In conjunction with the scholarly symposium organized—gratefully—by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), titled “The History of King Saud, may God have mercy on him,” it is an opportune moment to shed light on some of his blessed efforts and distinguished contributions in supporting Muslim minorities during his reign. Among these efforts are the following:
Establishment of the Islamic University
King Saud founded this venerable university in Tayyiba al‑Tayyiba, the city of the Messenger ﷺ, by Royal Decree No. 11, dated 25/3/1381 AH, followed by Royal Decree No. 117, dated 9/4/1381 AH, which approved its first basic statute and the internal regulations of its Board of Trustees.
He clarified the true objectives behind establishing the university in his address to the pilgrims in 1380 AH, stating:
“I have deemed it my duty to serve the Two Holy Mosques and to begin the work of spreading the Islamic call throughout the world. I therefore ordered the establishment of an Islamic university in al‑Madinah al‑Munawwarah, the sanctuary of the Messenger ﷺ, and provided it with the means and resources necessary to fulfill its noble mission. I brought scholars from various Muslim lands to prepare its programs, systems, and curricula. This university will welcome students from all parts of the world, and I will ensure that a considerable number of our African and Asian brothers—who yearn to learn Islam from its original sources—are among them. When these students complete their studies and gain understanding of the religion, they will return to the straight path. This is a long‑term endeavor, but it is the sound path for spreading the message of Islam to the farthest corners of the earth through this university and its affiliates, who, when dispersed across nations, will be united by the call to truth and become a cause for the unity, solidarity, and cooperation of Muslims everywhere.”
In 1381 AH, King Saud addressed the pilgrims again, saying:
“We have not neglected the interests of Muslims, their need to understand their religious and worldly affairs, and their thirst for knowledge. God has granted us the success to establish the Islamic University in al‑Madinah al‑Munawwarah, which we announced our intention to found at this time last year, to serve as a center for spreading Islamic sciences and civilization throughout the world. This university, which God guided us to establish, is supervised by a council of eminent and trustworthy Muslim scholars from various countries. It welcomes students from all lands as honored guests in their spiritual homeland, among appreciative brothers. It educates them in their religious and worldly affairs, acquaints them with the glories of their faith and civilization, and when they complete their studies, they return to their countries as messengers of guidance and light, calling to the word of God and truth.”
In Jumada al‑Akhirah 1381 AH, King Saud further stated:
“By the grace of God, we were aided in establishing an Islamic university in al‑Madinah al‑Munawwarah. It is the foundation of a structure we hope will symbolize the unity of Muslims, the restoration of their strength, and the attainment of their dignity.”
The royal decree establishing the university outlined the reasons for this noble initiative, including:
- Recognizing the beneficial impact of spreading knowledge in strengthening the foundations of religion and uplifting the Muslim nation across the world.
- The desire to convey the message of Islam.
- Working to encourage learning and disseminate knowledge.
- His commitment—may God have mercy on him—to following the guidance of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the path of the righteous predecessors, seeking God’s pleasure and reward.
- As stated in Article One of the university’s basic statute: the purpose is to educate students from Saudi Arabia and the Islamic world in religious sciences, Arabic, and selected foreign languages; to train them in research and debate; to prepare them as callers to Islam and defenders of truth; and to equip them to lecture, write refutations of atheists, defend the faith, and address the problems facing Muslims in their religious and worldly affairs.
Establishment of “Voice of Islam Radio” (now Nidaa Al‑Islam)
King Saud also issued a royal decree establishing “Voice of Islam Radio,” now known as Nidaa Al‑Islam. The station began broadcasting on 7/12/1380 AH.
Dr. Salman bin Saud notes that the founding decree—issued early in King Saud’s reign and described as the foundational charter of Saudi broadcasting—reveals his intent to define the media policy that continues to guide Saudi media today. Among its key principles:
- Ensuring that no broadcast material contradicts the Qur’an or the Sunnah.
- Avoiding content that may cause division within the Muslim world or weaken the bonds of brotherhood among its peoples.
- Assigning the radio—and other media outlets—a missionary role in spreading Islamic teachings within the Kingdom and abroad.
Convening the First Islamic Conference
King Saud—may God have mercy on him—called upon Muslims to convene an Islamic conference in Makkah during the 1374 AH pilgrimage season to discuss the conditions and challenges of Muslims and to strengthen Islamic solidarity. Muslims across the world welcomed the call, and delegations arrived from Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Tunisia, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, and other nations.
Establishment of the Muslim World League
The Islamic Conference held during the 1380 AH pilgrimage season resulted in the establishment of the Muslim World League. Prince Khalid bin Saud, Chief of the Royal Court, announced to the attendees:
“His Majesty the King has ordered the construction of a headquarters for the League in Makkah at his own expense, and has also ordered the allocation of one million Saudi riyals as his contribution to the League’s budget.”
Support for Muslim Minorities in India
Dr. Salman bin Saud notes that King Saud’s generous patronage extended to numerous religious and charitable institutions in India, including:
- Jama Masjid in Delhi
- Jamiat al‑Ulama in Delhi
- Ahl‑e‑Hadith organizations
- Relief and medical associations in Banaras
- Nadwat al‑Ulama in Lucknow
- Darul Uloom Deoband
- Najmat Islam in Bombay
- The Indo‑Arab Society in Bombay
- Aligarh Muslim University
- Relief for storm victims in South India
- Islamic orphanages in Pune and Bangalore
- Quranic education societies
- Islamic schools in Surat
- The Central Association for the Blind
- Yule Hospital
The total financial support provided to these institutions amounted to 805,000 Indian rupees.
Conclusion
These examples clearly demonstrate that King Saud bin Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him—carried a deep concern for the Muslim nation and recognized the importance of supporting, empowering, and advocating for Muslim minorities across the globe. We ask God Almighty not to deprive him of the reward for what he offered to his Muslim brothers everywhere.
Khalid bin Hudoub Al‑Muhaideb
Researcher in the Field of Endowments