Sa'ad Al-Faqih

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Sa'ad Al-Faqih (born January 2, 1957 in Az Zubayr, Iraq), also known as Sa'ad Al-Fagih, Sa'ad Al-Fakih or Sa'ad Al-Faki is a Muslim Saudi national who heads the reform organisation Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia and resides in London in the United Kingdom. He was a professor of surgery at King Saud University until 1994.

Sa'ad'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.

The United States government identified Sa'ad as having financially assisted Al Qaeda in December 2004, and alleges he has maintained relations to the group since 1998. [1] Sa'ad Al-Faqih maintains that authorities such as the United States government wish to vilify him because they are allies with the current Saudi regime which he opposes.

Israeli critics allege Sa'ad owns the controversial al-Qalʿa (القلعة) Internet forums [2], where Islamic militants use to post announcements of their attacks such as the 7 July 2005 London bombings, but Sa'ad denies it, claiming they are out to defame his reputation. The site itself distances itself from the announcements, claiming that the views of the posters are not the views of the website.

[edit] References

• An interview with Sa'ad Al-Faqih, 2003
• 2005 interview
• A interview from 2006
• Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia AKAs:MIRA