The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) takes the world on a reflective
journey through the life of a true statesman, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman
Al-Faisal Al Saud. On September 23, 1932, he achieved the monumental task of
unifying the disparate tribes and scattered regions of the Arabian Peninsula,
establishing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This Islamic state, with Riyadh as
its capital, adopted the Holy Qur'an and the Prophet's Sunnah as its
constitution.
King Abdulaziz's remarkable journey began in Riyadh in 1293
Hijri. At the tender age of seven, he began learning to read and write, and at
ten, his father, Imam Abdulrahman Al-Faisal, gathered scholars and tutors to
instill in him the fundamentals of Islam and equestrian skills. His upbringing
was greatly influenced by his courageous father and wise mother, Princess Sarah
Al-Sudairi. King Abdulaziz shared a close bond with his siblings, including his
sister, Princess Noura.
Throughout his life, King Abdulaziz encountered numerous
challenges that shaped his character and instilled in him qualities of
patience, strength, and statesmanship. One of the most trying moments was his
forced departure from Riyadh in 1308 Hijri when he and his family settled in
various locations, including the Yabrin oasis, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Despite
these hardships, his determination to reclaim Riyadh, a city with deep
historical significance for his family, remained unwavering.
In his twenties, King Abdulaziz embarked on a journey back
to Riyadh, leading an army. His arrival in Al-Shaqib district marked the
beginning of a pivotal chapter. Following a brief but intense battle, he
restored order, ushering in a period of political stability that laid the foundation
for Riyadh's growth and prosperity.
In 1320 Hijri, the people and notables of Riyadh pledged
allegiance to him as Emir of Najd and Imam of its people. This victory brought
much-needed stability after years of turmoil, setting the stage for Riyadh's
transformation.
King Abdulaziz's tireless efforts to unite the nation, restore security, and
combat the chaos of the Arabian Peninsula culminated in him becoming the
revered leader of a newly constructed nation, securing a respected place for it
on the world stage.
On
September 23, 1932, King Abdulaziz issued a royal decree, renaming the state
from the Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd and its annexes as the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia.
With the nation-building process well underway, King
Abdulaziz turned his attention to expanding the Two Holy Mosques to serve
pilgrims and establishing schools, hospitals, villages, and irrigation systems
to support agriculture. These ambitious endeavors required substantial funding.
In the
fall of 1933, oil exploration efforts began, initially yielding no results.
However, persistence paid off when oil was discovered 5,000 feet underground in
the "Ain Jet" area in 1939. This discovery marked a turning point,
opening the doors to major state projects.
King Abdulaziz's interest extended beyond domestic affairs;
he maintained diplomatic relations with countries worldwide, prioritizing the
Kingdom's independence, while fostering relations irrespective of religious,
cultural, or civilizational differences. His approach garnered admiration from
world leaders and media alike.
In
Muharram 1373 Hijri, King Abdulaziz fell seriously ill in Taif, and he passed
away on November 9, 1953. He was laid to rest in Al-Oud Cemetery, Riyadh.
As he built his nation, King Abdulaziz's commitment to education
was unwavering. He avidly read Arabic books on various sciences, printing and
distributing them freely. He sought the counsel of his citizens, guided by
Islamic principles, fostering cooperation between the ruler and the governed.
King Abdulaziz's righteous approach, continued by his sons,
laid the groundwork for the Kingdom's remarkable development, characterized by
collaboration between the leadership and the people.
In a historic gathering on Muharram 25, 1355 Hijri, King
Abdulaziz emphasized his desire for close ties with the people, stating,
"My door is always open to anyone who wants to talk."
Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia forged strong
relationships with Arab and Muslim nations and engaged the international
community with transparency and pragmatism.
King Abdulaziz's legacy was the culmination of a rich
history. The First Saudi State, founded by Imam Mohammed bin Saud in 1139
Hijri, laid the foundation for the nation's development. The Second Saudi
State, initiated by Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud, continued this
legacy for approximately 68 years.
However, the true turning point came on the fifth day of
Shawwal, 1319 Hijri, when King Abdulaziz reclaimed Riyadh with valor,
establishing a state grounded in the principles of the Holy Qur'an and Prophet
Mohammad's Sunnah.
Subsequent
leaders, including King Saud, King Faisal, King Khalid, King Fahd, and King
Abdullah, each contributed to the nation's progress and development, with a
focus on education, healthcare, industry, and economic growth.
Today, under the wise leadership of Custodian of the Two
Holy Mosques King Salman, Saudi Arabia continues its journey of growth,
development, and global influence. The Kingdom boasts a strong economy that
ranks among the world's top 20.
As Saudis celebrate the National Day, it is a reflection on the nation's
remarkable accomplishments, secure in the knowledge that its legacy of progress
and unity will continue to thrive under the leadership of King Salman. Saudi
Arabia stands as a testament to what can be achieved with vision,
determination, and the unwavering commitment to the welfare of its people.
