# Sherif Hussein — Seven Pillars of Wisdom character guide

> Sherif Hussein in Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Hussein, King Hussein, the martyred Hussein

**First appearance:** 0003-introduction-foundations-of-revolt

## Snapshot

The Grand Sherif of Mecca whose proclamation launched the Arab revolt and whose sons carry its weight across the desert.

## Who they are

Hussein is the revolt's origin and its absent center: the father whose authority legitimizes Feisal, Ali, and Nasir, but whose decisions reach the front only as rumor and instruction. His lineage—descended from the Prophet's family, respected second only to the Emirs of Mecca—gives the movement its claim to speak for Arab Islam. The sons he sends into the field must translate his ambition into victories he will never witness firsthand.

## In the story

### [Introduction: Foundations of Revolt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/introduction-foundations-of-revolt)

Leader of the Arab rebellion, whose revolt surprised the Allies.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/iv)

Mentioned as the Sherif of Mecca, whom the Turks tried to coerce into supporting the Holy War.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/v)

Determined to wage war against the Young Turks, sends Feisal to Damascus and Ali to Medina, trusts in God and ignores military caution.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/vii)

Sherif Hussein's rebellion and opening of the coast to Allied ships is noted; he is the target of French intrigue and Turkish advances.

### [Book I: The Discovery of Feisal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/book-i-the-discovery-of-feisal)

Aged Sherif of Mecca, found to be too old for effective leadership.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/viii)

Grand Sherif of Mecca; initially distrustful of Lawrence's proposal but eventually consents via telephone.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/ix)

Arranges for the band to play via telephone; communicates with Storrs.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xiii)

The father who ordered the revolt but did not fully coordinate with his sons.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xiv)

Described as outwardly gentle but crafty, with deep ambition and un-Arabian foresight.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxviii)

King Hussein refuses to accept Jaafar Pasha's services due to his narrow views and dislike of Mesopotamians and Syrians.

### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lvii)

King Hussein meets Lawrence in Jidda; accepts Feisal's transfer to Allenby after Wilson's help.

### [XCVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xcvii)

King Hussein avoids Lawrence's request for reinforcement, citing Ramadan and poor telephone connections.

### [Balancing for a Last Effort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/book-ix-balancing-for-a-last-effort)

King Hussein shows untimely pique that threatens to disrupt preparations for Deraa.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/characters/sherif_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