# Sherif Ali ibn el Hussein — Seven Pillars of Wisdom character guide > Sherif Ali ibn el Hussein in Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Ali, Sherif Ali, young Ali **First appearance:** 0014-x ## Snapshot A son of Sherif Hussein who commands Arab forces in the field, carrying the family's name into the hard northern fighting. ## Who they are 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. ## In the story ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/book-i-the-discovery-of-feisal) Found to be too clean. ### [Departure from Rabegh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/x) Provides Lawrence with a camel and guide; described as bookish, consumptive, and dignified. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xiii) Mentioned as having gone to Rabegh to investigate supply issues and later settling there with Zeid. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xvii) Commands about three thousand Arab infantry at Rabegh, with regulars under Aziz el Masri. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xix) His father el Hussein lost his coffeepots in the rout. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxi) Moves north with his army to attack Turks in Wadi Safra but falls back in disorder after false reports. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxxi) Ordered to attack the railway north of Mastur's position. ### [LXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxx) Brought from the Beni Sakhr to lead the raid; described as courageous, strong, and reckless. ### [LXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxii) Arrives with his cavalcade after losing camels on the pass; later arrives at Auda's camp with Abd el Kader. ### [LXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxiii) Commands the party with Lawrence; handles the Beni Sakhr confrontation and later judges the Bisha masons. ### [LXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxiv) Assists Lawrence in rallying the Serahin and later shares a restless night due to vermin. ### [LXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxv) Sees Azrak for the first time, experiences a moment of joy and freedom, and helps plan the bridge raid. ### [LXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxvi) Rides with Lawrence in the rear, driving the men forward and disciplining a servant. ### [LXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxvii) Proposes blowing up a train to lift spirits and agrees to proceed without machine-gun support. ### [LXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxviii) Supports Lawrence, mediates tribal disputes, suffers from fever, and leads the rescue of Lawrence under fire. ### [The Dogs of Harith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxix) Hosts visitors, demonstrates charisma and leadership, and shares the winter isolation with Lawrence. ### [LXXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxxi) Lawrence leaves him in charge at Azrak with money and the Indians; they exchange clothes and part affectionately. ### [LXXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxxii) Mentioned as conducting operations near Medina. ### [LXXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxxiii) Mentioned as being on the Turkish bounty list alongside Lawrence after the capture of Akaba. ### [Portraits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/portraits) Portrait by Kennington. ### [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations) Depicted in a portrait by Kennington. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/characters/ali_ibn_el_hussein - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/characters