26 May 2008
The King Abdulaziz Foundation issued a clarification in response to certain press writings that accompanied the scientific symposium on the history of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz, organized by the Foundation from 6 to 8 May. These writings included, in general, some inaccurate information concerning historical events related to the reign of King Saud bin Abdulaziz—may God have mercy on him—particularly regarding the issues of the abolition of slavery and girls’ education.
The Foundation stated the following:
First: The Issue of Abolishing Slavery
The process of abolishing slavery began during the reign of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. Historical documents confirm this, including royal orders prohibiting the importation of slaves.
The official Saudi newspaper Umm Al‑Qura published on Friday, 11 Rabi‘ al‑Awwal 1356 AH (21 May 1937), a report titled “Instructions Regarding the Trade of Slaves”, which included a complete ban on bringing slaves into Saudi Arabia from any country.
This prohibition was reinforced through directives issued by King Abdulaziz to regional governors.
Efforts continued during the reign of King Saud bin Abdulaziz. Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz stated in his book “Images from the Life of Abdulaziz” that King Saud formed a committee headed by the Minister of Interior, Prince Abdulmohsin bin Abdulaziz, with the membership of Sheikh Mohammed Al‑Harkan, Chief Judge of Jeddah, and other officials, to examine the issue of slavery.
Work on this matter continued during King Saud’s reign until the official decree abolishing slavery was issued. The government paid generous compensation to former slave owners, as announced in the ministerial statement outlining the state’s new policy, delivered by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz, who was acting on behalf of the King at the time.
Second: Girls’ Education
The royal decree establishing the General Presidency for Girls’ Education and ordering the opening of girls’ schools throughout the Kingdom was issued by King Saud bin Abdulaziz.
The decree was published in Umm Al‑Qura on Friday, 21 Rabi‘ al‑Thani 1379 AH (1960) under the title “A Noble Royal Pronouncement”, containing the text of the royal order to implement the desire of the Kingdom’s religious scholars to open schools for girls.
Issues of Umm Al‑Qura from the same month and year documented the widespread joy across Saudi society at this royal decision, which opened the door for Saudi girls to learn both religious and worldly knowledge.
Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz played a significant role in supporting and encouraging girls’ education, backing the state’s official decision and addressing the reactions that followed with wisdom and resolve.
Third: Establishment of Government Institutions During King Saud’s Reign
Several government bodies and charitable and scientific institutions were established during the reign of King Saud bin Abdulaziz, including:
- The beginning of higher education with the opening of the first Saudi university, King Saud University, in 1377 AH.
- The establishment of the Ministry of Social Affairs by royal decree in 1380 AH.
- The founding of the Supreme Planning Council in 1381 AH (1961), with Prince Nawwaf bin Abdulaziz appointed as its president on behalf of the King, according to Royal Letter No. 5/20/745 dated 6‑4‑1381 AH.
- The establishment of the Ministry of Information by Royal Decree No. 57 dated 4‑11‑1382 AH (1962).
- The establishment of Social Security by Royal Decree No. 18 in 1382 AH (1962).
- The founding of the General Petroleum and Minerals Organization (Petromin) by Royal Decree No. 25 dated 25‑6‑1382 AH (22 November 1962).
- The establishment of the Muslim World League in 1382 AH (1962).
- The founding of the College of Petroleum and Minerals by Royal Decree No. 11 in 1383 AH (1963), later renamed King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.
These major developmental achievements began during the reign of the Founder, King Abdulaziz, and continued under his sons—King Saud, King Faisal, King Khalid, and King Fahd, may God have mercy on them all—and continue today under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Crown Prince, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, may God preserve them.