The quotation below not only gives a further insight into Ibn Saud's generosity of spirit but also serves to illustrate misconceptions about the faith on which Ibn Saud built his Kingdom.

"[Ibn Saud] gave the impression of being endowed with a particularly straightforward, frank and generous nature. He treated me most hospitably and in the most genuinely friendly manner. He and his brothers did not show a trace of the fanatical spirit which might have been expected….. and his advisers and the leaders of his forces also treated me and my men with the most cordial friendship. I feel convinced of the correctness of this impression for I frequently discussed matters of doctrine, custom and religion….and I was always answered with calm intelligent reasoning."

• Next Quotation