Friday, 29 August 2014
I read in Al‑Jazirah newspaper, issue no. 15291 dated Sunday 14‑10‑1435 AH, an article titled “King Saud… A History That Cannot Be Forgotten” by Professor Dr. Ibrahim Al‑Majid, written in response to the article by my esteemed colleague Mohammed Al‑Faisal titled “King Saud and Al‑Mishraq” in the same newspaper. I thank them both for the clarity they brought to the legacy of this beloved king who devoted his life to serving and developing his country, and to personally checking on the conditions of his people during his continuous tours—whether in major cities like Riyadh or in his repeated visits to towns and provinces across the Kingdom.
Despite the lack of comfortable roads at the time, he—may God have mercy on him—endured the hardship, traveling by car to inspect, observe, guide, console, inquire, and assist. He was the father of the poor, the orphans, the widows—indeed, the father of the entire nation. This is an undeniable truth, attested to by many citizens and writers. The late writer Abdulkarim Al‑Juhaiman, for example, used to title his articles in the beautiful Al‑Qassim newspaper simply: “To the Father of the People, Saud”—without titles, and he repeated this often, as did many others.
Among the memories I hold of his concern for visiting the Kingdom’s towns and provinces are his two visits to Al‑Zulfi, the town where I was born and where I received part of my education—thanks to God first, and then to King Saud’s kindness and generosity. He ordered the establishment of an orphanage in Al‑Zulfi in 1375 AH, similar to those he established in other cities such as Riyadh, Makkah, Jeddah, Dammam, Al‑Ahsa, Buraidah, Al‑Dawadmi, Afif, Bisha, Abha, Al‑Aflaj, Najran, and others I can no longer recall.
These schools were boarding institutions: classes from morning until noon, and the rest of the day spent in residence, where food, drink, and recreation were provided through programs prepared by the school administration. The internal system was well‑organized—worship, meals, study, sleep, recreation, and weekly leave from Thursday noon to Friday afternoon.
Meals consisted of three daily servings: a varied breakfast, and lunch and dinner that included meat, rice, and similar dishes. Each student received summer and winter clothing, and laundry was done by hand. Sleeping arrangements were on beds considered luxurious at the time—what we now call “sleep high.” Students lived comfortably, enjoying clean food and good living conditions.
I will not dwell on this further, for it deserves many pages. But I return to say: King Saud—may God have mercy on him—visited Al‑Zulfi twice.
The First Visit — 1373 AH
The townspeople organized a grand official celebration in his honor. Accompanying him were Their Royal Highnesses Princes Mohammed, Nasser, and Abdullah, sons of King Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on the deceased among them and prolong the life of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. The visit was brief; he met with the people, checked on their conditions, and listened to their needs.
The Second Visit — 1378 AH
He arrived early, had dinner, and attended the ceremonial and athletic festival prepared for him. The speech on behalf of the townspeople was delivered by teacher Abdulmohsen Al‑Turaiki of Al‑Quds School.
A Memory I Will Never Forget
From his first visit in 1373 AH, I recall that I was a small boy of about seven. I lived with my brother Saud on my grandfather Ubaid Al‑Hammad’s farm, five kilometers outside town. We tended the farm—watering and herding sheep.
One day, my uncle Mohammed—may God have mercy on him—came unusually early and told me to return from the pasture before afternoon. I was delighted, though I dared not ask why, due to the harsh social conditions we lived in. Our lives were hard labor, isolated from society, unable to converse with anyone.
When I returned and brought the sheep into the pens, my uncle told me to come with him. I did not know where or why. We walked until we reached the desert road from Riyadh—a road nearly empty due to the scarcity of cars.
We stood there. I still did not know why.
After about half an hour, I saw a convoy of cars approaching. My heart pounded with fear and awe. Moments later, the lead car—a beautiful vehicle—stopped right in front of us, and the rest halted behind it. When the dust settled, King Saud—may God envelop him in His vast mercy—opened the door and greeted us with the greeting of Islam: “Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings.”
My uncle returned the greeting. As for me, I was trembling so much that I could not speak. Had my legs obeyed me, I would have run away. I swear to you, this is exactly how it happened.
What a moment—a king of such stature stopping his great convoy to greet and inquire about a humble man in the desert.
He asked my uncle about his personal affairs. Then he turned to me and asked a question I had never heard before, containing words I did not even understand:
“What is your name, ya shater?”
(“What is your name, clever boy?”)
I could not answer from fear and bewilderment.
He instructed his aide to give my uncle a pouch of coins and many clothes. Then he sought permission to leave—yes, he asked permission—saying:
“Allow me. Peace be upon you.”
I will never forget those words.
The convoy moved on toward the town. I did not dare ask my uncle who that man was. I felt as though I had stepped into another world. And I assure you: every detail I recount is true.
A Prayer
O God, have mercy on this humble king, grant him vast forgiveness, and place him among the righteous, the martyrs, and the truthful. Amen, Lord of the Worlds.
What I have written are but glimpses from memory about a king who loved his people, and they loved him in return. He did much for them, leaving many positive marks. Perhaps, God willing, I will speak of them in a future article. I ask the readers’ pardon for this modest piece about this great king—may God have mercy on him.
Peace be upon you.
— Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah Al‑Hamad