Saud, Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz al-
Definition
Saud, Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz al- (1906-1975), was the King of Saudi Arabia instrumental in transforming the nation into a major oil-producing power. Known for his personal piety, he was a significant figure advocating for Islamic values during the rise of Arab nationalism.
Etymology and Translations
Etymology: The name “Faisal” originates from Arabic “فـيـصـل” which means “arbiter” or “divider”. “Ibn Abd al-Aziz” denotes “son of Abd al-Aziz”. In Turkish, it is transliterated as “Faysal bin Abdü’l-Azîz”.
Arabic: فيصل بن عبد العزيز آل سعود
Turkish: Faysal bin Abdü’l-Azîz el-Suud
Biography
Birth and Early Life: King Faisal was born in 1906 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was the third son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.
Reign and Reforms: Faisal became the king in 1964 after deposing his half-brother, King Saud. As a monarch, he strongly opposed secularism and socialism, promoting Islamic values in response to the growing Arab nationalism propagated by Egypt’s Nasser during the 1960s and 1970s. His reign is marked by significant reforms aimed at modernizing Saudi Arabia while maintaining its Islamic heritage.
Ten-Point Reform Program: King Faisal sought to:
- Abolish slavery.
- Modernize the administration.
- Reorganize religious and judicial institutions.
- Revamp labor and social laws.
- Efficiently utilize natural resources.
- Develop infrastructure.
- Establish consultative and local councils.
Judicial and Religious Institutions:
- Ministry of Justice: Established in 1970 to integrate the judiciary into the government framework.
- Council of Senior Ulama: Formed to provide religious guidance and issue fatwas to support the ruler’s policies.
Assassination: Faisal was assassinated by his nephew, Faisal bin Musaid, in 1975, bringing an abrupt end to his influential reign.
Further Reading
- Books:
- “King Faisal of Saudi Arabia: Personality, Faith, and Times” by Alexei Vassiliev
- “Faisal: King of Saudi Arabia” by Gerald De Gaury
- “Saudi Arabia in Transition: Insights on Social, Political, Economic and Religious Change” by Bernard Haykel
Takeaways
- King Faisal’s Legacy: Remembered for his role in transforming Saudi Arabia into a global oil power and maintaining the kingdom’s Islamic identity.
- Economic and Social Reforms: Implemented key reforms that modernized the nation while balancing tradition and modernity.
- Political Influence: Known for his significant impact on regional and global politics during the mid-20th century.
Conclusion
King Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz al-Saud was a pivotal figure in Saudi Arabia’s history, balancing modernization with religious piety. His reign left a lasting legacy on the socio-economic and political landscapes of Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab world.
