Muhammad Eid Al-Rawaf: His Birth, Family, and Contributions to Diplomacy, Politics, and Administration During the Reign of King Abdulaziz (1314–1383 AH /1896–1963 CE)

Abstract

This study highlights the life and legacy of Muhammad Eid Al-Rawaf by exploring his birth, family background, and his pivotal roles in diplomacy, politics, and administration during the reign of King Abdulaziz.  Al-Rawaf was born in Damascus in 1314 AH (1896 CE). He embarked on his career at an early age, serving in the Saudi Consulate in Syria. Over the years, he rose through the ranks of the diplomatic service, eventually becoming the Kingdom’s Consul General in Syria and Lebanon 1346 AH (192 CE), and later in Iraq 1356 AH (1937 CE). Notably, he was a member of the Saudi delegation sent by King Abdulaziz to negotiate and sign the peace treaty between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 1349 AH (1929 CE), for which he received the Iranian Shah’s Medal of Honor. Beyond his diplomatic achievements, Al-Rawaf held several key administrative roles within the Saudi government. These included serving as Deputy Governor of Jeddah 1354 AH (1934 CE) and as a member of the Council of Deputies 1357 AH (1938 CE). He continued to contribute to the Saudi state until his passing in 1383 AH (1963 CE).