RIYADH, 7 May 2008 -- The legacy of a king, a leader, a revolutionist, an inspirer, and -- most of all -- a freedom fighter for Palestine was remembered last night in Riyadh.
Giving tribute to one of Islam's and the Kingdom's greatest leaders, Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman, chairman of the King Abdul Aziz Museum, inaugurated a three-day seminar and scientific exhibition on the history of King Faisal.
"I saw in him a true believer, an intelligent politician... He listened beyond patience and was silent and understanding. When he spoke, he decided. And when he decided he was firm... He respected himself so people respected him. He ruled himself, so he ruled the people... He was a staunch supporter of Islamic causes," said Prince Salman.
He added that the late king, before he was martyred, was asked how he saw Saudi Arabia after the year 2000. "I see it as a beacon of light for all humanity," he replied.
Last night's opening ceremony was also attended by the late king's surviving sons -- Prince Muhammad Al-Faisal, Makkah Gov. Khaled Al-Faisal, Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Prince Bandar Al-Faisal and former Ambassador to Washington and London Prince Turki Al-Faisal.
Speakers at the event mentioned how King Faisal would always be remembered for his wisdom and vision to unite the Islamic world. "His dream was that all Muslims would be able to pray in the Aqsa Mosque," said Prince Khaled.
A video of the late king speaking at the White House in 1973 was also shown at yesterday's opening event. "Our tensions are because of the suffering of our (Palestinian) people, the suffering of our (Muslim) nations," the king said boldly, while US President Richard Nixon looked on.
In Saudi Arabia, King Faisal will be remembered as the person who issued a law banning slavery and paved the way for female education.
Starting early today, local and international speakers will discuss the king's legacy in over a dozen sessions. The final session will be attended by Prince Khaled and several government officials who held important positions during King Faisal's reign.
In a previous interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research & Islamic Studies (KFCRIS), said prominent Saudi and foreign speakers would be addressing the three-day seminar.
"This seminar is significant as it focuses on a person who lived during the Kingdom's unification by King Abdul Aziz... King Faisal also made considerable contributions to the Kingdom's development and in taking the country to a new phase of progress and prosperity," he said.
On the sidelines of the event, an exhibition entitled "Witness & Martyr" is also being held.
By Raid Qusti
© Arab News 2008
