Soon after the defeat of the al-Jalahima in December 1826, which followed the death in May 1825 of the senior co-ruling shaykh, Salman bin Ahmad, drastic and profound in-house disputes began within the Al Khalifa. While the shaykhdom had previously been divided geographically, it would now also split politically within two competitive parties – the Al Salman and the Al ‘Abdullah – and these internal disputes would result in considerably higher losses than those which had been associated with the warfare against the al-Jalahima. This chapter explores the 42-year period of dynastic struggle between 1827 and 1869, and analyses how the intra-tribal schism reflected on the ruling affairs of Bahrain, and on each party's external connections with other tribes and with regional powers. It also reviews and analyses the means used by both parties in their prolonged dispute, from hiring other tribes to resorting to regional powers.

In addition, the chapter demonstrations, inter alia, how the power-sharing understanding was, and would continue to be, a strong factor in the stability of the rulership. It will also observe the measures carried out by senior members of the Al Khalifa to hold their shaykhdom together, under a larger ‘asabiyya, despite the bloodstained feuds and tumultuous episodes. It was ‘asabiyya that would drive the kinsmen to engage in brutal combats and also to be receptive towards reconciliation.

Splitting the Household into Bloodline-Based Factions

After taking possession of Bahrain in 1783, ‘Abdullah and Salman bin Ahmad had jointly engaged with the affairs of the new colony, while their father (as the head of tribe) was stationed in the Al Khalifa's first and, as yet, still autonomous headquarters in Zubara. The contrast between the two brothers was first apparent following the death of their father and particularly after 1797. During the lifetime of the co-ruling brothers, the divergence grew gradually, but after Shaykh Salman's death, the tribe split into two clear factions and most of the domestic and regional tribal affairs were divided between the two groups.