Origins & Early Life

Muhammad bin Saud Al Muqrin Al Saud (Arabic: محمد بن سعود آل مقرن, romanized: Muḥammad bin Suʿūd Āl Muqrin; 1687 – 1765), also known as Ibn Saud, was the emir of Diriyah and is considered the founder of the First Saudi State and the Saud dynasty, named after his father, Saud bin Muhammad Al Muqrin. His reign lasted between 1727 and 1765. Ibn Saud's family (then known as the Al Muqrin) traced its descent to the Banu Hanifa tribes but, despite popular misconceptions, Muhammad bin Saud was neither a nomadic Bedouin nor a tribal leader. Rather, he was the ruler (emir) of the town of Diriyah near modern-day Riyadh.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He had lands there and was involved in financing the commercial journeys of merchants. Furthermore, he was competent and ambitious. Muhammad bin Saud was born in Diriyah in 1687. Among his siblings were Mishari, Thunayan and Farhan. The family resided in the citadel of Turaif in Diriyah.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Muhammad bin Saud became local emir of Diriyah in 1727. The initial power base was the town of Diriyah where he met Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, who asked for protection. They formed an alliance in 1744 or 1745. Muhammad bin Saud asked Muhammad bin Abdul...

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