The Good Man and the Beating Heart of the Homeland Abroad

Kuwaiti expatriates have played an honorable role in raising Kuwait’s stature beyond its borders. These distinguished sons carried a sincere patriotic spirit, representing Kuwait in its finest light, whether in official or unofficial capacities. They embodied patriotism and chivalry, and their homes became beacons of generosity, hospitality, bravery, and noble character. They extended a helping hand to their Kuwaiti and Arab brothers alike, embodying the highest meanings of belonging, national service, and dignified representation of their beloved homeland.

Among the events worth recalling in this context are the noble patriotic stances of the late Uncle Badr Mohammed Nasser Al-Sayer (known as “Bou Feisal”), may God have mercy on him, nicknamed “The Good Man.” We will mention only two of his many honorable patriotic acts, as space and brevity permit, concerning his interactions with Kuwaiti student sons in the Kingdom of Bahrain. However, before detailing these two incidents, it is fitting to clarify that Uncle Badr Mohammed Al-Sayer, may God have mercy on him, was one of the most prominent figures of the Kuwaiti community in Bahrain. He attended numerous events and participated in most official receptions held in the 1940s. He strove to welcome and honor Kuwaiti guests visiting Bahrain from Kuwait, fulfilling his duties toward them as if they were in Kuwait itself. One of the most notable occasions was when he had the honor of welcoming His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God have mercy on him, during his visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Bou Feisal, may God have mercy on him, was distinguished by his authentic Arab generosity and his love for assisting his Kuwaiti brothers who traveled to Bahrain for commercial activities or as students. He frequently hosted many of them in his home, refusing to let them stay in hotels. He treated every visitor from Kuwait with excellent hospitality, hosting lavish banquets. His generosity evolved to the point where he and his partner, Uncle Khaled Abdulaziz Al-Saadoun, became the de facto patrons of their Kuwaiti brothers in Bahrain. In addition to his private business activities, he became responsible for managing the properties of the late merchant Hilal Fajhan Al-Mutairi in Bahrain, overseeing and supervising all their affairs.

Uncle Badr Al-Sayer, may God have mercy on him, served as the “Dean of Kuwaiti Students in Bahrain,” acting as a loving father to them. He stood by them in times of hardship, offering help and advice when needed. They held him in the highest affection, respect, and admiration, reflecting his esteemed position in their hearts, demonstrated through his dedication to serving his countrymen.

This brief introduction highlights the honorable presence of Uncle Bou Feisal, may God have mercy on him, in Bahrain. The two incidents we wish to highlight can be summarized as follows:

**First Incident: Facilitating the Payment of Students’ Allowances Before the Eid**

Uncle Bou Feisal, may God have mercy on him, had a white hand (a metaphor for generosity) in assisting Kuwaiti students in their studies. We cite here a statement by the director of the mission at the Industrial College in Bahrain: “Uncle Badr Al-Sayer made strenuous efforts to facilitate the payment of allowances for Kuwaiti students, which had been delayed due to circumstances beyond their control. He conveyed their complaints to the authorities in Bahrain and to prominent Kuwaiti merchants there, notably Mr. Mubarak Hilal Al-Mutairi, following a personal recommendation from Uncle Badr Al-Sayer. He eased their difficulties, provided them with material aid, and gladdened their hearts by presenting them with gifts, restoring their joy and happiness, especially as they were approaching the blessed Eid al-Fitr.”

**Second Incident: Withdrawing from a Play Benefiting the Jews**

Here, the honorable patriotic stance of Uncle Bou Feisal, may God have mercy on him, emerges regarding his student sons’ participation in a theatrical performance for the benefit of the Jews in 1941. It is reported that: “The Jew Naji Zilouf visited the Kuwaiti students in the dormitory on April 5, 1941, and requested their participation in a social play, without revealing the author’s identity. They agreed, tempted by the substantial financial offer of 22 rupees per person (a large sum at the time). They received half the amount in advance and were bound by a contract stipulating a penalty of approximately 100 rupees for any withdrawal. To further entice them, he noticed that one student’s shoes were old and torn, and he promised the student new shoes outside the agreement. Consequently, the students agreed, and a training schedule was set after each received their roles. Training began in one of his rooms. During this period, they met the late Mahmoud Al-Mardi and some Bahraini youth, who were unaware of the tempting sum involved. Mahmoud Al-Mardi played the lead role due to his eloquence and ability to adapt the dialogue. They spent nearly a month training, having memorized their roles meticulously. Only stage movements—entering and exiting—remained. Costumes were prepared, and tickets were printed. The ticket stated that the proceeds would go to the ‘Fighters Fund.’ It appears that news of this play and its purpose leaked to certain patriotic Bahraini circles, who were displeased with the Kuwaiti students’ participation. The late Badr Mohammed Al-Sayer, Dean of the Kuwaitis in Bahrain, heard the news and summoned the students. He informed them that a group of Bahraini men, zealous for Kuwait’s and its students’ reputation, had expressed their displeasure regarding their participation, for several reasons: First, they had come to Bahrain to study, not to act. Second, the proceeds were not for a charitable cause (as the Jewish man had claimed), but to support the British Fighters’ Fund. Third, they were more aware than anyone else that such actions were not in the interest of Arabs, and that efforts were being made to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Uncle Badr Al-Sayer, may God have mercy on him, insisted that the students withdraw from the play, accepting no excuses. He instructed them to resolve the issue and cancel the play contract. By the grace of God Almighty, he succeeded.”

After a beautiful journey filled with giving, patriotism, and chivalry in his second homeland, Bahrain, Uncle Badr Mohammed Al-Sayer, may God have mercy on him, felt the need to return to his native country. His family urgently needed him, and the family business was expanding, requiring leadership and growth. He maintained good relations with everyone, so he returned to work in his beloved Kuwait, leaving behind a significant positive impact and many admirers in Bahrain, who wished he would remain among them with his generosity and noble character, which had touched everyone there. He left beautiful imprints that everyone who interacted with him could feel.

When Bou Feisal, may God have mercy on him, arrived in his homeland Kuwait, a new phase began in the life of this tireless, unwearying man. He returned with the experience gained from his work in Bahrain and his good relationships with market counterparts, preceded by a reputation for good character, honesty, loyalty, and popularity. With the blessing of God Almighty, this served as his greatest support for success and continued contribution in his beloved homeland, which he loved deeply.

Thus were some of the beautiful patriotic stances of “The Good Man,” Uncle Badr Mohammed Nasser Al-Sayer (Bou Feisal), may God have mercy on him, with his Kuwaiti student sons in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This makes him an excellent role model and an honorable example for Kuwaiti sons abroad. May God Almighty honor him and those like him among the righteous and good Kuwaitis.

Dr. Abdulmohsin Al-Jarallah Al-Kharafi