Distinguished by his supp for culture, knowledge, and a love of learning—rare photos of Prince Musaed bin Abdulrahman from the King Abdulaziz Public Library’s photo collection.
Knowledge Affairs – Special
The renaming of Saudi Electronic University to Prince Musaed bin Abdulrahman University represents a historic milestone in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It reinforces recognition of the scholarly history of Prince Musaed bin Abdulrahman Al Saud – may Allah have mercy on him – and his cultural and intellectual contributions.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – may Allah support him – had directed, based on the recommendation submitted by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may Allah preserve him – that the Saudi Electronic University be named after His Highness Prince Musaed bin Abdulrahman, becoming Prince Musaed bin Abdulrahman University. This comes in recognition of his distinguished efforts and significant contributions, as one of the statesmen who made notable and exceptional national contributions.
In Knowledge Affairs, we present readers with some of the cultural aspects of the personality of Prince Musaed bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, as King Abdulaziz Public Library holds a collection of rare photographs of him within the Library’s Picture Center.
A Knowledge Role:
The intellectual contributions of Prince Musaed bin Abdulrahman bin Faisal Al Saud played a major role in promoting cultural awareness among the people of the Kingdom from the establishment of the Saudi state and throughout its various eras until his passing in 1986. In 1363 AH/1944 AD, he established the first public library, collecting a large number of books and publications for it and allocating a section of his home to house the library. He allowed every visitor the right to benefit from it. As a result, a large number of readers, researchers, and students of knowledge benefited from the library.
Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim bin Jubair spoke about him, saying: “He had opportunities to read, study, and absorb knowledge. He was able to benefit from the library he had assembled and from the students of knowledge who visited him and regularly came to his home. During the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prince Musaed was without an official position, and this period contributed to strengthening his scholarly, cultural, and political development. When King Saud came to power, he was able to draw Prince Musaed into public service and benefit from his knowledge. He would consult him on many matters and seek his advice.”
A large number of researchers studied at this library and benefited from the diverse scholarly books it contained. Students of knowledge would come to the library, where Prince Musaed would sit with them and engage in discussions. He later developed the library and moved it from its first location in Al-Hillah, south of Riyadh. His care for the library reached the point where he placed a sign at its entrance announcing new books worthy of reading. He also appointed an employee to manage the library and another worker to provide hospitality. Among the scholars and researchers who frequented the library were Hamad Al-Jasser, Abdulrahman Al-Quwaiz, and Abdulkarim Al-Juhiman.
From His Biography:
Prince Musaed bin Abdulrahman was born in Riyadh in 1341 AH, corresponding to 1920. He was the brother of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the only one among his brothers to obtain a university degree. He was the second-to-last son of Imam Abdulrahman, son of Imam Faisal, son of Imam Turki, the founder of the Second Saudi State.
Historian Abdullah Philby stated in his book The Golden Arab Memory that Prince Musaed bin Abdulrahman was born in the Government Palace in Riyadh in 1333 AH. Prince Musaed himself mentioned that when his father, Imam Abdulrahman Al Faisal, died in Dhu al-Hijjah 1346 AH, he was too young to comprehend the circumstances. It is therefore believed that he was around five years old at the time. His children also consider 1922 to be the year of his birth.
He was a statesman who held several prominent positions during previous Saudi eras. He served as Saudi Minister of the Interior and Saudi Minister of Finance during the reign of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He was also the first President of the Board of Grievances and the first President of the General Auditing Bureau.
King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud appointed him President of the General Auditing Bureau under Royal Decree No. 2270/3/20/5, dated 11 Dhu al-Qi'dah 1376 AH, corresponding to June 4, 1957. He headed the Bureau for four years and attended meetings of the Council of Ministers.
Prince Musaed bin Abdulrahman bin Faisal Al Saud passed away on Tuesday, 8 Rabi’ al-Thani 1407 AH, corresponding to December 9, 1986, at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, at the age of approximately seventy.
Footnotes:
· https://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/
· https://www.spa.gov.sa/N2679921
