Sultan al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman

Sultan al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman , often referred to as "Abu al-Muwahib" ("father of gifts"), was a ruler of the Kilwa Sultanate, in present-day Tanzania, from 1310 until 1333. His full name was Abu al-Muzaffar Hasan Abu al-Muwahib ibn Sulaiman al-Mat'un ibn Hasan ibn Talut al-Mahdal. He was one of the most prosperous rulers of Kilwa before Portuguese contact, having been known for his generosity in addition to his military, economic, and architectural programs.

Titles Al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman was known to carry multiple titles corroborated by multiple sources during his reign. The most well known title "Abu al-Mawahib" meaning "father of gifts" was bestowed upon him for his generosity, and is known from the Kilwa chronicle and attested by ibn Battuta and gold coins attributed to him. Another well attested title was "al-Malik al-Mansur" meaning "the commander of the faithful and the victorious king," is known from a Husuni Kubwa inscription and confirmed on the gold coins dedicated to him. 2 further titles not found elsewhere are also noted on the gold coins, "Ashadd al-Din" ("strongest in the faith") and "Nasir al-Milla" ("helper of the religion").

Early life Al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman was born as the grandson of al-Hasan bin Talut the founder of the Mahdali dynasty of Yemeni Arab origin that usurped the Shirazi and ruled Kilwa. At a young age he had been sent to study in Aden while his grandfather was still ruling.

Reign When al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman returned to Kilwa Kisiwani after 2 years of Daud rule, his brother voluntarily stepped down in accordance to succession rights.

Al-Hasan ibn Sulaiman was ruling when ibn Battuta had visited the region and noted down the generosity of the sultan towards others, especially towards visitors with him even witnessing the sultan giving his robes to a poor man.

Militarily he had reconquered Mafia island which was traditionally under Kilwan control but had continued to be ruled by the Shirazi dynasty after the Mahdali usurpation. His conquest of Mafia island was significant as it was traditionally viewed as legitimizing the Mahdali dynasty, fully conquering the Shirazi which was yet to be done by his predecessors and reestablishing Kilwan sovereignty over the island. Despite Husuni Kubwa never finishing and being abandoned after his reign the building was significant in bringing new architecture styles to Kilwa including domes and arched buildings which continued to be in use in the region for 200 years.