Sa'd’s second and longest reign lasted approximately seven years and was marked by persistent warfare, economic strain, and internal political tensions. During this period the emirate faced repeated Castilian attacks that resulted in the loss or devastation of several strategic locations. Among the territories affected were
Estepona,
Malaga,
Fuengirola, and
Jimena de la Frontera, which were either captured or severely damaged during Christian campaigns. In September 1458 a truce between Granada and Castile was enacted and renewed on several occasions in the following years. Peace at a heavy cost for Granada predominated until 1462, the year in which he was dethroned, predominated. In order to secure this temporary peace, Sa'd was repeatedly compelled to negotiate truces with Castile. These agreements imposed heavy obligations on the Nasrid state. They included the payment of substantial tribute and the release of Christian captives held within the emirate. The financial burden of these concessions was considerable and contributed to the weakening of the Nasrid economy. To meet these demands, Sa'd sold properties belonging to the royal patrimony. Lands in fertile agricultural regions such as the Vega of Granada, valuable urban properties, and other assets traditionally associated with the crown were released in order to raise funds. The repeated need to satisfy Castilian demands thus undermined both the economic resources and the political prestige of the Nasrid monarchy.The currency was also devalued during Sa'd's reign; coins previously minted in gold were minted in silver or silver-plated copper. During these years the Abencerrajes clan exercised increasing influence within the Nasrid court. Although they had initially supported Sa'd’s cause, their growing power eventually became a source of concern for the sultan. Determined to curb their influence, Sa'd orchestrated a violent purge against them in 1462. According to later accounts, he organized an ambush in the
Alhambra that resulted in the execution of two of their principal leaders, Abu Surrur al-Mufarrij and the wazir, Yusuf ibn al-Sarraj. This dramatic episode became one of the most famous legends associated with the Nasrid palace. Popular tradition later claimed that the reddish stains visible in the fountain of the Hall of the Abencerrajes in the Alhambra were the traces of blood shed during this massacre. Although the historical accuracy of this interpretation is doubtful, the story reflects the enduring memory of the event in Granada’s cultural tradition. Other members of the clan managed to escape and took refuge in Málaga, from where they called upon other family members and supporters throughout al-Andalus to join them. Forces from Gibraltar responded to the call, leaving that important stronghold undefended. When Castile learned of this, the Duke of Medina Sidonia,
Juan de Guzmán, and the Count of Arcos, Rodrigo Ponce de León, seized the opportunity to
capture the stronghold in August 1462. A month later, the strategically important town of
Archidona fell to Castilian forces on 30 September 1462. The loss of these fortresses highlighted the growing vulnerability of the Nasrid frontier and further damaged Sa'd’s reputation. Despite his attempts to consolidate authority, Sa'd’s rule gradually lost support among the population. The repeated Castilian incursions and the heavy financial burdens imposed to secure peace eroded confidence in his leadership. Many inhabitants of Granada came to believe that the sultan was incapable of effectively defending the emirate. The discontent reached such levels that some residents of the city of Granada reportedly considered submitting voluntarily to Castile, preferring the status of
Mudejars (Muslims living under Christian rule) to continued insecurity under the Nasrid government. ==Interregnum of Ismail IV (1462–1463)==