Sa'ad Al-Faqih

Who is Sa'ad Al-Faqih?

Dr Sa'ad Rashed Mohammad al-Faqih, also known as Sa'ad Al-Fagih, Sa'ad Al-Fakih or Sa'ad Al-Faki, is a Muslim Saudi national who heads the Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia. He lives in London and was a professor of surgery at King Saud University in Riyadh until 1994. He was a key player in preparing the “Letter of Demands” of 1991 and the "Memorandum of Advice" the following year. Both documents were endorsed by a considerable number of prominent figures, including Sheikh Bin Baz, Al-Uthaymeen and Salman Al-Oda, and were then presented to the king at the time Fahd. In 1994, the Committee for the Defense of Legitimate Rights was established and Al-Faqeeh was appointed as the head of its London office, with another Saudi dissident Mohammad al-Massari as the spokesperson. The two separated, and al-Faqih went on to set up MIRA in 1996.

Al-Faqih's organisation opposes the current sociopolitical and religious policy of Saudi Arabia. Although campaigning for religious reform, he prefers not to be referred to as a Wahabbist. He maintains that Islam advocates separation of powers, freedom of expression, transparency and women's rights, in contrast to what he maintains is the current Saudi policy. He is also an anti-royalist, asserting the Saudi government has lost its religious legitimacy.