"ملف ١/A/٣٧ I شيخ رأس الخيمة" [و‎‎١‎٨‎٣] (٥٦٠/٣٧٠)

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iv. In Kuwait we have many examples of this joint
possession ot property, notably the date gardens of the
Shaikhly house of the ill Subah on the Shatt al Arabj which by
consent of the whole family, have been managed and administered
for many years by the Ruler himself.
The same system is today also in existence in Riath,
where I understand Bin Saud looks after the garden and house
property of all the members of the Al Saud family, and the same
also was the fashion during Turkish times among the great famil
ies of the Al Saadun and Naqibs of Basra.
v * It should never be forgotten however that according
to the strict letter of the Sheria Law the system is wrong
(just like the veiling of women), and any individual, who
happens to be dissatisfied with his lot, can theoretically
claim to be given his lawful share of the family prpperty
whatever it be and at any time, In practice'-it-is not so
easy, especially when the family as a whole has approved the
system, or the head of the house happens to be a ruler of a
State like Bin Saud, the Imam Yahya, or Ibn Subah.
vi. It is quite clear that the system of trying to
keep the family property together, originated in the days when
anarchy and disorder existed in Arabia, and when it was
necessary and very essential to keep the family strong,
for protective purposes. We see signs of the same fear in the
fortress like way all Arab houses are built (i.e. the absence of
all outside windows and the small door in the Centre of the big
door).
vii. lit is further quite clear also that the system is
so deeply rooted in the heart of every Arab, as to be at once
his strength and his weakness - His strength because it keep
the family life healthy and strong, his weakness because it
teaches him to believe that all Kings^ Governments etc. as we
know /