Ali bin Mujathal al-Mughaidi (Arabic: علي بن مجثل المغيدي) was the ruler of 'Asir Province and the Tihamah in the 19th century, starting in 1826 and ending with his death in 1833. Ali bin Mujathal, alongside his maternal brother and cousin Sa'id bin Musalat, resisted against the forces of the Ottoman Empire that were led by Muhammad Ali Pasha.Ali bin Shaykh al-Bakri, Al-Mukhtasar fi Tarikh Bani Shahr (Historical Study), 1st edition 1428 AH, p. 122Ali Ahmed Asiri, 'Asir from 1249 AH/1833 AD–1289 AH/1872 AD, a historical study, p. 183
Reign After the death of Sa'id bin Musalat in the year 1826, the people of 'Asir pledged allegiance to Ali bin Mujathal, which officially started his reign.Abdullah bin Ali bin Misfar, Siyar al-'Amir al-'Asiri Ali bin Mujathal's rule was described as a generally peaceful one, and he also managed to fight off several attempted invasions by the Ottoman Empire. His growing power and influence approaching Yemen was worrying to Muhammad Ali Pasha, who ordered his own governors and nobles to write letters discouraging him from entering Yemen. Ali bin Mujathal disregarded the criticisms and invaded Yemen anyway, securing his rule over several parts that were previously taken by the Ottomans.Ali Awad Al Qutb, The Yazidi Princes of 'Asir, An Unwritten History, Tuwa Culture and Publishing, 2003, p. 429 His rule would eventually extend, its influence reaching all the way until Najran in the southeast.Muhammad bin Abdullah al-Zalfa, The Call of Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdulwahhab and Its Impact on The Resistance of 'Asir against Ottoman Rule, Dar Bilad Al Arab, 2001, p. 115
Religious views Ali bin Mujathal was a devout Sunni Muslim. Like the majority of the citizens of 'Asir, he was a follower of the Shafi'i school of thought.The Memoirs of Suleiman Shafiq Pasha, Abha Literary Club, 1984, First Edition, p. 19 He was also an Athari in his creed, and followed the doctrine of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab. The emergence of the Salafi movement in 'Asir also occurred during his reign.Hassan bin Ahmed al-Yamani, The Precious Pearl in Mentioning the Virtues and Events of the Prince of Muslims Muhammad bin Ayed, edited by Abdullah bin Ali bin Hamid, 1978, Dar Al-Fikr, Damascus, p. 17 The religion is a middle ground between us and those who claim it. Following [a practice in religion] must be backed with evidence. What Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, and his companions were upon in their time, and heresy is what was introduced after them.
- Ali bin Mujathal al-Mughaidi, to the scholar Ibrahim bin Ahmad al-HafziA letter from Prince Ali bin Mujathal to the scholar Sheikh Ibrahim bin Ahmad al-Hafzi, 1245 AH, published in The Letters of Ibn Mujathal and al-Hafzi in the case of Ahmad bin Idris al-Maghribi, Dar Jerash Publishing and Distribution, p. 27
Death and legacy Ali bin Mujathal contracted an illness in 1833 after his return from Yemen. He died in the same year. He was succeeded by Aidh bin Mar'i al-Yazidi, who founded the Al Aidh Emirate.Hashim bin Sa'eed al-Naami, The History of 'Asir in the Past and Present, p. 257 He has a son named Abdullah whose descendants, the Al-Mujathal family, are still around and they live in 'Asir Province.
See also Idrisid Emirate of Asir Al Aidh Emirate Emirate of Diriyah Ottoman-Wahhabi War
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