Sharif Husayn ibn Ali

Sharif Husayn ibn Ali

Overview

Sharif Husayn ibn Ali (d. 1931) was the Grand Sharif of Mecca who led the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire in 1916. His legitimacy stemmed from his religious prestige as a descendant of Prophet Muhammad and his pivotal role as the custodian of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Etymology

The term “Sharif” (Arabic: شريف, Turkish: Şerif) denotes a noble, especially one who claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad. Husayn ibn Ali holds significant historical and religious stature in the Islamic world.

Biography

As the guardian of the Hijaz region, Sharif Husayn ibn Ali declared independence from the weakening Ottoman rule through the Arab Revolt. Endorsed by promises from the British for Arab independence, his leadership ultimately set the stage for the modern Arab world. In 1924, following the abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate, he declared himself Caliph, albeit briefly. His political trajectory ended in 1925 when he was overthrown and exiled by Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud, leading to the establishment of Saudi Arabia.

The Arab Revolt

The Arab Revolt (1916-1918) was pivotal in the subsequent geopolitical changes in the Middle East. It was propelled by Husayn’s declaration against Ottoman domination and had profound contributions to the downfall of the Ottoman Empire.

Caliphate Claim

Sharif Husayn ibn Ali’s declaration of the caliphate in 1924 came at a tumultuous time, with the traditional seat of the caliph dismantled. His caliphate was brief and can be largely viewed as symbolic, reflecting the fraught politics of succession amid shifting powers in the Middle East.

Legacy

While his bid to consolidate power faltered, his sons established Hashemite rule in Iraq and Trans-Jordan, shaping the region’s monarchical tradition. This carving of territory provided a seminal basis for governmental entities in modern-day Jordan and Iraq.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “The Arab Revolt and the Imperialist Counterattack” by Zakī Ḥāfiẓ al-Quṭb
2. “Husayn Shārif Makka Fī laḥwrayyambaraṭw̃miṣ l-utẖmānīyah Fī Ḥewr Mwzalʻraṃby Mā wa 1916-1918 altamis Hijaz min” by ‹Eẖsmāʼil H̱amdpūlq»
3. “A Modern History of the Emergent Gulf Arab States” by Marc Owen Jones

Conclusion and Takeaways

Sharif Husayn ibn Ali stands as a cornerstone figure in Arab nationalist history. His drive for independence from the Ottoman rule and his role in the Arab Revolt carved substantial realms of influence that led to the current political framework across the Middle East. While ultimately displaced by Ibn Saud, the legacy continued through his offspring, cementing the Hashemite imprint in the annals of modern history.

Arabic and Turkish Translations

• Sharif Husayn ibn Ali (Arabic: شريف حسين بن علي, Turkish: Şerif Hüseyin bin Ali)

Conclusion

Sharif Husayn ibn Ali’s influence echoes through the contemporary political landscapes of Jordan and Iraq. A figure of immense religious and political significance, his efforts in the Arab Revolt and establishment of Hashemite sovereignty are seminal episodes in the transformation of the Arab world’s sociopolitical fabric.