By: Sabri Al‑Asali, Prime Minister of Syria
In the land of revelation, the cradle of light, amid the sanctity of holy places and the dawn of guidance, I first came to know this great monarch during the days of his immortal father, the late King Abdulaziz—may God grant him paradise. At that time, he was Crown Prince, and that was nearly thirty years ago.
The years passed, and fortune allowed me to meet him time and again—sometimes as a man concerned with public affairs, and at other times as a government official. With every encounter, my admiration for him grew, my respect deepened, and the brilliance of his stature became ever clearer in my mind.
He is an authentic Arab—forthright, honest, and loyal—embodying the qualities of the early Muslim vanguard: thoughtful, bold, and free‑spirited, combined with gracious manners, sound judgment, and long experience shaped by the trials of time and the unique school of his father, unparalleled in modern Arab history.
The desert raised him upon its customs and traditions, and civilization refined him with its tools and requirements. He took from both what was beneficial and fruitful, emerging as a man unlike other men—uniting the old and the new, blending heritage with innovation, and presenting to the world achievements that generations might struggle to match.
A pure nature, nourished by the breezes of Najd, elevated by the sanctity of the Hijaz, and illuminated by the forces of modern civilization.
He understood the necessities of modern life, guided his people toward them, and placed them firmly on its path. Thus, revival spread across every place and every field—without delay or hesitation.
He expanded education and made it accessible, reducing illiteracy, and sent missions to sister Egypt and other Arab and Western countries. Soon, the nation had specialists and technicians from among its own sons. Following the example of his immortal father, he also drew upon the talents of Arab youth from all lands.
He introduced modern machinery into agriculture, industry, and construction. Roads became passable, gardens spread, factories rose, and agriculture flourished wherever irrigation was possible.
He gave great attention to transportation—multiplying airports, railways, and ports—making travel easier, invigorating the economy, facilitating the performance of the sacred pilgrimage, expanding economic and social ties, and strengthening bonds among Muslims and Arabs.
He devoted himself to public health—building hospitals, bringing in the most skilled physicians and nurses, and equipping medical facilities with the latest instruments and tools.
These are but some of the manifestations of true renaissance that will, in a few short years, fill the Arabian Peninsula with light, knowledge, and civilization.
Yet all this stands on one side of the scale, and on the other side alone stands his enlightened Arab policy—a policy that has long propelled the Arabs toward a free, dignified, unified life, enabling them to build their future upon sovereignty and independence.
He contributed greatly to this cause, making it a guiding principle in his dealings with both near and far. He marched forward with all his strength, believing with the unwavering faith of the righteous in God and in the Arabs’ right to life. He became a powerful force in unifying the liberated political direction of the Arab world.
Indeed, following this path will bring abundant good to the Arabs and will, in the near future, have the greatest impact in shaping the single Arab state sought by all sincere and free‑spirited people across the Arab world—from the shores of the Atlantic to the Arabian Gulf.
This brief word is not a history, nor anything resembling history. It is merely a bouquet of flowers that I place before the Arab reader—its light drawn from the virtues and qualities of this great Arab monarch.
May God preserve him as a successful leader and a triumphant guide.