Descendants of Rakan bin Hathleen
Historical accounts reveal that Rakan bin Hathleen is known to have had only one son, Falah bin Rakan, whose mother is a daughter of Amer Al-Safran. Following the passing of his father, Falah assumed the leadership of the tribe. The Al-Ajman tribe is widely recognized in the Arabian Peninsula, with its lineage extending from ancient times to the present day.
The Al-Ajman tribe is known for its fierce determination and prowess in warfare, being one of the most established tribes in the eastern and southern regions of Saudi Arabia. Notably, Fahda bint Falah Al-Hathleen, the granddaughter of Rakan bin Hathleen, is the wife of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
It is important to note that Falah bin Rakan’s ancestry traces back to the Al-Ajman tribe, which originated from the Yam tribe in Hamdan. They migrated to the southern Najd region from Najran. Today, the presence of this tribe extends across Saudi Arabia, the Persian Gulf, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Who is Rakan bin Hathleen?
Rakan bin Man’a bin Hathleen Al-Ajmi was born in 1814 AD. He was a prominent poet and leader of the Al-Ajman tribe, one of the most renowned Bedouin tribes in the Arabian Peninsula. He took over the leadership of his tribe at the age of 46 after his uncle stepped down from a role he had held for 15 years, being unable to continue due to advancing age.
During his lifetime, Rakan faced imprisonment by the Ottoman Empire for imposing a levy on Ottoman caravans passing through the Arabian Peninsula in exchange for their protection. This situation angered the Ottomans, who imprisoned him for seven years. He was eventually released after vanquishing a Serbian warrior known as the Black Knight, who had significantly weakened the Ottoman forces.
After his release, Rakan returned to the Arabian Peninsula and spent the remainder of his life with his tribe, leading them for an impressive 35 years. He passed away in 1892 at the age of nearly 80.
Marriage of Rakan bin Hathleen
Rakan married the woman he loved, the daughter of Amer bin Jafar Al-Safran. He composed poetry in her honor, and they had a son named Falah, born into a lineage known for its leadership within the tribe, positioning him as the rightful successor to his illustrious father. To commemorate his marriage to Amer’s daughter and the birth of his son Falah, Rakan bin Hathleen penned several verses that expressed his joy:
O bearer of the beautiful gaze, Rakan,
If we seek her out, we will complete our bonds.
Order eases between two paths of faith;
One gives, while another seeks her hand.
With your grace, we lead the noble progeny;
The daughter of the noble, whose veils are long.
It is not the same for a sleeper and a wakeful man,
Stars abound for those who count them.
All eyes are on your stand among the enemies,
On the day you wonder where the Arabs went.