The system of governance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—rooted in the Qur’an and the Sunnah—represents a distinctive model characterized by its comprehensive humanity, generosity, and faithful application of the principles of Islamic law. Those who assumed the imamate or kingship in this Kingdom adhered to the same path, never deviating from its principles or directives.
Thus, the letters of the Imams and Kings of Saudi Arabia reflect the practical implementation of this approach. They offer examples that affirm the comprehensiveness of governance, the care for national affairs, and the close attention given to the religious and worldly concerns of their people.
King Saud’s method of governance did not differ from that of his predecessors—his fathers and forefathers. Rather, it was a continuation of the same approach and practice, while also embracing the means of modern civilization, progress, and its benefits.
King Saud assumed power following the death of his father, King Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him—on Monday, 2 Rabi‘ al‑Awwal 1373 AH (9 November 1953). He remained in power until 27 Jumada al‑Akhirah 1384 AH (2 November 1964), when his Crown Prince, Faisal bin Abdulaziz, was pledged allegiance as King.
Among his most notable achievements was his adherence to the path of his father, King Abdulaziz, and his deep concern for Islamic and Arab causes. He supported the Palestinian cause and stood by Egypt during the Tripartite Aggression of 1376 AH (1956). His reign witnessed numerous domestic tours across the Kingdom, as well as international visits aimed at strengthening cooperation with neighboring and friendly nations.
During his reign, several ministries were established, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Communications. The Kingdom’s first university—King Saud University—was inaugurated, as well as its first military academy, the King Abdulaziz Military College in Riyadh.
His era also saw the issuance of key state regulations, foremost among them the Council of Ministers Law, ratified by Royal Decree No. 38 on 22 Shawwal 1377 AH (11 May 1958).
Continuing the efforts of his father—the Founder—King Saud devoted great attention to Islamic affairs. He expanded religious institutes and Qur’an memorization schools, ordered the printing of numerous Islamic books, supported the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, facilitated the comfort of pilgrims, expanded the Prophet’s Mosque, initiated the expansion of the Sacred Mosque in Mecca, and strengthened the army with modern weaponry.
Given the vast number and diversity of King Saud’s correspondences, it is impossible to study them all, despite the importance of such research. These documents faithfully reflect the political, economic, and social realities of their time, and they represent an essential part of the history of influential figures of that era.
However, the sheer volume of letters issued during King Saud’s reign—though requiring multiple studies—does not preclude analyzing selected examples that illuminate important aspects of his character.
King Saud was widely known for his adherence to Islamic principles, his exemplary conduct, his devotion to his parents, his kindness, generosity, and noble character—qualities still remembered by those who lived during his time. These traits testify to his patience, generosity, benevolence, love for people, concern for Muslim affairs, and his personal relationships with scholars, writers, statesmen, and intellectuals inside and outside the Kingdom.
One of the earliest letters he sent to the citizens outlined the principles he intended to follow in governance. It is a letter of profound meaning, beginning with the words:
“From Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to my noble people.”
This opening reflects his simplicity, humility, and lack of attachment to titles, as well as his affection and respect for his people.
In this letter, dated 20 Rabi‘ al‑Awwal 1373 AH (26 November 1953), King Saud consoles the Saudi people on the passing of King Abdulaziz, reminding them of his virtues and the security, prosperity, and progress achieved during his reign. He writes:
“Praise be to God for His decree, and thanks for His grace. Blessings and peace be upon His Prophet, His chosen one.
It was God’s will that our great sovereign, the Founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, unifier of its lands, and builder of its glory, answer the call of his Lord after a life spent striving to exalt the word of God, manifest His religion, and uphold His law.
Through God’s help, he succeeded in elevating his people in all aspects of life, replacing discord with harmony, and spreading security and justice across lands once plagued by oppression and fear.
God brought forth goodness and blessing through his pure hands, and the country enjoyed prosperity unprecedented in its history.
Now we lose him at a time when we are most in need of his unique character, vast experience, profound wisdom, and valuable guidance.
May God grant us and you patience. To God we belong and to Him we return.”
He then expresses gratitude to the Saudi people for unanimously pledging allegiance to him, promising to follow his father’s path, uphold the trust placed upon him, establish Islamic rites, safeguard the rights of the people, and ensure their comfort and security.
He clearly outlines his policy:
“I shall devote my attention to strengthening the army, spreading knowledge, investing the nation’s resources, and expanding the means of prosperity for all.
I will strive with all my strength to reinforce bonds of brotherhood among Arabs and Muslims, while maintaining the friendship of foreign nations cherished by our late sovereign, cooperating with all who are sincere to us, so that our nation may attain its rightful place among nations.”
He then notes his appointment of his brother, Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz, as Crown Prince, and concludes with prayers for success, prosperity, and security for the nation.
Among the early letters reflecting filial piety and loyalty is one he sent to all regional governors after the death of Imam Abdulrahman—may God have mercy on him—dated 24 Safar 1347 AH (11 August 1928). It reads:
“You know that my master, the father, the Imam, has passed to God’s mercy.
We do not wish that any obligation remain upon him.
By God’s grace, we are able to settle any claim.
Whoever has any right, great or small, should inform us, and we shall fulfill it completely.
I do not permit anyone to conceal a claim.
After informing you of this, the responsibility of both the living and the deceased is cleared.
We ask God to guide us and you to goodness. Peace.”
This letter carries profound meaning. It demonstrates King Saud’s commitment to clearing the obligations of his grandfather, Imam Abdulrahman, by writing to regional governors to ensure that no citizen had an unsettled right or claim. This reflects his deep devotion to his father, King Abdulaziz, and his grandfather—may God have mercy on them both.
King Saud also took great care in offering guidance to citizens. These advisories were written under his supervision, reviewed by scholars, then printed and distributed across cities, villages, and settlements to be read in mosques after Friday sermons and on official occasions. They encouraged adherence to Islamic teachings, noble customs, cooperation with authorities, solidarity, charity, zakat, and other virtues, tailored to the needs of the time.
These letters typically began with:
“From Saud bin Abdulaziz to whomever it may reach among judges, scholars, governors, heads of agencies, and others… Peace be upon you and God’s mercy and blessings.”
And concluded with:
“We ask God to guide us and you to His straight path, to grant victory to His religion, elevate His word, defeat His enemies, rectify the affairs of Muslims, and unite them upon guidance. He is capable of all things and worthy of answering prayers. May God’s blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.”
As an example of these advisories, we present a letter written by King Saud on 6 Ramadan 1377 AH (26 March 1958), addressed to judges, scholars, governors, and heads of agencies. In it, he emphasized adherence to Islamic values, the importance of enjoining good and forbidding evil, maintaining prayer, encouraging Qur’an recitation and memorization, and avoiding sins and violations of Islamic law.