Faisal of Saudi Arabia is shot and killed by a mentally ill nephew.

Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, born on April 14, 1906, was a towering figure in Saudi Arabian history, serving as the King of Saudi Arabia from November 2, 1964, until his tragic assassination in March 1975. A statesman and diplomat of immense influence, King Faisal was the third son of Abdulaziz, the visionary founder of modern Saudi Arabia, and the second of his six sons who would eventually wear the crown. His mother, Tarfa bint Abdullah Al Sheikh, hailed from the venerable Al ash-Sheikh family, a lineage renowned for producing many prominent Saudi religious leaders, adding to Faisal's already significant royal pedigree.

Early Life and Royal Lineage

Born at a time when his father, Abdulaziz, was still reigning as the Emir of Nejd, Faisal grew up amidst the dynamic formation of a new kingdom. From an early age, it was clear he possessed a keen intellect and a natural aptitude for leadership, traits that would define his extensive career. His unique upbringing, blending traditional Saudi values with a growing awareness of global geopolitics, prepared him for the complex challenges he would later face.

An Influential Statesman Emerges

Faisal’s ascent as an influential royal politician began early in his father's reign. Demonstrating remarkable administrative prowess, he served as the viceroy of Hejaz from 1926 to 1932, a critical administrative region with immense religious significance. His diplomatic skills were also quickly recognized; he became the Saudi foreign minister in 1930 and would hold this crucial position, along with that of prime minister (from 1954), for most of his adult life, with only a brief two-year hiatus between 1960 and 1962. These roles allowed him to shape Saudi Arabia's international relations and domestic policy for decades.

From Crown Prince to King

Following the death of his esteemed father, King Abdulaziz, in 1953, Faisal’s half-brother Saud ascended the throne. Faisal was appointed Crown Prince and continued to wield significant influence. During his tenure as Crown Prince, he took a monumental step towards social reform by outlawing slavery in Saudi Arabia, a move that showcased his progressive vision for the kingdom. However, King Saud's reign faced increasing challenges, and with the support of other key members of the royal family, including his influential first cousin Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Al ash-Sheikh, who served as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, King Faisal successfully persuaded his half-brother to abdicate. Thus, on November 2, 1964, Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud became the King of Saudi Arabia, ushering in a new era.

A Reign of Modernization and Influence

King Faisal’s reign is widely remembered for its ambitious policies of modernization and reform, both domestically and internationally.

Domestic Reforms

Domestically, King Faisal focused on stabilizing the kingdom’s burgeoning bureaucracy, aiming for greater efficiency and transparency. He initiated significant investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, laying foundations for the nation's future development. Crucially, he also attempted to limit the power of Islamic religious officials, a progressive but at times controversial move that occasionally met with resistance, yet underscored his commitment to a balanced society. Despite some reforms facing controversy, his reign enjoyed considerable popularity among Saudi Arabians, who appreciated his vision and dedication to national progress.

Foreign Policy and the Oil Crisis

On the international stage, King Faisal was a formidable and principled leader. His main foreign policy themes were clearly defined: advocating for Pan-Islamism, promoting unity among Muslim nations; staunch anti-communism, aligning Saudi Arabia firmly with Western powers during the Cold War; and unwavering pro-Palestinianism, a deeply held conviction rooted in the Arab-Israeli conflict. His most impactful foreign policy decision came in 1973. Protesting against the substantial support that Israel received from Western nations, particularly the United States, he led the landmark oil embargo. This bold move significantly limited global oil supply, triggering the 1973 oil crisis and fundamentally altering the global economic and political landscape, demonstrating Saudi Arabia's growing influence on the world stage.

Assassination and Legacy

Tragically, King Faisal’s transformative reign came to an abrupt end on March 25, 1975, when he was assassinated by his nephew, Faisal bin Musaid. His death sent shockwaves across the globe, robbing Saudi Arabia of a leader who had steered the nation through a period of immense change and growth. He was succeeded by his half-brother, Khalid bin Abdulaziz. King Faisal's legacy endures as a powerful symbol of modernization, strategic leadership, and a steadfast commitment to his nation's progress and its role in the wider Islamic world. His efforts to balance tradition with modernity continue to shape Saudi Arabia today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was King Faisal?
King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was a Saudi Arabian statesman, diplomat, and monarch who served as the King of Saudi Arabia from 1964 until his assassination in 1975. He was a pivotal figure in the modernization and international positioning of the kingdom.
When did King Faisal rule Saudi Arabia?
He ruled as King of Saudi Arabia from November 2, 1964, until his assassination on March 25, 1975.
What were King Faisal's main achievements?
His key achievements include outlawing slavery in Saudi Arabia, stabilizing the kingdom's bureaucracy, initiating modernization and development programs, and leading the 1973 oil embargo that significantly impacted global politics and economics.
Why was King Faisal assassinated?
King Faisal was assassinated by his nephew, Faisal bin Musaid. While the exact motives remain debated, personal grievances, including the killing of his brother in 1965 during a protest against the introduction of television, are often cited as contributing factors.
What was King Faisal's role in the 1973 oil crisis?
King Faisal spearheaded the 1973 oil embargo against Western nations that supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War. This decision drastically reduced oil supply to the global market, causing a significant energy crisis and demonstrating the newfound power of oil-producing nations.