RIYADH, 10 November — The Holy Qur’an and the traditions of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, have been the driving force that enabled the rulers of the Kingdom to achieve all-round progress in such a short period.
This was stated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd in a reply message to Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, who had sent him a letter of congratulation on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of King Fahd’s ascension to the throne.
"We have been translating the words of both the Sunnah and the Holy Qur’an to action and declaring loudly to the whole world that this country will adhere to them always," King Fahd said in his message of thanks to the crown prince for the expression of sincere feelings toward him.
The king observed that it is a special favor from God to be able to serve the Two Holy Mosques and the nation for the past 20 years.
"Almighty Allah has honored us by enabling us to serve the Two Holy Mosques, this country and its citizens," the king said.
The king, in his message, stressed the importance of emulating the founder of the Kingdom, the late King Abdul Aziz, who served as the model for all the kings who ruled the country after him.
"Moreover, we are committed to strive harder in the service of the Two Holy Mosques and the Kingdom in a manner which is pleasing to Almighty Allah and in the footsteps of our predecessors who made the late King Abdul Aziz their model," the king said.
The king continued "King Abdul Aziz taught us how to love each other, be devoted and sincere and to build perfect rapport between the leadership and the citizens. His teachings made us proud of him."
"The march to prosperity will continue, if God wills, by upholding the Word of God and by toiling for the progress of the country and the welfare of the people who are to us like a heart and body united in one, full of love and loyalty," the king continued.
"Dear brother during the past 20 years, you have been the best brother, a true friend and a benefactor. Almighty Allah has blessed us. We ask Allah to grant us wisdom in both our words and deeds so that we can serve this country guaranteeing the people security and prosperity," King Fahd noted.
In his message of congratulation to the king, the crown prince had said: "We are blessed by a noble and proud people, and they are blessed by a king who loves them from the depth of his heart."
He described the period of King Fahd’s rule as a "small period in the expanse of time but long enough to capture history’s attention."
Prince Abdullah referred also to King Fahd as "a great symbol influencing the course of history."
Recalling the past history of the Kingdom, Prince Abdullah had said: "Pictures of great moments rush to my memory and I found you there several times as my father, brother, friend and leader."
He highlighted King Abdul Aziz’s efforts in bringing up the Saudi leadership and shaping their vision. "The founder of the Kingdom, our father King Abdul Aziz remains a great model as a pious and dedicated king," he said.
"His (King Abdul Aziz) mantle exudes the fragrance of nobility and chivalry, and above all the fear of God in private as well as public life," he added.
Prince Abdullah also noted the bonds uniting the Saudi people and leadership. "How great was the impact when the Saudi people — men and women — cooperated with the project of building this nation, closing their ranks and holding fast to the Islamic faith."(SPA)
