Dr Sa'ad Rashed Mohammad al-Faqih (Arabic: سعد راشد محمد الفقيه) (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 Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia[1] (MIRA). 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-Othaimeen and Salman Al-Oda, these were then presented to the King at the time Fahd.[2] In 1994 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.[3]
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.
In December 2004 the US Treasury accused al-Faqih of being affiliated to Al Qaeda, and alleges he has maintained relations to the group since 1998.[4][5] Two days later, the names of al-Faqih and MIRA were added to the UN 1267 Committee's list of individuals and entities belonging to or associated with al-Qaeda.[6] The Treasury statement mentions al-Faqih's past affiliation with Osama bin Laden, Khalid al-Fawwaz, Mustafa Setmariam Nasar, and an obscure al-Qaeda ideologue who writes, or used to write, under the name Lewis Attiyatullah. Dr Sa'ad Al-Faqih asserts that authorities such as the United States government wish to vilify him because they are allies with the current Saudi regime which he opposes and denies all allegations.
BBC five reported a claim that in 1996 Dr Saad Al Faqih purchased an Exact-M 22 satellite phone for Osama bin Laden, an allegation which has not even been investigated, nor has he been charged by any court in the world.[7] Al-Faqeeh confirms that he and MIRA are "totally committed to peaceful agenda.".