Abdul-Aziz bin Muhammad

Imam Abdul Aziz bin Muhammad bin Saud (Arabic: عبد العزيز بن محمد بن سعود ‎) (d. 1803) was the second ruler of the First Saudi State and son of Muhammad bin Saud. He was also the son-in-law of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab. He ruled from 1765 until 1803.

Kingship

During his reign, the domain of the House of Saud extended into Riyadh with Abdul Aziz's victory there. This victory allowed the House of Saud to rule all of Najd. Their military success and orthodox approach to religion won them great support in the area. Their standing was also boosted by Abdul Aziz's practice of holding open meetings where tribal elders could meet with him, allowing access to their ruler.

Controversies

In 1801 (1216 Hijri), the First Saudi State under his rule attacked Karbala and Najaf in Iraq, massacred parts of the Muslim population and destroyed the tombs of Husayn ibn Ali (grandson of Muhammad) and Ali ibn Abu Talib (4th Caliph of Rashidun Caliphate).

Death

In 1803, Abdul Aziz was assassinated by a man from A'amarah in Iraq by a stiletto, when Abdul Aziz was leading Asr Salat in Dir'aiyah.