In his column “From the Spirit of the Nation,” Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Al‑Humaid placed the dots on the letters regarding several important social issues related to the future of the country and the comfort of its citizens.
In issue no. 1206, his pen moved gracefully as he briefly addressed five vital topics in a concise and meaningful style. I cannot, in this short space, comment on all of them, but in his first paragraph he briefly alluded to the historic role played by King Saud—may God have mercy on him—in serving his religion, his nation, his people, and the causes of the Arab world during his reign. He referred to the prosperity and flourishing the country witnessed under his rule, when he would order the establishment of a developmental or civilizational project in any part of the Kingdom, and only a few months would pass before the project stood tall and began yielding its fruits—thanks to his diligent follow‑up and his strong insistence on swift execution.
As for his compassion, kindness, humanity, and humility—these will forever remain exemplary models of loyalty, virtue, and noble conduct. I recall, for example, one incident I will never forget. During his inspection tours across the country, he visited the province of Al‑Rass in Al‑Qassim in 1379 AH. At the time, I was among a group of young teachers who owned motorcycles—our only means of reaching our schools.
Before the visit, we agreed to form a small escort around his motorcade using our motorcycles as he moved through the province and its surrounding villages. When night fell, he—may God have mercy on him—would order the rental of a large truck to carry our motorcycles, out of mercy and concern for us, so that we would not have to ride in the dark, especially given the scarcity of electricity in rural areas at that time.
One evening, as we were returning with him after Maghrib from the town of Al‑Shanānā to his residence in Al‑Rass, he stopped his motorcade and asked for us. We were ten teachers. He gave each of us a monetary reward and a valuable wristwatch, thanking us one by one. This was his habit during his tours: whenever he passed by a tent on the roadside, he would stop, drink a cup of coffee with its owner, give him what God had granted him, and then continue on his way. May God forgive him, grant him spacious mercy, and reward him on behalf of the nation and the ummah with the best of rewards.
From here, I return to another point raised by Mr. Al‑Humaid regarding the recommendations of the Second National Dialogue Forum in Makkah. He suggested that future sessions be open to the public and that opportunities be given to other voices waiting for their turn to participate and express opinions on matters that would bring this nation greater dignity, strength, prosperity, and stability. I consider this proposal to be right on target, and I am certain it will not escape the attention and wisdom of the officials.
Abdullah Al‑Saleh Al‑Rasheed
Former Director‑General of Education – Al‑Rass
Al‑Watan Newspaper – 27 January 2004 / 5 Dhul‑Hijjah 1424 – Issue 1215