Honoring the life of Prince Mishari bin Saud bin Nasser bin Farhan

Prince Mishari bin Saud bin Nasser bin Farhan, the last living son and grandson of two of the 30 heroic men who joined King Abdulaziz on Sept. 23, 1932, to reunite the Third Saudi State, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy rich in history, compassion, and wisdom.

His father, Prince Nasser bin Saud, and his grandfather, Prince Farhan bin Saud, were among the select few who, despite limited resources, demonstrated remarkable social intelligence and mediation skills under the visionary leadership of one of history’s most iconic global figures, King Abdulaziz. Their courage and dedication played a crucial role in uniting the Kingdom, bringing together diverse tribes and territories into a cohesive nation.

Prince Mishari, as a descendant of these remarkable figures, carried their legacy forward with grace and dignity. He became a bridge between the Kingdom’s formative history and its vision for the future, embodying the values that his ancestors upheld — unity, service, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of the nation and its people.

Deeply compassionate, Prince Mishari was a beacon of humanitarian efforts, dedicating his life to uplifting others through service. He always preferred to live humbly, doing good in silence, without seeking recognition. He never sought the spotlight or bragged about his accomplishments, instead focusing on the positive impact he made. His actions spoke louder than any words, and he believed that true success was measured by the results of his efforts and the difference they made in people’s lives.

Prince Mishari’s commitment to the welfare of society echoed through countless acts of kindness, generosity, and strategic support for charitable causes. Living with integrity, he instilled these values deeply in his children and grandchildren, creating a legacy not only of royal dignity but also of moral and ethical strength.

Prince Mishari’s approach to family was both progressive and deeply rooted in tradition. Recognizing the importance of preparing future generations for an evolving world, he masterfully balanced modern child-rearing practices with time-honored mentorship. His efforts were visionary, merging respect for heritage with a forward-thinking mindset that nurtured in all of his descendants resilience, respect, and responsibility. This rare ability to harmonize tradition with innovation set him apart, making him a true bridge between the past and the future.

As we bid farewell to Prince Mishari, the weight of his absence leaves a void that echoes through our hearts, a painful reminder of life’s delicate, fleeting nature.

The prince’s character endures in his family, in the hearts of those he touched, and in the proud history of Saudi Arabia, which he embraced and deeply respected. His legacy transcends the generations before him and lives on in the values he instilled in his descendants and the impactful contributions he made throughout his life. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his influence continues to shape the lives of those who follow in his footsteps.

As we bid farewell to Prince Mishari, the weight of his absence leaves a void that echoes through our hearts, a painful reminder of life's delicate, fleeting nature. In the grand tapestry of existence, no matter how enduring a legacy or noble a soul, the reality of loss is inevitable. It is a profound sorrow to be left behind by those we love, a grief that stings with the rawness of abandonment and the heartache of separation. Yet, in this sorrow, there is a subtle beauty, a reminder that in our pain lies the power to honor and carry forward the very essence of what we have lost.

Usually, there is a phenomenon that people lose their sight temporarily after the loss of a very dear one. This brought to mind the story of Prophet Yaqub, who, after losing his most beloved son, Prophet Yusuf, was so consumed by grief that he lost his sight. The Qur’an beautifully captures this moment of deep sorrow: “And he turned away from them and said, ‘How sad I am about Yusuf,’ and his eyes turned white with sorrow and he was suppressing (his anger and grief).”

Years passed as Yaqub continued to grieve for Yusuf in silence. His eyes turned white as he slowly lost his eyesight. Yet, despite his overwhelming sadness, his faith in Allah’s mercy and power to return his son to him never wavered. This unwavering trust in Allah’s plan is something we too must embrace as we mourn Prince Mishari, knowing that his spirit rests in the hands of the Most Merciful.

Scientific evidence also acknowledges the physical toll that grief can have on the body, with studies showing that the loss of a loved one can lead to vision disturbances, or even complete blindness in rare cases, due to the emotional and physiological stress. The powerful connection between our mental and physical well-being is a reminder of how deeply loss can impact us, not just emotionally but also physically.

The Qur’an further reminds us: “Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him is our return.” This verse speaks to the fragility of life, that everything we hold dear, including our beloved prince, is entrusted to us temporarily before returning to the Creator. In our mourning, we are reminded of this divine truth — that death is not an end, but a return to the Source, and it is through this understanding that we can transform our grief into a force for good.

In this painful moment, we do not let our sorrow consume us; instead, we use it to fuel our actions, to live more fully, to serve with greater compassion, to embody the values Prince Mishari held so dear. His legacy is not confined to the past; it lives within us, urging us to act with kindness, to lead with integrity, and to build a future that honors the lessons of the past. His memory, like a flame, continues to illuminate the path forward — a path where our grief becomes the foundation for renewed purpose, for the strengthening of our community, and for the building of a better tomorrow.

May we carry his vision forward, knowing that while he is no longer with us in body, his spirit endures in every compassionate act we undertake, in every forward-thinking initiative we champion, and in every step we take toward a world rooted in love, respect, and unity.

• Abeer S. Al-Saud is an op-ed writer for Arab News, exploring development, peace and cultural topics. The views expressed in this piece are personal. X: @abeeralsaud