Steps We Took to Implement the Idea of the Islamic Conference
This is not an interview with Anwar Al‑Sadat, nor is it an article written by him. Rather, these are points and a few lines presented to him by Ahmed Ubayd, Director‑General of Sarkhat Al‑Arab, and Sadat placed the dots upon the letters—producing these clear, candid lines that recount, with insistence and honesty, more than one issue echoing across the Arab world today.
Monarchies and Republics
How can monarchies and republics unite for the sake of Arab unity?
My memory takes me back to a day I shall never forget—10 January 1946. I was then a fugitive, hiding from the political police. But an Arab king was visiting Egypt—a king I had long read about, admired deeply, and felt the vast difference between a king who lives for his people and a king who lives as a burden on his people.
A king who walks among his subjects, and an Arab—barefoot—calls out to him, “Ya Abdulaziz!”
And the king stops, listens to the man’s complaint, and orders an immediate investigation.
And another king whom his people cannot see except through layers of servants, guards, and officers.
This first type of rule always fascinated me. I read about it often—and it thrilled me.
A Great King… and a Small King
My admiration grew even more when I learned of the courage and heroism of Abdulaziz Al‑Saud. I always wished to meet him, to speak to him, to approach him and say, “Ya Abdulaziz.”
On that unforgettable day—10 January—King Abdulaziz Al‑Saud was Egypt’s guest.
I left my hiding place just to see him.
I went to Opera Square and stood among thousands who lined the streets to greet the great Arab king. I blended into the crowd. The royal procession passed, and I filled my eyes with the sight of the king of my dreams.
I returned home with the image of the knight‑king engraved in my mind—only to find a surprise waiting for me: the men of the other king—the frivolous one—waiting to drag me into the depths of prison.
Thus, I met two kings in one day:
a great king… and a small king.
A King and a Noble Shepherd
Years passed, and the day came when I was able to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—the kingdom built upon the shoulders of the great king I had admired since youth.
I did not find King Abdulaziz, but I found King Saud—the king who preserved the pure Arab character of the Arabian Peninsula and its authentic style of governance. At the same time, he opened the doors to modernity, education, and knowledge—establishing schools, institutes, and institutions.
I visited the royal palace, walked with him, and performed ihram. I found nothing of kingship except the name—only a spiritual father, a generous guardian, a virtuous ruler. No pomp, no extravagance—only the simplicity of a father and the humility of a leader.
A Prince Directing Traffic
On our way to Mecca, the king’s motorcade led the way. When the time for Maghrib prayer came—near the site of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah—the king stopped his motorcade and asked us to proceed ahead.
We did so, and I saw King Saud standing among his people on the bare desert sands, performing Maghrib prayer.
I will never forget climbing Mount Arafat and seeing a young man in ihram directing traffic. He resembled Prince Faisal, so I asked—and indeed, it was Prince Abdullah Al‑Faisal, the Minister of Interior, standing like any policeman, organizing traffic himself.
In Mina, I found Prince Sultan doing the same.
This is the king—and these are his princes.
They do not separate themselves from the people; they do not differ from them. They feel, deep within, that they are the people—and that their lives are bound to the life of the nation.
Thus, I see that differences in systems of government across the Arab world do not hinder our unity. We are brothers—not merely cousins.
Before us is the example: the oldest monarchy in the world—Britain—and the greatest republic—America—united in foreign policy, insisting that their peoples are “cousins.”
How then can we, brothers in God, brothers in Arabhood, brothers in history—not unite?
How can superficial differences stand in our way?
Source: Sarkhat Al‑Arab
Date: February 1955