A 21-year-old Saudi student killed in a knife attack while studying in the United Kingdom will be laid to rest in Makkah on Friday, as news of his violent death sparks heartbreak and anger across Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed Al-Qassim, a young student whose future was cut tragically short, died instantly after suffering a deep stab wound to the neck in what British investigators have described as a deliberate and calculated act of murder.
One Fatal Wound, 11.5 Centimeters Deep
According to the official coroner’s report issued by British authorities, Al-Qassim was stabbed once in the neck with a weapon consistent with those used in targeted homicides. The wound measured 11.5 centimeters in depth—enough to sever vital arteries.
The report left little doubt about the attacker’s intent.
“The act was committed with full consciousness and clear lethal intent,” the British coroner stated bluntly.
Police have not yet released the suspect’s name, but local media in the UK confirmed that one individual was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.
Funeral Prayers at Islam’s Holiest Site
Back in Saudi Arabia, the tragedy has triggered a wave of mourning. Al-Qassim’s funeral prayers will be held at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Islam’s most sacred site, immediately following Jumu’ah (Friday) prayers on August 8.
He will be buried at Al-Shuhada Cemetery in the Al-Shara’i district, a quiet neighborhood northeast of the city.
A family member said in a brief statement: “Mohammed was kind, ambitious, and deeply loved. We will miss him every single day.”
One mourner who knew Al-Qassim from school described him as “the kind of person who helped others without being asked.”
Who Was Mohammed Al-Qassim?
He wasn’t famous. But he mattered.
Al-Qassim was a second-year university student pursuing a degree in biomedical sciences in the UK, where he had moved in 2023 on a government scholarship. Friends say he had dreams of working in public health back in Saudi Arabia.
Originally from the Qassim region—after which he was named—Mohammed had spent his childhood between Riyadh and Buraidah before heading abroad for studies. His social media showed the typical posts of a young man abroad: football, study sessions, and occasional photos of London’s gray skies.
“He wasn’t flashy,” said a fellow student. “He was focused. Smart. Quiet. And always respectful.”
Safety Concerns for Saudis Abroad
This incident has stirred unease within Saudi families who send their children abroad to study. With more than 17,000 Saudi students enrolled in UK institutions, concerns about safety are real—and growing.
While knife crime in the UK has been a long-standing issue, this case has drawn special attention due to its seemingly targeted nature. Authorities have yet to confirm whether Al-Qassim was known to his attacker, or if it was a random act.
Saudi embassies in London and Manchester have both issued brief statements expressing sorrow and pledging full cooperation with British law enforcement.
• The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely monitoring the investigation
• Saudi consular officials have been in direct contact with the victim’s family
• Legal observers have been appointed to ensure transparency in the UK’s judicial process
A Nation Mourns a Son Abroad
Social media in Saudi Arabia has lit up with grief. The Arabic hashtag #محمد_القاسم (Mohammed Al-Qassim) trended on X (formerly Twitter), with many users expressing sorrow and frustration at what they see as a senseless killing of a promising young life.
In mosques and schools, teachers and imams offered prayers in his name.
One popular tweet read: “He left us to gain knowledge and returned in a coffin. May Allah accept him as a martyr.”
Some users also called for stronger security coordination between Saudi and British authorities to protect students living overseas.
No Motive Released Yet
British police have yet to announce a motive behind the stabbing. Early reports suggest that the attack occurred in a residential area late at night, and neighbors reported hearing a loud argument before sirens arrived.
Investigators are examining surveillance footage and questioning the suspect, who has not yet been charged formally as of this writing.
An update is expected later this week, as UK officials continue gathering evidence.
