Hujjar
Definition
Hujjar (الحُجُر, Huğzar) are agricultural settlements initiated by Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud beginning in 1911-12 and continuing through the 1920s in central Arabia. These settlements intended to transition the nomadic Bedouin communities to a settled life, integrate them into a structured society, and provide them with religious and military training to consolidate Saudi control. This transition was modeled on the Islamic concept of migration (hijrah) from a dominion of unbelief (dar al-harb) to a domain of belief (dar al-Islam).
Historical Context
The transformation of Bedouin nomads into settled agrarian communities was part of ibn Saud’s strategic plan to unify the Arabian Peninsula under his leadership and strengthen the nascent Saudi state. The initiative had both religious and socio-political dimensions. The integration of the Bedouins into these settlements meant significant changes in their lifestyle, adherence to Islamic principles, and loyalty to the burgeoning Saudi state.
Etymology
The word “Hujjar” in Arabic (الحُجُر) is derived from the root h-j-r (هجرة) which means to migrate. This is similar in Turkish (Huğzar) and encompasses the concept of making a significant transition, mirroring the term hijrah which signifies the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
Significance in Islamic and Saudi History
The Hujjar settlements symbolized a significant socio-religious shift, transitioning the Bedouin tribes from a nomadic to an agricultural lifestyle rooted in Islamic beliefs. This transformation was pivotal in the founding and consolidation of modern Saudi Arabia. The move fostered a sense of unified identity rooted in Islamic values and facilitated the mobilization of a committed and loyal military force, which was crucial for Abd al-Aziz’s subsequent campaigns.
Related Terms
- Ikhwan: A religious militia formed from settled Bedouins in the Hujjar to enforce the Wahhabi doctrines and support ibn Saud’s campaigns.
- Dar al-Harb and Dar al-Islam: Juridical terms in Islamic jurisprudence denoting regions under Islamic rule and regions outside of it, respectively.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Rise of Islamic State: From Muhammad to the Mamluks” by Patricia Crone
- “The Saudi Kingdom: Between the Jihadi Hammer and the Iranian Anvil” by Ali al Shihabi
- “Najd Before the Salafi Reform Movement: Social, Political and Religious Conditions During the 18th Century” by Ibrahim al-Ghannam
Takeaways
- Historical Importance: The Hujjar settlements were instrumental in unifying the Bedouin tribes under a central authority and instilling Islamic values.
- Socio-Religious Transition: The initiative represents a significant socio-religious transformation conforming to the concept of hijrah.
- Strategic Development: The settlements played a crucial role in consolidating the early Saudi state and its foundational ideologies.
Conclusion
The Hujjar settlements mark a momentous chapter in Arabian and Islamic history, emblematic of the socio-political and religious transformations that shaped the modern Saudi state. These settlements facilitated the consolidation of power by Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud and fostered a cohesive, loyal population grounded in Islamic teachings.
By understanding the evolution and purpose behind the Hujjar, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the dynamic historical processes that contributed to the establishment of Saudi Arabia and the integration of nomadic communities into its socio-political fabric.
