Saif bin Sultan II

Saif bin Sultan II (Arabic: سيف بن سلطان الثاني) (c. 1706 – 1743) was the sixth of the Yaruba dynasty of Imams of Oman, a member of the Ibadi sect.

He held the position of Imam four times during a chaotic period of civil war and invasion by Persian forces.

Saif bin Sultan II inherited leadership of the country as a child, but was pushed aside in favor of his brother.

Although he had been named as successor and was popular among the people, the ulama decided he was too young to hold office and favored his great-uncle Muhanna bin Sultan.

[4] He was opposed by a faction led by Khalf bin Mubarak of the Bani Hina tribe, and therefore called the Hinawi.

The garrison of Sohar recognized Saif bin Sultan II as Imam, and he was re-installed at Nizwa.

Saif was only supported by the Beni Hina and a few allied tribes, but had the navy and the main seaports of Muscat, Burka and Sohar.

[5] With his power dwindling, Saif bin Sultan II eventually asked for help against his rival from Nader Shah of Persia.

[13] For a few years after this Saif bin Sultan II was undisputed ruler, but continued his a self-indulgent life, which turned the tribes against him.

[18] In 1744 Ahmad bin Said al-Busaidi, governor of the Sohar garrison, was elected as a rival Imam, founding the dynasty that continues to rule Oman.