Muhanna bin Sultan
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| Muhanna bin Sultan | |
|---|---|
| Imam | |
| Imam of Oman (interior) | |
| Reign | 1719–1720 |
| Predecessor | Saif bin Sultan II |
| Successor | Saif bin Sultan II |
| Died | 1720 |
Muhanna bin Sultan (Arabic: مهنا بن سلطان) (died 1720) was one of the rival Imams at the start of the civil wars in Oman in the final years of the Yaruba dynasty. He held power briefly in 1719–1720 before being deposed and murdered.
Muhanna bin Sultan was a younger brother of the great Imam Saif bin Sultan (r. 1692–1711).[a] He was the great-uncle of Saif bin Sultan II, the eldest son of Sultan bin Saif II (r. 1611–1718).[1] Saif bin Sultan II was aged twelve when his father died in 1718. In theory the office of Imam was elected, but in practice for many years it had been inherited by members of the Ya'Aruba family. Saif bin Sultan II was therefore seen as the natural successor to his father.[2] However, there was support for appointing Muhenna as regent during Saif's minority.[1]
An assembly of Sheikhs and other notable people was convened at Rustaq, where the Kadhi Adey bin Suliman was persuaded to proclaim Saif bin Sultan II the Imam, albeit reluctantly.[1][b] Although Saif was popular among the people, the ulama considered he was too young to hold office and favored Muhanna as Imam.[4] Muhanna was well-qualified since he was learned, wise and careful in his decisions.[3]
