Imam Ghalib bin Ali al‑Hinai was a contemporary figure and a political refugee in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was appointed Imam after the death of Imam Muhammad bin Abdullah al‑Khalili in Nizwa in 1373 AH / 1953 CE, at approximately 45 years of age. He followed the path of his predecessors in piety, righteousness, justice, and maintaining security. He sought to open Oman to the world in order to keep pace with progress and development, and he began sending students abroad for education while maintaining religious principles.
However, this period of stability did not last long. Oman—and the Gulf region as a whole—underwent dramatic changes with the discovery of oil. Britain then began planning to eliminate the Imamate, which had existed since the early first Islamic century. British forces, with the support of the Sultan of Muscat, Said bin Taimur, launched attacks against the Imamate, occupying Ibri and the capital Nizwa in 1954–1955. The fierce war continued until 1958, ending with full occupation of the Imamate’s centers. Revolts continued until 1964, led by the Imam and his brother.
Sheikh Talib al‑Hinai, the Imam’s brother, served as the official representative of the Imamate at the Arab League in an attempt to resolve the conflict, but to no avail. Eventually, the Imam and his brother Talib sought political asylum in Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Talib died in the early 1980s, while Imam Ghalib lived the remainder of his life in the Eastern Province (Dammam) until 1430 AH / 2009 CE.
The Imam Who Named the Conflict “The Green Mountain Revolution”
Imam Ghalib bin Ali al‑Hinai was the one who named the mountain war “The Green Mountain Revolution,” while Sultan Said bin Taimur referred to it as “The Green Mountain Rebellion.” The conflict ended in 1959 with Sultan Said bin Taimur’s victory, supported by British forces. Imam Ghalib was Imam of the interior, while Sultan Said ruled the rest of the Sultanate. Many events unfolded beginning in 1954.
After the death of Imam Muhammad bin Abdullah al‑Khalili, Imam Ghalib was chosen to succeed him in the interior of Oman, following the practical division of Oman under the Treaty of Seeb between the Sultan of Muscat and the Imamate. This occurred in 1953 CE.
But political tensions escalated between the two governments in Oman. Skirmishes increased between Sultan Said bin Taimur and Imam Ghalib, eventually leading to a major armed confrontation. Sultan Said sought British military assistance, while Imam Ghalib turned to his Arab brothers for support. Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt officially supported him with money and weapons.
- Iraq trained the front‑line fighters (what would now be called special forces or commandos).
- Egypt, under Gamal Abdel Nasser, trained infantry and regular troops.
- Saudi Arabia served as the political base for the Imam’s diplomatic efforts.
Several resolutions were issued by the United Nations (then referred to as the League of Nations) in favor of Imam Ghalib.
However, Sultan Said’s forces were fully supported by Britain with weapons, equipment, soldiers, aircraft, and warships. Their military capability far exceeded that of the Imam’s forces, which were tribal, irregular, and lightly armed. Ultimately, the Imam was defeated and sought political asylum in Saudi Arabia. He refused to relinquish what he considered his legitimate right to the Imamate, but he had been abandoned by his people. He lived the rest of his life as a steadfast exile.
Why Imam Ghalib Never Returned After Seeking Asylum in Saudi Arabia
After Sultan Qaboos assumed power in Oman, King Faisal of Saudi Arabia initiated an effort to resolve the dispute so that the Imam would not live in exile far from his homeland.
During the arranged meeting, Sultan Qaboos entered and greeted the Imam, saying:
“How are you, Sheikh Ghalib?”
The Imam replied:
“How are you, Sheikh Qaboos?”
Sultan Qaboos responded:
“I am not a sheikh — I am the Sultan of Oman.”
The Imam answered:
“And I am not a sheikh — I am the Imam of the Muslims.”
The negotiations ended without any result.