JEDDAH, 25 November 2003 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, have called on Muslims to unite against terror and work for world peace.
“We urge you to work for the stability and security of Islamic countries and the whole world and overcome the obstacles to world peace,” the two leaders said in their Eid message.
The Royal Court yesterday announced for today the celebration of Eid Al-Fitr throughout the Kingdom after the Supreme Judiciary Council confirmed the sighting of the Shawwal crescent.
King Fahd and Prince Abdullah said the recent bombings in Riyadh, which killed more than 50 people, had no basis in Islam and called on Muslims to “work together to combat the roots of extremism.”
The king and the crown prince urged Muslims to strengthen their unity and solidarity. “The celebration of Eid at the conclusion of a month of fasting is an expression of Muslim unity and solidarity,” the message said.
“Ramadan and Eid bring Muslims closer together and help remove their divisions and differences,” it added.
The Saudi leaders expressed the hope that Eid Al-Fitr would usher in a new era of peace, security and prosperity in Islamic countries. They also asked God to accept the fasting and prayers of Muslims during Ramadan.
“A true Muslim does not spread corruption nor does he seek destruction,” said the message read out on Saudi Television by Culture and Information Minister Dr. Fouad Al-Farsy.
“Islam has nothing to do with the terrorist acts carried out by groups claiming to be followers of Islam,” said the message, adding that the terrorist attacks were a result of erroneous beliefs.
“We must intensify our efforts and stand united to rectify defects and distortions, correct erroneous understanding and lead delinquents to the right path,” the message added.
King Fahd had earlier this month warned terrorists the Kingdom would strike “with an iron fist” those behind the Nov. 8 attacks in Riyadh that killed at least 18 people.
“The international situation of the Islamic nation as well as global developments demand introspection so that we can adopt correct views and take suitable positions,” the message said.
“We must work together to combat the roots of deviation and implement the teachings of true Islam,” it added.
King Fahd and Prince Abdullah also urged Muslims to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in tolerance and mercy to become forces for good.
Meanwhile, a number of Arab leaders, including UAE President Sheikh Zayed, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Sudan’s President Omar Al-Bashir, Tunisian President Zaine Al-Abidine Ben Ali and Jordan’s King Abdallah, contacted the king and the crown prince by telephone to offer their Eid greetings.
