Muhammad IX of Granada

Muhammad IX (1384-1453), also known by his Arabic and Castilian nicknames Al-Aysar and El Zurdo ("The Left Handed"), was the fifteenth Nasrid ruler of the Emirate of Granada on the Iberian Peninsula.

Muhammad IX was the longest-ruling and most decisive of the 15th-century Granadan sultans, despite his frequent removals from the throne. He ruled a total of about 28 years across four intervals: 1419–1427, 1430–31, 1432–1445 and 1447–1453. His reign was twice interrupted by other Nasrid factions and twice by the Castilians, who had a policy of destabilizing the kingdom by aiding challengers to the throne. Although Muhammad IX had the support of many of the leading figures in Granada, he did not enjoy widespread popular support, especially in the early years of his reign.

Through lineage and marriage he was closely tied to several prominent Nasrid figures of his era. He was the grandson of Muhammad V and the nephew of Yusuf II. Two wives are known, Zahr al-Riyāḍ and Umm al-Fatḥ. Both women were noted for their political influence, especially Umm al-Fatḥ whom Muhammad IX consulted frequently on matters of state. Muhammad IX had no male heir, just three daughters: Umm al- Fath, married to Muhammad X; Fatima, possibly married to Yusuf V; and ‘Aisha, married to Abu l-Hasan ‘Ali.

He was probably born in Granada around 1384–1385, as suggested by the circumcision ceremony organized for him by his grandfather in 1384. In his youth he was imprisoned in Salobreña, probably after the accession of Muhammad VIII in 1417.