Sharif Hussein bin Ali, King of Hejaz Biography: Age, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Sibling, Height, Obituary, Parent, Family

Sharif Hussein bin Ali was a significant figure in the early 20th century due to his leadership during the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

As the Emir of Mecca and later King of the Hejaz, he played a pivotal role in the quest for Arab independence.

His correspondence with British officials, known as the Hussein-McMahon correspondence, laid the groundwork for the Revolt.

In 1916, he proclaimed himself King of the Arab Countries, although the Allies recognized him only as King of the Hejaz.

Profile

• Full name: Hussein bin Ali al-Hashimi
• Date of birth: May 1, 1854
• Age as of 2025: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Constantinople, Ottoman Empire (now Istanbul, Turkey)
• Nationality: Ottoman (later associated with the Hejaz)
• Profession: Emir of Mecca, King of the Hejaz
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Ali bin Muhammad (father), Salah Bani-Shahar (mother)
• Siblings: Sharif Nasser (brother), four sisters
• Spouse: Abdiyah bint Abdullah, Madiha Hanem, Adila Hanem
• Children: Ali bin Hussein, Abdullah I of Jordan, Faisal I of Iraq, Zeid bin Hussein, Fatima bint Hussein, Salha bint Hussein, Sara bint Hussein, Hasan bin Hussein
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Islam
• Ethnicity: Arab (Hashemite)
• Net worth: $100 million (in today’s world)

Early Life and Education

Sharif Hussein bin Ali was born on May 1, 1854, in Constantinople, Ottoman Empire (now Istanbul, Turkey). He hailed from the Hashemite family, which claimed descent from the Prophet Muhammad. His father was Ali bin Muhammad, and his mother was Salah Bani-Shahar.

He had one brother, Sharif Nasser, and four sisters. During his early years, Hussein received education in Islamic studies and governance, preparing him for leadership roles. In 1893, he was exiled to Istanbul, where he remained until 1908.

During this period, he gained experience in administrative affairs and built relationships with influential figures. In 1908, following the Young Turk Revolution, he returned to Mecca and was appointed Emir of Mecca by the Ottoman authorities.

Personal Life

Sharif Hussein bin Ali had multiple spouses, including Abdiyah bint Abdullah, Madiha Hanem, and Adila Hanem. He fathered several children who played significant roles in Middle Eastern history.

His sons included Ali bin Hussein, who succeeded him as King of the Hejaz; Abdullah I, who became the first King of Jordan; Faisal I, who became King of Iraq; and Zeid bin Hussein. His daughters included Fatima, Salha, and Sara bint Hussein.  

Career

Sharif Hussein bin Ali’s political career began in earnest when he was appointed Emir of Mecca in 1908. During World War I, he sought to secure Arab independence from the Ottoman Empire.

Through the Hussein-McMahon correspondence, he negotiated with the British, who promised support for an independent Arab state in exchange for leading a revolt against the Ottomans.

In June 1916, Hussein initiated the Arab Revolt, aligning with British forces, including T.E. Lawrence. The Revolt contributed to the weakening of Ottoman control in the region. In October 1916, he declared himself King of the Arab Countries, though the Allies recognized him only as King of the Hejaz.

In 1924, following the abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate, Hussein proclaimed himself Caliph, seeking to position himself as a unifying leader of Islam. However, his claim was not widely accepted, and in 1925, Ibn Saud’s forces invaded the Hejaz, resulting in Hussein’s abdication and subsequent exile.

Awards

Sharif Hussein bin Ali received several honors during his lifetime, including:

• Grand Cordon of the Order of Muhammad Ali (Egypt)
• Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold (Belgium)
• Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (France)
• First Class of the Order of Osmanieh (Ottoman Empire)
• First Class of the Order of the Medjidie (Ottoman Empire)
• Grand Cross of the Order of the Nichan Iftikhar (Ottoman Empire)
• Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (United Kingdom)  

Net Worth

Sharif Hussein bin Ali’s net worth in today’s money would be roughly $100 million. His influence and power were primarily political and religious, stemming from his leadership roles and lineage rather than personal wealth.

Death

Sharif Hussein bin Ali died on June 4, 1931, in Amman, Transjordan (now Jordan). He was buried in Jerusalem, and his death marked the end of a significant chapter in the struggle for Arab independence.

Controversy

Sharif Hussein bin Ali’s political actions and decisions were not without controversy. His negotiations with the British during World War I, particularly the Hussein-McMahon correspondence, promised Arab independence in exchange for revolting against the Ottoman Empire.

However, the subsequent Sykes-Picot Agreement between Britain and France, which divided the Middle East into spheres of influence, contradicted these promises. This led to feelings of betrayal among Arabs and cast doubt on Hussein’s judgment and the sincerity of British commitments.

Furthermore, his declaration of himself as Caliph in 1924 was met with skepticism and opposition. Many Muslims did not recognize his claim, viewing it as politically motivated rather than a legitimate religious succession. His caliphate was short-lived, lasting only until 1925 when Ibn Saud’s forces conquered the Hejaz.

Hussein’s relationship with emerging Arab nationalist movements was also complex. While he positioned himself as a leader for Arab independence, some nationalists criticized his reliance on British support and questioned his commitment to broader Arab unity beyond his dynastic interests.

Additionally, his sons’ appointments as rulers of newly established states, such as Iraq and Transjordan, were facilitated by British influence, leading to perceptions that the Hashemite family’s rise to power was heavily dependent on colonial backing rather than purely on indigenous support.

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