Islamic Oman and Its Rulers

Historians cannot give specific dates as to when Islam emerged in Oman, but documents indicate that the Prophet Mohammed contacted Oman's leaders in 6th Hegira (AH - from the Islamic calendar). The first Omani called to the Islamic faith was Mazin bin Ghaduba Al-Tay who declared that he had destroyed the idols and '..come before the Messenger and converted to Islam.' Following his revelation, Mazin travelled to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and dedicated himself to the faith of Islam, to obeying its laws and to spreading the word of Islam to the unbelievers. The Arab Islamic Conquest continued from the time of the Prophet's death in 11th century AH for around 100 years. With Oman's strong merchant trading links, it was instrumental in spreading the word to other countries such as Persia.

In the 16th century AD, Oman was invaded by Portuguese troops, who were vying for control of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Their occupation lasted around 150 years until they were finally expelled by Sultan bin Saif al-Yarubi in 1650AD, the date which most consider to be the start of Oman's complete independence. The following Ya'aruba Dynasty brought a new-found renaissance to the country and it was during this time that many of the decadent forts and castles were built, some of which are still standing.

In 1718 AD, the Imam, Sultan bin Saif II died and civil war broke out over the election of his successor. This war raged for the next 18 years and two factions emerged: one supporting the leadership of Saif bin Sultan, who was, at the time, a young boy; and the other supporting Muhanna bin Sultan who held the necessary qualities to be an Imam. Muhanna was smuggled into Rustaq Fort where he was thus established as Imam in 1719AD. He was not a popular leader, despite his hard work, and only one year later, Ya'arub bin Bal'arab forced him to concede his leadership and killed him. Ya'arub installed the young Saif bin Sultan as Imam and declared his own role as Saif's custodian. However, he abused his role and Bal'arab bin Nasir took over the welfare of Saif in 1723 AD.

In 1738 AD, a huge battle took place between Persian troops and the Arabian forces in Bahla. The Arabian forces were defeated and Imam Saif escaped to Buraimi where he declared his intention to fight and overthrow the Persians. However, unrest among the people, who now favoured Sultan bin Murshid as new Imam, gave the Persians the opportunity to capture Muscat. On the Persians' attempts to take over Sohar, Ahmad bin Said, the deputy of the town, overthrew them and drove them from Oman.

Oman's Rulers