Wajihids

The Wajihids were an Arab dynasty that ruled in coastal Oman in the early and mid-10th century AD. Their capital was the town of Suhar.

The origins and history of this dynasty are obscure. They may have been of either Omani or Bahraini origin, and they were possibly related to Ahmad ibn Hilal, a previous governor of Oman on behalf of the Abbasid Caliphate. In any event, by about 929 the coastal regions of Oman were under the control of Yusuf ibn Wajih, the first member of the dynasty.

The Wajihids did not enjoy undisputed control of Oman. In the mountainous interior of the country, the Ibadi imams centered at Nizwa opposed Wajihid rule and were intent on maintaining their independent status. In addition, the neighboring Qarmatians of al-Hasa sought to gain possession of Suhar, and Qarmatian raids into Oman were common during this period. The Wajihids were able to neutralize these threats by using a mixture of force and diplomacy against both the Ibadis and Qarmatians. Wajihid policy in its relations with the neighboring powers was opportunistic, and they recognized the suzerainty of both the Qarmatians and Abbasids at different times during their rule.

Suhar during Wajihid rule was an extremely prosperous town and, along with Siraf, was one of the main seaports of the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. Its development during the tenth century turned it into a major center of international commerce and the chief city of Oman. The Wajihids were able to take control of the Suhari trade and they actively worked to maintain the town's economic status.

The Wajihids were chiefly known in the medieval sources for their two attacks on Basra. The first campaign occurred in 943, in response to excessive Basran customs dues on Omani shipping. The Wajihid military moved up the Tigris River and took possession of al-Ubullah, but the expedition failed when the Baridi rulers of Basra managed to destroy much of the Wajihid fleet. The second campaign, of 951-2, saw the Wajihids and their Qarmatian allies again advancing against Basra, which was now controlled by the Buyid amir Mu'izz al-Daula. The latter's vizier Abu Muhammad al-Hasan al-Muhallabi went to defend the town, and the Wajihids were once again defeated.

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