Page 127 - Su'udi Relations with Eastern Arabi & Uman (1800-1870)

‘Azzan, who had been an independent ruler in the interior of‘Uman, began
to grow increasingly restless about the general condition of his country,
especially when he saw Salim confronted by his uncle, Turkl b. Sa‘Id, and his
cousin, Hamad b. Salim.1055 As a result, ‘Azzan began to aspire toward the
broader form of leadership the Imamate implied, since it promised to bring the
entire country under control, unifying the tribal regions under a stricter
central government. Al-Khalfll was a religious leader and propagator of the
Imamate who, in the past, had made an abortive attempt to realize his
objective.1056 Although he had originally supported Salim, he later denounced
him, apparently on the ground of the latter’s deviation from certain Ibadi
practices.1057 Al-Gharibl, the religious leader of the Al Sa‘d on the coast of
al-Batinah, had had no conflict with Salim; however, he was an associate and
friend of al-Khalill, and shared the latter’s hopes of establishing an Ibadi
Imamate.1058 Finally, Salih b. ‘All, chief of the al-Hirth tribe, should be
credited with beginning the movement, since it was he who ignited the
campaign against Salim, encouraging ‘Azzan and the other supporters to strive
to replace the incumbent ruler of Masqat.1059
Until late 1867, Salih had been on good terms with Salim b. Thuwaynl. In
that year, however, one of Turkl b. Sa‘Id*s campaigns against Salim was
assisted by elements of the al-Hirth tribe. As a result, Salim came to suspect
Salih b. ‘All, the chief of the tribe, of having shifted his allegiance.1060 He
decided to seize Salih when he next came to Masqat, but Salih fled to the
interior of ‘Uman and, shortly afterwards, contacted the other leaders.
Together, they prompdy formed a league against Salim and carried out their
military campaign.1061 In October 1868, the confederates, under ‘Azzan’s
leadership, descended upon Masqat and expelled Salim. Immediately
afterwards, the tribal and religious leaders of the allied groups elected ‘Azzan
as Imam, placing both political and religious authority over the entire country
in his hands.1062
Since ThuwaynI’s death, the Su‘udl position in ‘Uman had remained
unaltered. Salim b. Thuwaynl had maintained good terms with Turkl al-
Sudayri, the Su‘udl governor in al-Burayml, and apparently continued to pay
the annual zakah to the Su‘udl state. Even after he had been deposed, Salim
preserved his friendly relations with al-Sudayrl, counting on the latter in his
attempt to regain power.1063 At one point, Salim slipped into Dubayy and
entered into negotiation with al-Sudayrl through a Su‘udl agent there, hoping
to receive support for his cause.1064 Al-Sudayrl apparently promised Salim
some aid, probably because he thought it would be preferable to have ‘Uman in
the hands of an ally rather than in the possession of someone unpredictable like
‘Azzan. However, al-Sudayrl did not live to fulfill his promise. He was shot
dead at al-Shariqah in April 1869, while intervening in quarrels between the
QasimI branches in al-Shariqah and Ra’s al-Khaymah.1065 The incident
deprived Salim of a strong ally, and eventually discouraged him from pursuing
his design.
‘Azzan’s succession, on the other hand, inaugurated the deterioration of
Su‘udI-‘Umani relations, and led to the final expulsion of the Su‘udl garrison
from al-Burayml. Only a month after he was installed as Imam, ‘Azzan was
approached by the Su‘udls. He received an envoy sent by Amir ‘Abd Allah b.
Faysal bearing gifts to the new ruler of Masqat, as well as a letter reminding
‘Azzan that he was expected to continue the tradition of his predecessors by

72/