JEDDAH, 27 September 2003 — The Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah yesterday reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to human rights. “Human rights in general and women’s rights in particular are protected in the Kingdom,” he said.
Delivering his Friday sermon, Sheikh Ali ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Hudaify also urged Saudis to stand by their leadership to confront the foreign media attacks and other challenges targeting Islam and the nation.
Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, attended the Juma prayer at the Prophet’s Mosque with hundreds of thousands of faithful who thronged the mosque complex.
After the prayer, Prince Abdullah paid his respects to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and two of his companions, whose bodies are laid to rest in the mosque complex. He was accompanied by Prince Nawaf, director of intelligence, and top officials.
In his sermon, Sheikh Al-Hudaify said Islam was God’s greatest blessing for humanity. “It is a religion of morals, values and good conduct. Islam is dearer to a Muslim than his own self, his family and wealth,” he said.
The imam commended the Saudi leaders for implementing the Shariah and establishing close relations with their citizens. “One of the outstanding features of this country is the presence of Shariah courts where judgments are made in accordance with the laws of God,” he said.
On Thursday night Prince Abdullah received delegations from the tribes of Juhaina, Motair, Anza, Al-Ashraaf, Harb and Bala who pledged their support to the government’s efforts to stamp out terrorism.
The crown prince also chaired a meeting of the ministerial committee in charge of the development of Madinah. The meeting saw a presentation by Madinah Governor Prince Muqrin on e-government plans for the city.
It also discussed development projects including the completion of the mosque’s eastern square, new parking arrangements and construction of a ring road to ensure a smooth flow of traffic around the mosque.
Prince Abdullah, who inaugurated a number of development projects in Madinah over the past three days, later arrived in Riyadh.
