RIYADH, 6 November — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, yesterday urged Muslims to follow the moderate line of Islam and strengthen their unity.
“Hold fast the rope of God and don’t be disunited,” the king and the crown prince said in their joint Ramadan message, quoting a verse from the Holy Qur’an. Information Minister Dr. Fouad Al-Farsy read out the message on Saudi Television.
“The Muslim Ummah is in need of unity more than any time before,” the message said, referring to the latest developments in the region.
“Muslims should endeavor for success in this world and the hereafter as per the teachings of their faith, which urges them to follow the principles of wisdom and moderateness,” the message said.
The Supreme Judiciary Council yesterday announced that the fasting month of Ramadan will start today, Wednesday, after the sighting of the new moon last evening by a number of people.
King Fahd and Prince Abdullah congratulated Muslims all over the world on the advent of Ramadan, the month of spirituality and benevolence. “Every Muslim should welcome this holy month in a way that would reflect its greatness, engaging in righteous deeds,” the message said.
The two leaders highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in the service of the two holy mosques and pilgrims. They also said that Saudi Arabia will continue to apply Shariah in all walks of life.
Meanwhile, King Fahd, Crown Prince Abdullah and Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, received messages of Ramadan greetings from world leaders including President Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan Al-Nahayan of the United Arab Emirates, President Megawati Sukarnoputri of Indonesia, President Muhammad Khatami of Iran, President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan and President Omar Bashir of Sudan.
Also yesterday, Prince Abdullah received a telephone call from Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad, who conveyed Ramadan greetings to him. The crown prince also received calls from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and Syrian President Bashar Assad.
In his message on the occasion, Sheikh Saleh Al-Laheedan, chairman of the Council of Senior Islamic Scholars, called on Muslims to make use of Ramadan to seek the pardon and blessings of God and pray for the unity of the Ummah.
He said Islam has nothing to do with terrorism. “Islam is a religion of compassion, forgiveness and goodness... Muslim rulers were more merciful to their subjects than their predecessors... Non-Muslims in an Islamic country will be protected by the government,” he said, adding that the Shariah defends rights and stops injustice.
