Mohammed Hassan Faqi

Mohammed Hassan Faqi (1914 - 2004) was a journalist, diplomat, writer, poet, and literary figure. He is considered one of the pioneers of journalism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He wrote on history and philosophy and published numerous works and poetry collections. He received several commendations and literary awards.

Mohammed Hassan Faqi was born and raised in Makkah al-Mukarramah. He received his education at al-Falah School, where he later graduated. He began teaching at an early age, instructing in literature, geography, and Arabic calligraphy. His sources of knowledge included various old and modern literary books and poetry collections from the pre-Islamic era. His poetry was characterized by optimism until he lost some of his children, after which his poems began to reflect sorrow and the pain of loss.

Mohammed Hassan Faqi began his career as a teacher for a short period before being appointed as the editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Sawt al-Hijaz." He then transitioned to work in the Ministry of Finance as an assistant general inspector. He held various other positions, including the first general manager of al-Bilad Company, head of the editorial office at the Ministry of Finance, Saudi ambassador to Indonesia, advisor to al-Arabiya Magazine, general manager and head of offices at the Ministry of Finance, head of the General Imports Department, and chairman of the board of the Agricultural Bank. He was also the founder of the General Bureau for Auditing, established by order of King Faisal.

Mohammed Hassan Faqi has numerous works, most notably: "Majmu'at al-Ruba'iyat" (Collection of Quartets), the poetry collection "Qadar wa rajul" (Fate and Man), "al-falak yadoor" (The Cosmos Turns), and "Natharat wa afkar fi al-mujtama' wa al-hayah" (Observations and Thoughts on Society and Life).

Faqi received the State Appreciation Award at al-Janadriyah Festival and was honored with an Arab literary award in 1994. The award was named "The Makki Poet"

From the poetry of Mohammed Hassan Faqi:

Before the strong return as frail, I wish they'd battled desires to prevail.

They should have shone with radiant light, Before death cast its shadow on life.