Based on new information gathered from extensive fieldwork in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, this account sheds light on the story and legacy of Juhayman al-145;Utaybi, the militant who led the 1979 takeover of Islam8217;s holiest site: the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Detailing the events that would set in motion numerous attacks160; on the U.S. embassy in Pakistan160;and Shia uprisings in oil-rich areas of Saudi Arabia, this record offers insight into the religious inspiration behind the rebel leader8217;s message and acknowledges many unanswered questions: Who were the rebels and what did they want? Why and how did Juhayman8217;s group come into existence? What was Juhayman al-145;Utaybi8217;s ideological legacy and how have his writings influenced contemporary Islamist strains?