King Abdulaziz Al Saud (ePub)

This book gives a brief historical reading and analysis of the history of Islam and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, focusing on the life story of the national father and founder of the Kingdom - King Abdulaziz Al Saud. The word "Islam" appears in the Noble Qur'an eight times. Weston (2008) explained in his book, "Islam, an Arabic word meaning 'submission' (to God). A Muslim is one 'who submits' (to God)." As all the other 24 Prophets (AS) mentioned in the Qur'an, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the last prophet sent to humankind, delivering the same message: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT)! Contrary to many misunderstandings by outsiders, Islam "forbids conversion by force" (Weston (2008)) and commands "Muslims to respect the beliefs of Jews and Christians, whom the Qur'an calls the 'People of the Book/earlier revelation.'" (Karen, Armstrong (2000)). As Weston pointed out, "The common Western belief that Islam is a 'religion of the sword' is mistaken." Islam advocates peace: The noun سَلَامْ (salaam) means "to be protected from all afflictions and defects, and to remain peace and without hostility." Regardless of their mother tongue, Muslims greet others in Arabic, "As-salamu Alaykum," which means "peace be upon you." The response should be "Wa Alaykum salam," which means "and peace be upon you also." Such a mutual prayer for peace advocates love among believers. One of ninety-nine of Allah's (SWT) most beautiful names is "As-Salam," which indicates He (SWT) is "the One Who gives peace and security."

As early as 1446, the Al Saud family established Diriyah in central Arabia. After nearly two hundred years of continuous development and consolidation, the Saudi State formally took its shape in 1727, reaching its peak in the early 19th century. It was interrupted shortly by the Egyptian invasion in 1818. Soon, in 1824, the Saudi State re-established its capital in Riyadh. Since 1865, it experienced domestic turmoils until 1902, when King Abdulaziz retook Riyadh. The divided land and people were once again united under King Abdulaziz's grand vision. 1932, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was formally established, and peace and prosperity have been achieved ever since. The life story of King Abdulaziz is full of legends, treasure, and wisdom; whoever learns it with a humble heart will certainly benefit from it. Likewise, whoever overlooks such a treasure harms no one else except oneself. As King Abdulaziz says, "For a nation to advance, every member must play a role in fulfilling three duties: first, their duty towards Allah (SWT) and religion; second, their duty to preserve the glories of the past; third, their personal duty of acting as honourable individuals."