Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Character

Sherif Ali ibn el Hussein

A son of Sherif Hussein who commands Arab forces in the field, carrying the family's name into the hard northern fighting.

supporting

Also known as Ali, Sherif Ali, young Ali

First appearance: Departure from Rabegh

As a supporting figure in Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Sherif Ali ibn el Hussein is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Sent to Medina to raise troops quietly; later presents troops to Enver and Jemal, whispering to Feisal to kill them.

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Ali is one of the Sherifian brothers whose presence turns a tribal raid into a movement with dynastic weight. He operates in the northern theater, far from Feisal's immediate circle, and his authority rests on the same Hashimite lineage that gives the revolt its claim to speak for Arab Islam. The campaign's early–middle arc depends on men like him holding distant fronts while Feisal and Lawrence concentrate on the Hejaz railway and the march toward Damascus.

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See Sherif Ali ibn el Hussein in Departure from Rabegh

Character Web

50 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Arab Revolt Leadership
Diverse Support Figures
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

Sherif Ali ibn el Hussein appears across 22 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

V
Sent to Medina to raise troops quietly; later presents troops to Enver and Jemal, whispering to Feisal to kill them.
Book I: The Discovery of Feisal
Found to be too clean.
Departure from Rabegh
Provides Lawrence with a camel and guide; described as bookish, consumptive, and dignified.
XIII
Mentioned as having gone to Rabegh to investigate supply issues and later settling there with Zeid.
XVII
Commands about three thousand Arab infantry at Rabegh, with regulars under Aziz el Masri.
XIX
His father el Hussein lost his coffeepots in the rout.
XXI
Moves north with his army to attack Turks in Wadi Safra but falls back in disorder after false reports.
XXXI
Ordered to attack the railway north of Mastur's position.
LXX
Brought from the Beni Sakhr to lead the raid; described as courageous, strong, and reckless.
LXXII
Arrives with his cavalcade after losing camels on the pass; later arrives at Auda's camp with Abd el Kader.
LXXIII
Commands the party with Lawrence; handles the Beni Sakhr confrontation and later judges the Bisha masons.
LXXIV
Assists Lawrence in rallying the Serahin and later shares a restless night due to vermin.
LXXV
Sees Azrak for the first time, experiences a moment of joy and freedom, and helps plan the bridge raid.
LXXVI
Rides with Lawrence in the rear, driving the men forward and disciplining a servant.
LXXVII
Proposes blowing up a train to lift spirits and agrees to proceed without machine-gun support.
LXXVIII
Supports Lawrence, mediates tribal disputes, suffers from fever, and leads the rescue of Lawrence under fire.
The Dogs of Harith
Hosts visitors, demonstrates charisma and leadership, and shares the winter isolation with Lawrence.
LXXXI
Lawrence leaves him in charge at Azrak with money and the Indians; they exchange clothes and part affectionately.
LXXXII
Mentioned as conducting operations near Medina.
LXXXIII
Mentioned as being on the Turkish bounty list alongside Lawrence after the capture of Akaba.
Portraits
Portrait by Kennington.
List of Illustrations
Depicted in a portrait by Kennington.

Chapter companion notes

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