Tuanku Tambusai

Sheikh Haji Muhammad Saleh (Tambusai, Rokan Hulu, Riau, Johor Sultanate, 5 November 1784 – Sungai Ujong, British Malaya, 12 November 1882), better known as Tuanku Tambusai, was an Islamic leader in the Padri movement. He fought the Adat and Dutch colonists during the Padri Wars in 1838, along with his contemporaries, Tuanku Imam Bonjol and Tuanku Rao.

Early life
Muhammad Saleh was born in Dalu-dalu, a village in Tambusai, on 5 November 1784. He was the son an Islamic teacher from Rambah, Minang in western Sumatera, and a woman named Munah, who came from a village in Tambusai called Kandang Kopuh. Prior to his birth, his father was appointed chief imam by the Sultan of Riau.

During Muhammad Saleh's childhood, his father taught him martial arts and horseback riding. He also learned from Islamic scholars in Bonjol and Rao. He was also inspired by the understanding of salaf from the teaching of Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab during his time in Mecca. Muhammad Saleh became the leader of the Padri movement in Tambusai and was granted the title by Tuanku Tambusai, meaning, Lord of Tambusai, by the Sultan.

Padri Wars
In 1833, Tuanku Tambusai began gaining a following in the valley of Rao.

In May and June 1834, Tuanku Tambusai and his forces besieged two Dutch ports, in Huta Nopan and slightly further south.