Ibn Saud at Fifty

Abstract

The year of the death of Ibn Saud’s father may be taken as a convenient point to reflect on the character, achievement and prospects of our subject, the more so since at this time 25 years had passed since he had become the effective leader of the Al Saud and another 25 years would pass before his death.

I have conquered my Kingdom with my own sword and by my own efforts; let my sons exert their own efforts after me.

Ibn Saud, quoted in M. Asad, The Road to Mecca, London, 1954, p. 178

He who obeys God has no difficulty in exacting obedience to himself.

Ibn Saud, quoted in D. van der Meulen, Wells of Ibn Saud, London, 1957, p. 61

Go into battle sure of victory from God. Have no doubt of his sustenance and support.

Ibn Saud, quoted in K. Zirikli, Arabia in the time of King Abdul-Aziz, 4 vols (Arabic) Beirut, 1970, p. 984

Ibn Saud ‘is very conscientious in the fulfilment of his religious duties but the fanaticism of the first representatives of the Wahhabis is foreign to his nature.’

Encyclopedia Britannica, 14th edn, Nejd, p. 301