MEN create history through their principles in life and their work. They leave a legacy for their people, so the next generations can learn and take up where their predecessors left off. The life story of some statesmen is known only by a few people; but when they die, their achievements are exposed to everyone.

This is the story of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where the people educate themselves through the school of the founding father — King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman. They follow in his footsteps in prioritizing the welfare of the nation and its people.

Among these men was the late Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz whose ideas made a huge difference in security affairs, dialogues, promotion of education and knowledge; thereby, serving as a testimony of his status, not only in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but also in the Gulf states and the Arab and Islamic world.

The late Prince Nayef, who served as the Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, believed that securing the nation entails the provision of a solid security ideology for the entire society. Throughout his life, he worked in silence, prioritizing the welfare of his people over other interests.
He did not tolerate evasiveness in critical affairs, especially in crushing down the ‘terrorism virus’ which had negatively affected Saudi Arabia and other countries. Through his wisdom, he managed to restrain terrorism. In fact, his strategy was the light that guided other nations, because he did not consider security measures as the only means to subdue terrorism. He also used dialogue and consultation as tools to win back the hearts of those who had been brainwashed into joining terrorist groups.

Prince Nayef was an exceptional man, especially in creating the contemporary history of Saudi Arabia. Actually, it is safe to say that he ensured security and stability of the Kingdom during his four-decade tenure as head of security affairs. In every serious turn of security-related events, he always stood in front of anyone who tried to tamper with Saudi’s security and stability.
He stood firmly against the ignorant people who tried to occupy a part of Makkah in 1979. He took a similar step in 1986 when Iran hired a group of people to disrupt the Hajj activities by bombing some places in Makkah and Medina — City of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). He restored peace and order in the cities of worship through his determination and decisiveness to get rid of those who wanted to instigate chaos.

At the time, the aim of Iran was not just to tamper with the security of Saudi Arabia but also to push Makkah back to the era before the reign of King Abdul Aziz, when some people imposed charges on pilgrims who could not perform religious rituals without hiring someone to protect them.
Through these challenges, the late Prince realized that he cannot realize his security objectives unless there is a comprehensive system to ward off any danger and threat to his country. In his last decade, his security strategies served as deterrent to those who had adopted ideas from the cave-leaders in Afghanistan.
Prince Nayef put the comfort and security of the pilgrims on top of his priority list. He did not leave everything to his deputies. He personally supervised operations to ensure the safety of pilgrims throughout his tenure as head of security affairs. For this, millions of pilgrims every year enjoy a sense of security and tranquility when performing their religious rituals. Thus, he deserved the supplications from millions of pilgrims, as well as the entire leadership of the Kingdom.

We are not eulogizing the late Prince; we are just remembering his praiseworthy attributes and his everlasting deeds in the history of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states in general. He loved the GCC in the same way he loved his country; he worked for the welfare of the GCC the same way he devoted his services for his country. Kuwait had a special place in his heart, because he advised every Kuwaiti who visited him to take care of their nation. The grief and sorrow of Kuwait is not less than that of our bereaved neighbor — Saudi Arabia.
We ask Allah, the Almighty, to render him among the pious and to grant him eternal paradise. May Allah grant us solace and patience.