Page 64 - Su'udi Relations with Eastern Arabi & Uman (1800-1870)

Dir‘Iyah authorities, recognizing the vastness of ‘Uman with its numerous,
ever-quarreling tribes and its remoteness from the central governnment, did
not make serious attmepts to bring that country under strict control. It
preferred to have its religious and political influence prevail indirectly
through a favourable member of the ruling house. So long as that member was
willing to express his nominal allegiance in remitting the annual zakah,
allowing the Su‘udl agent to reside in the capital, and encouraging the
inhabitants to observe the reformed practices, the Dir‘iyah authorities would
not interfere in local affairs or try to threaten his position. Su‘udl relations with
Badr b. Sayf and his successor, Sa‘id b. Sultan, would also reflect the changing
policy towards the rulers of Masqat.439
The late Sultan b. Ahmad had remained the undisputed ruler of Masqat for a
decade and had intended to secure the Sultanate for his direct descendants.
Nonetheless, he did not provide the solid ground for such a transition; the
young age of his two sons at the time of his premature and sudden death
prevented the realization of his goal, and led instead to a new period of disorder
and civil war after his death. Before his last departure for al-Basrah, on the
return from which he lost his life, Sultan b. Ahmad appointed his relative and
trusted friend, Muhammad b. Nasir al-Jabri, guardian of his two minor sons
Salim and Sa‘id, as well as regent for the conduct of affairs on their behalf.440
Such preparations, however, were neither in accordance with the wishes of the
Al Bu Sa‘Id family, nor were they strong enough to withstand an impending
real challenge.
When the news of Sultan’s death reached the country, the ruling house
struggled for the succession, and traditional factionalism reappeared in the
person of Qays, governor of Suhar and brother of the late ruler. Qays deemed it
a fit opportunity for securing the Sultanate for himself, and since his whole
claims were favoured by the nominal Imam of Rustaq, he quickly collected the
tribes under his influence and moved to Masqat to seize power.441 On his
advance, Qays marched along al-Batinah and took al-Khaburah and Matrah.
The regent, unable to defend the vicinity of the capital, attempted to buy Qays
off with a bribe of $MT2000 per month. The later, elated by success, rejected
the offer and determined to push on towards Masqat.442
Atthis critical moment, the regent, the sons of Sultan, and other members of
the Al Bu Sa‘id at Masqat decided to look for a leader strong enough to
frustrate Qays’ efforts and prevent the city from falling into his hands. The
choice fell upon Badr b. Sayf, an exiled member of the family and ardent
follower of the reform movement. Badr was a man of ability and enterprise
who, availing himself of the opportunity provided by the absence of Sultan in
Makkah in 1803, had made an attempt to overthrow the regime and seize
power.443 Upon failing, Badr fled the country and lived for some time with the
coastal tribes subject to the Su‘udis, during which time he embraced the
doctrines of reform prevailing among the inhabitants of that area. Badr
subsequently paid a visit to al-Dir‘iyah, presumably to try once more to
accomplish his goal.444 During his visit, Badr established close relations with
the Su‘udi amir and apparently was promised some support. While in Qatar,
on his way back from al-Dir‘iyah, Badr received a letter from the regent of
Masqat in which he was informed of the crisis in ‘Uman and the decision to
hand over to him the reins of power.445 Confident of his personal ability, the
support of the Su‘udl state, and the recognition of his capable leadership by the

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