Martyr Prime Minister Rafic Hariri (1944-2005)
From Beirut Arab University … To the Most Important Businessman
in Lebanon’s Modern and Contemporary History

“I remember the valuable days when I was sitting on the seats at this sublime university, the university of the honest people who are committed to their nation, its advancement, progress and honesty towards itself, its era and its future. These were days fraught with difficulties, tender, rich with determination of the Arab youth whose determination and perseverance turn centuries of degradation and retreat to stand on their feet again exposing their foreheads and forearms to springs of light. They were coming out from the era of underdevelopment to make their and their nation’s position firm in this world which does not recognize but the most powerful and does not give the flag of leadership except to those who are people of knowledge.”

With these words Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri addressed his speech to the audience gathering in Jamal Abdel Nasser Hall in Beirut Arab University on 12/4/1994 when he was granted an honorary doctorate in Law. The Martyr Prime Minister said: “ From this university the convoys of success for thousands of graduates moved in various directions. And here I, personally, found a seat in this great university. I embrace it in my heart which is beating in that day in every corner of the university, in its halls, library, clubs, fields and in the neighborhood which is growing bigger the more Beirut Arab University grows and expands.”

Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Bahaa Eddine Hariri descends from a modest and strife family. He was born in 1944 in Sidon, the capital of southern Lebanon. He obtained the high school degree from Egypt in 1963 and joined the Faculty of Commerce at Beirut Arab University during the academic year 1963-1964, where he represented the faculty in the University Student Union. In the third year (1965-1966) he discontinued his studies because he was busy with his work in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, then he moved to work in construction and reconstruction, besides he worked in many other countries.

He visited many capitals in the world gaining international experience between the years 1967-1977. He also visited Lebanon and provided various assistance. Because he believed that the economic, social and political rights are not obtained except by knowledge, he found an educational, scientific and health complex in Sidon- Kfarfalous which was later on destroyed by Israel during the invasion of southern Lebanon. In 1979, he established in Sidon the Islamic Foundation for Culture and Higher Education”. In Beirut its name was changed in 1984 to “ Hariri Foundation”. “Hariri Foundation” sent scientific expeditions to various universities in Europe, United States, Canada and the Arab countries. In addition to helping students in Lebanon from various directions, where statistics indicate that “Hariri Foundation” has taught more than thirty five thousand students from various religions and affiliations along the Lebanese regions. “Hariri Foundation” was keen to establish “Hariri Canadian University” in Meshref in 1999.

Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri said : “The motivation behind establishing the institution was my hope to open the doors of universities and colleges for students with talents and capacities. Man is the main wealth for Lebanon and the best way to build Lebanon is by caring about educating, informing and enlightening the Lebanese human being.”

At the time Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was watching and following up the situation of Lebanon at all levels, he desired to visit his premier university in 1985. He visited Beirut Arab University, met the administration to present proposals for development of education at the university and provided a generous contribution represented by purchasing the land allocated for the establishment of the university hospital. He was concerned when he assumed his office as a Prime Minister in 2004 to achieve his old dream since he was a student at Beirut Arab University to merge the land of “Al Raml” prison adjacent to the university to its property.
Moreover, Prime Minister Hariri had an Arab passion and belonging. He was influenced by Arab nationalist and national thought and Nasiriya. He was granted the Saudi citizenship in 1978 and deserved the privilege to be granted the Arab nationality. He was also granted several medals from several kings, princesses and Presidents of Arab and friendly states. He was an internationalist because he tried to lift high the name of Lebanon and transfer it to the global forum. Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri also tried to bring the world to Lebanon in every step in his way and in every success. He built many firm and solid friendships which he employed for the sake of his country Lebanon and its local and Arabic causes.

Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was far-sighted with a multi-dimensional vision, a reader of the future and a worker for the sake of Lebanon with all his strength. He had a unique character with potentials and aspirations of renaissance and reform. Hariri was assassinated in February 14th, 2005 in a time Lebanon was in a very need for him and Lebanon owe him the huge legacy of these accomplishments.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the board of Beirut Arab University has decided on 2/3/2005 the following:
“Release the name of Martyr Rafik Hariri on the compound of faculties of applied sciences at the university and allocate four scholarships bearing the name of Martyr Rafik Hariri for the doctorate degree from the Faculty of Commerce and Business administration.”

Martyr Prime Minister Rafik Hariri had high spirits, ambitious, highly motivated, generous and forgiving, incomparable good-hearted. These qualifications gave him the good reputation and it had an impact in his progress from a modest accountant to the most important business man in Lebanon’s modern and contemporary history.

Rafic Hariri elected for Students' Council

Hariri's Speech (Arabic)

For more information about Rafic Hariri visit the following website:

www.rhariri.com