King Saud bin Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him—was closely attached to his father, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman—may God rest his soul—and learned from him all matters of governance and statecraft. His speeches were known for their strength and eloquence, and his written correspondence was marked by clarity and authority. King Saud left behind a collection of letters addressed to judges across the Kingdom, some written during his time as Crown Prince and others after he assumed the throne.
Among the judges he corresponded with was Sheikh Saleh bin Ibrahim Al‑Tassan, judge of Bani Malik, Al‑Rass, and other regions. These letters consistently focused on matters of religion and state, offering guidance first to the judges and then to the public, informing them of new decisions, and urging them to seek the truth whenever entrusted with the affairs of Muslims. Some letters also addressed the welfare of judges, checking on their financial and social conditions.
Below are two letters King Saud sent to Sheikh Saleh Al‑Tassan—may God have mercy on them both.
First Letter
No. 240, dated 16/1/1369 AH
Subject: Statement of Monthly Salary and Allowances
Text of the letter:
“From Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al‑Faisal to the esteemed brother Sheikh Saleh Al‑Tassan—may God protect him.
Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings.
May God perpetuate upon us and upon you the blessing of Islam. After that: For a long time we have been concerned with arranging something that ensures your comfort. Therefore, we have decided to grant you a monthly salary of four hundred riyals beginning from Muharram 1369. Out of affection and compassion for you, we have also ordered that you continue to receive annually the dates and grain previously allotted to you, in addition to the mentioned salary. As for the remaining allowances—whether monthly, yearly, or related to workers—we have compensated you for them through the monthly amount mentioned above, for your convenience. This is what needed to be clarified. Peace.”
Issued on 15 Muharram 1369 AH.
Second Letter
No. 540, dated 9/10/1378 AH
Subject: Acting in Accordance with What Clears One’s Conscience by Seeking the Truth in Judicial Matters
Text of the letter:
“From Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al‑Faisal to the esteemed Sheikh Saleh bin Ibrahim Al‑Tassan—may God protect him.
Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings. After that: Your letter dated 13/9/1378 has arrived, and what you mentioned was already known. Our reliance is upon God, then upon you. You must act in a manner that clears your conscience by seeking the truth whenever you are entrusted with any matter concerning the Muslims. Pay no attention to anyone. What you are doing in seeking the truth and avoiding falsification is the same practice followed by your fellow judges in other regions. We ask God to grant us and you success. Peace.”
Biographical Notes
King Saud
King Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman bin Faisal Al Saud was the second son of the Founder—may God have mercy on them both—and the second King of Saudi Arabia. He was born in Kuwait on 5 Shawwal 1319 AH. In his youth, he attended the councils of his father King Abdulaziz and his grandfather Abdulrahman Al‑Faisal, learning governance, politics, and administration until he mastered them. He earned his father’s trust and was entrusted with responsibilities that prepared him for leadership and foreign affairs. He passed away on 6 Dhu al‑Hijjah 1388 AH—may God have mercy on him.
Sheikh Saleh bin Ibrahim Al‑Tassan
Sheikh Saleh bin Ibrahim bin Muhammad bin Ibrahim bin Saad bin Abdulrahman Al‑Tassan was born in Al‑Rass in 1328 AH. He studied under several scholars in Al‑Rass, Makkah, and Riyadh. He served as a judge in various regions, including Makkah, Bani Malik, Al‑Qahmah, Al‑Rass, Al‑Asyah, Al‑Khurmah, Ranyah, Al‑Quway‘iyah, and Al‑Bukayriyah. He passed away in Al‑Rass on 11 Safar 1420 AH.
Published in Al‑Jazirah Newspaper