Muhammad bin Abdul-Rahman

Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud ( Muḥammad bin ʿAbd ar Raḥman Āl Suʿūd; 1877 – 25 July 1943) was an Arabian soldier and politician who played a role in the conquests of his half-brother Abdulaziz that led to the formation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Muhammad was the son of the last emir of Nejd, Abdul Rahman bin Faisal, and Sara bint Jiluwi, both from the House of Saud. Muhammad was an early supporter of his half-brother, King Abdulaziz, but they had a falling-out after both attempted to place their sons in line for kingship. This conflict may have led to the death of Muhammad's son Khalid in 1938. Muhammad later became a virtual non-entity in Saudi politics and died in Riyadh in 1943. Early life Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman was the son of Abdul Rahman bin Faisal, twice Emir of Nejd, and his cousin Sara bint Jiluwi. His paternal grandfather was Emir Faisal bin Turki, and his maternal grandfather was Emir Faisal's brother Jiluwi bin Turki. He had a number of half-siblings from his father's other marriages; his half-brother Abdulaziz would become the king of Saudi Arabia, while his half-brothers Abdullah, Ahmed, and Musaid would have a role in the Saudi government. Muhammad was said to be particularly close to his half-brother Abdulaziz and his half-sisters Noura and Al Jawhara. Muhammad and Abdulaziz were fond of their sister Noura, and both men were known to say, "I am the brother of Noura." There is some controversy regarding Muhammad's date of birth, with some sources making him older than Abdulaziz, an important factor in his later maneuvering for the succession. In a publication by his family his birth year is given as 1877. It is also stated that he was born in Riyadh and was younger than Abdulaziz. After his father lost power in 1891, the family went into exile in Kuwait.