Huwaidiyah Al Zumaykan

Huwaidiyah Bint Ghaydan Al Zumaykan was the wife of Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Saud, the founder of the Second Saudi State. She was a descendant of Al Shamer from the Yam tribe of Hamdan. Imam Turki married her during his exile from Diriyah, and she bore him Prince Jalawi, who became the right hand of his brother, Imam Faisal Bin Turki, the second ruler of the Second Saudi State.

After the fall of the First Saudi State in 1818, Imam Turki Bin Abdullah left Diriyah and headed south of Riyadh toward Aliyah Plateau, about 130 km from Riyadh. In that region, Al Shamer tribe, led by Ghaydan Bin Jazi‘ Al Zumaykan, resided. The area was rugged and difficult to access, known only to those familiar with its terrain and pathways. Imam Turki managed to make it a base for his plans and movements to reclaim power.

He took refuge in a cave within the plateau, staying out of sight with only his well-known sword, "al-Ajrab." Around that time, Huwaidiyah was tending sheep near the cave. By coincidence, she encountered the imam and spoke with him. Due to his accent and her keen perception, she recognized his origins and offered him milk to drink.

Huwaidiyah continued to bring him milk every day without asking him any questions or informing her family about him. She would place the milk container on a rock and step away, allowing him to take it, embodying modesty, dignity, and generosity.

After some time, Huwaidiyah told her father about what had happened. He soon realized that his daughter's guest was Imam Turki Bin Abdullah, as news of him had spread among the Bedouins. The following morning, he followed his daughter and saw the imam, recognizing him immediately. He then called him by name and assured him of his protection.

Imam Turki was accompanied by Huwaidiyah’s father, Ghaydan Bin Jazi‘, to his dwelling, where he honored him, welcomed him, and provided him protection. He then proposed to Huwaidiyah and married her. She remained a steadfast supporter by his side until he reclaimed his ancestral rule and established the Second Saudi State.

The Yam tribe supported Imam Turki Bin Abdullah after his marriage to Huwaidiyah, becoming his ally in battle. They fought alongside him in several conflicts to restore his ancestral rule, including the Battle of al-Sabiyyah in 1830, where he emerged victorious.

Imam Turki named his son from Huwaidiyah 'Jalawi', and various accounts exist regarding the reason for this choice. However, several sources agree that the most likely explanation is that it was related to Imam Turki’s state of displacement at the time of his son's birth, as his exile (Jala') from Diriyah influenced the naming.

Huwaidiyah raised Jalawi to be one of the prominent figures and the right hand of his brother, Imam Faisal Bin Turki, a role he fulfilled. Historical records also highlight the contributions of Jalawi’s descendants - Abdulaziz, Fahd, and Abdullah, as well as his grandson Abdulaziz Bin Musaad - in the military campaigns and conquests led by Founding King Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. They played a key role in the recapture of Riyadh and were among the seven men who stormed al-Masmak Palace with him, making significant contributions to the events of that day.