people of Diriyah was one of mutual support and recognition, rooted in the traditional governance of Najd.
Al-Shukair explained that Mohammed bin Saud, like other leaders of Najd, maintained a delicate balance between power and popular recognition. He was closely connected with his people, holding regular open councils to resolve their issues, receive their greetings, and discuss matters of state.
This practice helped foster a strong, harmonious relationship between the ruler and his people, ensuring the smooth application of Sharia law and local customs while forming important political alliances with surrounding powers.
The religious institution in Diriyah has deep roots, dating back to 850 AH, and formed an integral part of the governance system throughout Najd. Comprising mosques, religious leaders, judges, and scholars, the institution not only administered religious affairs but also shaped the social and political identity of the region.
Since the time of the Prophet, religion has been a defining aspect of Najd’s identity, playing a pivotal role in the foundation of the Saudi state.
Discipline and political strategy
Imam Mohammed bin Saud’s legacy in establishing the Saudi state is not merely one of political conquest but also of psychological discipline and strategic foresight.
Al-Shukair notes that understanding the early life of Mohammed bin Saud is crucial to comprehending his leadership.
While details of his childhood may be sparse, Al-Shukair argues that his upbringing instilled in him a sense of psychological discipline, emphasizing the importance of reputation and word in political leadership.
The discipline instilled in his youth resonated throughout his life, reflected in his political behavior as both a young man and an adult.
Al-Shukair noted that childhood experiences often form the internal cognitive structures that govern decision-making and leadership, and it was this foundation that shaped Mohammed bin Saud’s exceptional political strategy.
In his 2021 book "Religions and Religious Groups in Najd", Al-Shukair examined how Imam Mohammed bin Saud built the Saudi state by integrating a complex system of state-building principles, with religion as one of the core pillars.
"The relationship between politics and religion is intricate, and one must ultimately be subordinate to the other," Al-Shukair remarked, citing the political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes.
Imam Mohammed bin Saud not only founded a powerful emirate but also laid the groundwork for a solid political, social, and economic system that would sustain and stabilize Najd. His legacy goes beyond the establishment of a kingdom, as he built an enduring framework of values that continue to guide the nation today.
