RIYADH: The Muslim world has plunged into deep mourning today [March 25] when the hands of a mentally unsound assassin deprived it of one of the greatest champions of Islamic unity, a renowned statesman and a far-sighted leader, King Faisal Ibn Abdel Aziz. He was succeeded by his brother, Crown Prince Khalid Ibn Abdel Aziz. Radio Riyadh said King Faisal was holding court, celebrating the anniversary of the birth of the Holy Prophet [PBUH], when he was approached by his nephew, Prince Faisal Ibn Musaed Ibn Abdel Aziz. “When he got near the King he fired several shots at His Majesty and wounded him,” the Radio said. …

Members of the Royal Cabinet, Princes of Saudi Arabia and heads of the Defence forces have conveyed their allegiance to King Khalid. … Thousands of Saudis flocked to the Royal Palace to offer their condolences. … Work stopped and traffic came to a standstill in Riyadh at the news which plunged the city into grief. … Radio Riyadh today suspended its normal transmissions and carried recitation from the Holy Quran. … All Arab and Islamic countries radio stations carried mourning programme and eulogised the great services of the late King Faisal in the cause of Islamic solidarity.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2025