And how his reign relates to today’s struggle for Palestine
My parents called me Faisal. I always thought it was just a random name they liked and never really thought about it too much.
It was only when I visited the magnificent Faisal Mosque in Pakistan in the early 90s (when I was 9 or 10 years old) that I learned why.
Naturally, I was very excited to visit the mosque that bears my name, especially the majestic one.
The iconic Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan
The mosque is named after the late Saudi King Shah Faisal. Shah Faisal is a courageous leader whose actions shock America. Simply put, with a single stroke of the pen, the American economy was in tatters. Still, not a single bullet was fired.
Who is King Faisal, who is deeply rooted in Islam?
King Faisal was humble and his leadership was deeply rooted in Islamic principles.
This was also due to his strong religious upbringing from an early age, having memorized the Quran by the age of 10 and receiving instruction in Islamic science and history from eminent scholar Sheikh Abdullah.
Here is his speech when he came to power in 1964:
“Brothers, please see me as a brother and as a servant.” “Your Majesty” is given only to God, and “Throne” is the throne of heaven and earth. ” He understood that his role was rooted above all in service, unlike many modern monarchs who seek only the utmost respect from the public.
Faisal sought to establish unity among Muslims and supported pan-Islamism. When pressed for a written constitution, he famously declared:
“Our Constitution is the Koran”
It reflects his dedication to governing solely based on Islamic law.
personality and appearance
Faisal was known for his honesty, extreme humility, kindness and his tact towards everyone.
As a result, he became ascetic and avoided displays of luxury and opulence.
Faisal embraced the simple Bedouin lifestyle, so much so that his father, King Abdulaziz, remarked when discussing succession: “I wish there had been three Faisals.”
Education and modernization of King Faisal
King Faisal believed more than anyone in the power of education to change the world.
He once said, “If I were not a king, I would have chosen to be a teacher,” emphasizing his passion for learning and knowledge and imploring his people to “arm themselves with science.”
His reign emphasized building an educational system based on the pillars of “faith, science, and work.” This focus was part of a broader agenda to modernize and uplift Saudi Arabia while preserving its Islamic traditions.
He also founded the country’s first public school for girls.
Other pioneering efforts include providing free health care and medicines to the population, implementing food subsidies to lower consumer prices, and creating a social security system for the needy.
King Faisal defends Palestine and strategic use of oil
One of King Faisal’s most characteristic attitudes was his support for the Palestinian cause.
He viewed the plight of the Palestinians as a central issue in the Arab world, famously stating in a 1965 radio broadcast:
“We consider the Palestinian issue to be our cause, the first Arab cause, and Palestine is more valuable to us than oil. If necessary, oil can be used as a weapon in battle. Yes, Palestinians must return to their homeland, even if it means risking their lives.”
He made clear and clear threats and clearly stated:
“If even a drop of oil flows into Israel, I will cut it off for you.”
He was true to his word.
In 1973, he cleverly used oil as a form of political influence during what became known as the OPEC crisis.
Recognizing the West’s heavy dependence on Middle Eastern oil, he led OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) to cut production in the country and impose an embargo on countries supporting Israel in the Yom Kippur War.
This one strategic move quadrupled the price of oil around the world, sending a shockwave through the global economy.
The West’s dependence on his products was the influence he needed. King Faisal knew that by cutting oil production and imposing an embargo on countries that supported Israel, he could trigger a crisis that would reverberate around the world.
And it happened. The impact was immediate and severe.
Long lines at gas stations have become a common sight in the United States. The crisis also led to changes in American foreign policy, encouraging a more balanced approach in the Middle East. In Europe, this situation has forced governments to invest in alternative energy sources and rethink foreign policy.
Leverage was in effect.
For this type of leverage to be effective, you must be completely self-sufficient and independent.
You can’t stand up for what you believe in if you’re worried about biting the hand that feeds you. You’re always going to be at risk like that, especially if there’s a counter-threat coming in.
When US oil supplies were cut off during the Ramadan war, Henry Kissinger warned Faisal of the consequences. Kissinger brilliantly demonstrated this steadfastness against external threats when he received the following response from King Faisal:
“We live and our ancestors lived on dates and milk, and we will return to them.
As you (Kissinger) must have noticed, there is nothing in tonight’s dinner that bears any foreign markings. The meat on the table comes from locally hunted camels. All delicacies are made in Arab lands and from Arab resources.
The lamps that give us light tonight burn with fuel extracted from camel fat. If you dare to come here, we will light the well and wander into the desert. As you can see, we can survive. what would you do? “
King Faisal’s skillful use of this leverage not only increased Saudi Arabia’s geopolitical importance, but also the potential to control a single essential resource to achieve broad political goals. Proven. Western countries had no answer.
Active, strong and passionate about Palestine
Throughout his life, King Faisal was deeply moved and influenced by what was happening in Palestine. He once said:
“When we hear and see our brothers shedding blood in their religion and in their homeland, their livers are torn out and their wings torn, not because they have committed anything, but because their holiness is Violated, displaced and abused every day. They did not attack because of aggression, but because they loved domination and aggression.”
That being said, he wasn’t weak. He was proactive and believed in taking decisive action against those who initiated attacks.
“Give honey to those who seek friendship, but give deadly poison to those who try to attack you.”
“As soon as the bells of war begin to ring in Palestine, you will soon see me and my brothers and sons leading the fight against Israel” – King Faisal ibn Abdul Aziz
Palestine was a cause for which he was very passionate. During U.S. President Richard Nixon’s visit to Saudi Arabia on June 21, 1974, Faisal was unflinching and directly told him:
“The injustice and aggression inflicted upon the Arabs of Palestine is unprecedented in history, even in the Dark Ages. An entire people was forced to leave their land and homeland to replace another. Exiled. For almost a quarter of a century, Arab countries have appealed to the conscience of the world to realize their rights and remove injustices against them, but our pleas have gone unheeded and they have lost their rights. We are forced to take up arms to protect our land, our sacredness.”
Despite his responsibility and governance over the rapidly growing Saudi Arabia, it was something he never forgot, and Palestine was always at the forefront of his thoughts.
In a subsequent meeting with Henry Kissinger, Kissinger stated in his 1982 memoir that when he met King Faisal in Jeddah, he told King Faisal a joke because the king was sad. Faisal was not amused and gave an abrupt and witty reply.
Henry Kissinger: “Since my plane is out of oil, will your Majesty please order that the plane be filled with oil, and we will be prepared to pay at the international rate?” ?”
King Faisal: So, I am an old man who wants to pray in Al-Aqsa before I die, so will you help me with my wish?”
Prince Amr bin Mohammed Al Faisal, Faisal’s grandson, said:
“I have heard from my relatives and other relatives that after Jerusalem fell to the Israelis in 1967, it was a turning point in his life. They say he never smiled again. I didn’t see him smile much, and he became very quiet and reflective, spending more time listening than speaking.”
If he felt that way then about the horrific events happening in Gaza and Rafah today, how does he feel now?
At the time, he was so moved by the cause that he felt he had to make a strong call to action to his people and the entire Ummah.
“I have cut off all oil supplies to the Western countries. What are you waiting for? Palestine wants you. Palestine needs your help. Save us from the Zionist disaster What scares us? Are we afraid of death? A better death is death as a martyr in the path of Allah. We need to rise up. This is the call of Islam and the call to jihad fi sabi lira to take back the holy places for Islam from the hands of Zionist Israel. I pray to Allah that my death will be a martyr. I will destroy Israel and liberate the Palestinians.” – King Faisal ibn Abdul Aziz
Sadly, it remains ignored to this day.
Reflecting on King Faisal’s life and legacy provides deep insight into the role each of us can play in today’s world, especially in the midst of the ongoing and unstoppable genocide in Gaza.
He had a very clear understanding of the reality of what was happening. Otherwise, don’t be fooled by propaganda and media discourse.
“Teach your children that Palestine is being invaded, that Al-Aqsa Mosque is a hostage, that Zionism is the enemy, that resistance is honorable, and that the state of Israel does not exist.”
“Zionism is the root of all evil.”
As someone who shares his name, I feel a deep connection to his dedication to justice, education, influence, and above all, unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. It doesn’t matter that he was a powerful king. There are many people today who don’t turn a blind eye, but what set him apart was his strong determination to act with courage and integrity. To use all available resources to fight oppression and injustice and to act on behalf of the disadvantaged and oppressed. In the end, it cost him his life.
The Ummah needs more leaders like him who take courageous action. If we lack from the top down, we must source from the bottom up.
Now, as we witness injustices that mirror and exceed the struggles of his time, we too must accept his call to action.
We can all do something, even if it’s small. boycott. lobbying activities. march. building. Proposing. What to teach. Contribute to your community to make the world a better place. But we must remain united on this issue and not be divided.
“Our hope with Allah is that as Muslims we will be united in faith, sincerity and unwavering commitment to all that benefits us.” – King Faisal ibn Abdul Aziz
Let it be our mission, as it was his, to ensure that our actions are consistent, united and reflect our noblest values and aspirations. , Allah.
May Allah have mercy on his soul and grant Janna Al Firdaus, Ameen.
Faisal Amjad gives ambitious and experienced Muslim entrepreneurs, founders, and change-makers the power they need to launch and build respected six- and seven-figure businesses that change the world. By sharing ideas and practical systems, we help you generate more income and more impact online. Faisal is based in Nottingham, England, UK and is a guest author at Harrop.
