Saud bin Abdul Aziz bin Muhammad al Saud

Saud bin Abdul Aziz bin Muhammad al Saud ruled the First Saudi State from the death of his father Abdul Aziz in 1803 until his own death in 1814.

During his reign, attacks on shrines in Iraq continued. More importantly though, the House of Saud extended it's rule beyond the Nejd and into the Hijaz. This culminated with the capture of Makkah and Madinah. The new Saudis cleansed the Kaba in Makkah and destroyed the graves of numerous important men in Madinah. This was in accordance with the Wahhabi desire to return Islam to it's simple beginnings. The forces of Saud also felt that they were emulating th example of Muhammad who smashed idols when he retook Makkah.

These actions did not sit well with other Muslims though. Many other Muslims found the actions to be extreme, and were stunned that the holy cities had been taken so easily. Most importantly, the Ottoman Empire did not want to relent control over the cities to local tribesmen.

The Ottomans could not retake the cities on their own though due to their international situation. Instead, they sent Muhammad Ali, the viceroy of Egypt. However, Saud bin Abdul Aziz would die before the arrival of Ali's forces and the subsequent loss of Makkah by the Saudi family.

Preceded by: Abdul Aziz bin Muhammad bin Saud

Heads of the House of Saud

Succeeded by: Abdullah bin Saud