A little history

In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, deeply embedded in its rich history, the Aljeraijeer family stands as one of the noble, urbanized Najdi families. Their lineage traces back to the Al Jledan branch, descending from Harith bin Amr bin Qays Ailan bin Mudar bin Nizar bin Ma’ad bin Adnan bin Ismail bin Ibrahim (peace be upon them), belonging to the Qays Ailan Mudari Adnani tribe, historically known as Jadilah Qays Ailan.

Throughout history, this family has been renowned for its wise leaders and valiant warriors. Among the most notable figures were the sage of the Arabs, Amar bin Aldhurb Aladwani, and Tho Alisba’ Aladwani. During the pilgrimage season, the Adwan tribe held the esteemed role of leading the pilgrims from Arafat to Mina. No one would move until the leader of Hajj from Adwan gave permission, reflecting their high status among the tribes.

The family patriarch, Jledan, was born in 853 H in an area known as Halah Jaldan, located southeast of Umm Sharm in the land of Banu Adwan. This region boasts many historical sites, including Qasr Marwan, Al-Abayla, Al-Aqrab, Al-Mujannab Al-Asfal, Al-Mujannab Al-A’la, Al-Baredah, Salbah, Al-Abal, Al-Rak, Al-Akhadir, Wadi Sharab, and the famous Souq Okaz. To the east are Al-Faridah, Al-Aqaila, Hajrat Naseem, Al-Ruwaidf, Al-Hisn, Al-Hawiyah, Al-Rakbah, and Umm Airan, forming the homeland of Banu Adwan, northeast of Taif, a land blessed with prosperity and wise leadership.

According to Sheikh Abdullah bin Bassam, at the beginning of the 13th century AH, the Adwan tribe consisted of 18 sub-tribes. However, internal conflicts arose when their leader, Othman bin Abdulrahman Al Adwani, known as Al Mudhaifi, sided with the first Saudi state against the Sharifs of Mecca. This led to the dispersion of the Adwan tribes, leaving only four sub-tribes in their original homeland east of Taif.

As a result of this discord, the descendants of Jledan, known as Dhawi Mufayz, migrated from their ancestral lands to the Qassim region. Mufayz and his son Abdullah settled in Al-Qaraa, west of Buraidah, where they established a well known as “Bir Al Jledan.” They later moved to Al-Shaqqa, near Al-Qaraa, where they cultivated farmland before eventually relocating to Unaizah. There, Abdullah fathered a son named Mohammed, who in turn had a son named Abdullah, later known as “Al-Jeraijeer,” a title passed down through generations.

Abdullah Al Jeraijeer was known for his bravery and took part in the Battle of Al-Qaraa alongside Prince Zamil Al Sulaim of Unaizah. The Qassim forces achieved a decisive victory against Ibn Rashid’s army. However, in the Battle of Al-Mulaydah in 1308 H, the tides turned. Abdullah fought valiantly with the Unaizah army but was ultimately martyred, leaving behind a legacy of courage and heroism.

In 1352 H, Muhammad bin Mansour bin Abdullah Al Jeraijeer Al Jledan Al Adwani, joined the Yemeni War under the leadership of King Faisal, advancing from the Hijaz to Yemen. His efforts contributed to a significant military and political victory, culminating in the signing of the Taif Treaty in 1353 H, which settled all border disputes between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. After returning triumphantly, Mohammed settled in Najran, where he established the “Al Jeraijeer Well” and a traditional arms market. The marketplace was enclosed by a mud-brick wall in the old town. Later in life, he fell seriously ill and passed away during a medical trip to Lebanon. His body was returned to Unaizah, where he was laid to rest among his kin, leaving behind a cherished legacy.

Many members of the Al Jeraijeer Al Jledan family emerged as honorable and courageous men who contributed to building and serving the nation in various fields. Today, the family is spread across Saudi Arabia, from Riyadh to Jubail Industrial City and Unaizah, carrying the legacy of their ancestors with pride and honor. This narrative is not merely a historical account of a family but a testament to generations of perseverance, transforming hardships into triumphs, ensuring that the name “Al Jeraijeer Al Jledan” remains immortal in the memory of future generations.