RIYADH, 25 July — The Arab and Islamic world has lost one of its best sons, who was a philanthropist to the core, a man who was compassionate and generous, who dedicated his life to the service of humanity.
We have lost Prince Ahmad ibn Salman ibn Abdul Aziz (May God’s Mercy be upon him), but we have not lost the charitable projects and activities he carried out for the welfare of his nation. Ahmad and Fahd were the graduates of Salman’s school of virtue.
Prince Ahmad became famous not only by his generous contributions but by establishing institutions for the incessant flow of philanthropic activities. They reflect a great saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "The acts of a person are cut off from him in this world with his death except three things — the charitable activities that still benefit people, the knowledge that is useful to his nation and the pious child who prays for him."
These qualities mentioned in the Hadith could be found in abundance in Prince Faisal ibn Ahmad and his sisters as well as among the late prince’s sons in the publishing field where he left his indelible imprint.
I knew the late prince quite well through his charitable activities as he utilized the media to promote humanitarian projects. I was honored to become a member of the media team he set up in the service of humanitarian activities and charitable programs, which he learned from his father.
Prince Ahmad extended all-out support to his brother, the late Prince Fahd, in the care of kidney patients and organ-donor transplant operations. He also supported Prince Sultan, another brother, in the service of handicapped children.
Philanthropic activity has been the hallmark of the house of Salman and his sons. Prince Ahmad worked with his brother Dr. Faisal to open another charitable venture to conduct research on disability to support families and organizations. This initiative will soon see the light, God willing, at the hands of Dr. Faisal.
I have not only worked with the late Prince Ahmad but also learned from the virtuous school of Salman along with the late prince and the rest of Prince Salman’s sons that charitable work cannot be achieved by generous donations alone. It also requires continuous efforts by an organized team dedicated to serving the society and nation.
This is part of our great Arab and Islamic heritage. Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (May God be pleased with him) said: "Don’t be ashamed of giving a little because it is much better than giving nothing."
In this way the virtuous school of Salman influenced its sons Fahd and Ahmad as well as Sultan, Abdul Aziz, Faisal, Mohammed, Saud, Turki, Khaled, Naif, Bandar and Rakan and encouraged them to establish charitable projects within and outside the Kingdom.
They have been keen to support Muslims all over the world.
Prince Ahmad played a major role in providing a humanitarian face to media institutions. This reflected in the activities of Saudi Research & Marketing Group and its publications and staff, who have always promoted charitable projects.
Oh the prince of charity and humaneness, we bid you farewell to the everlasting paradise.
We are immersed in sorrow and grief because of your sudden departure. We console ourselves by the promise made by the Almighty in the Holy Qur’an: "Then, as to those who believed and did righteous deeds, their Lord will admit them to His Mercy. That will be a resounding achievement." Al-Jathiya: 30
(Dr. Fahd Tayash is the director general of Saudi Research & Publishing Company)
