While scholars were proud of their scholarly credentials, many pursued ‘non-academic’ careers. Even then, they would keep their scholarly titles, like qāḍī (judge). One such person in the Yaḥyā Ḥamīd al-Dīn administration was Qāḍī Muḥammad Rāghib. Before joining the Imam’s administration, he served the Ottomans. He was fluent in French, Ottoman Turkish, and Arabic. Many Euro-pean visitors to Yemen were touched by his hospitality and manners. Here is how Flieringa described him in his diary: “Qadi Raghib Bey is an elderly Turk who speaks fluent French, is exceptionally courteous, and is well-cultured. He is a born diplomat and knows human character. But he is careful with his statements, and one does not know if he is in favor or against something.” (Willemien de Vlieger-Moll, Gellius Flieringa in Jemen: op bezoek bij de Imam in 1934, 1935 en 1939, 2nd ed., The Hague 2021).
Gellius Flieringa, Kadi Moh[ammed] Raghib, minister van buitenlandsche zaken / [Kadi Mohammed Raghib, Minister of Foreign Affairs], in: [photo album] Zuid-Arabië. Reis van den Heer Flieringa (1934-1935) / [South Arabia. Journey of Mr. Flieringa (1934-1935)], photo 15 (Or. 26.375: 15)
Gellius Flieringa,
Voorname Arabieren. 2de van rechts: Sajid Hoesein Alatas, de begeleider van Dr. Flieringa, Sanʿāʾ [2de van links: Kadi Hoesein bin Ahmad Moetahar, secretaris van den Imaam; middelste: Sajid Hoesein Abdoelkadir, Amil van Sanʿāʾ / [Distinguished Arabs. 2nd from right: Sajid Hussein Alatas, the companion of Dr. Flieringa, Sanaʾa, 2nd from left: Kadi Hussein bin Ahmad Mutahar, secretary of the Imaam, middle: Sajid Hussein Abdulkadir, Amil of Sana’a], in: [photo album] Zuid-Arabië. Reis van den Heer Flieringa (1934-1935) / [South Arabia. Journey of Mr. Flieringa (1934-1935)], photo 27 (Or. 26.375: 27)
Gellius Flieringa, Van links naar rechts: Kadi Mohamad Raghib, Min[ister] van Buitenl[andsche] Zaken, Kadi Abdullah el-Amry, Min[ister] van Binnenl[andsche] Zaken, C. Adriaanse, al-Harra / [From left to right: Kadi Mohamad Raghib, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kadi Abdullah el-Amry, Minister of the Interior, C. Adriaanse, al-Harra, in: [photo album] Zuid-Arabië. Reis van den Heer Flieringa (1934-1935) / [South Arabia. Journey of Mr. Flieringa (1934-1935)], photo 71 (Or. 26.375: 71)