JEDDAH, 15 October 2004 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah yesterday called for Muslim unity, saying Muslims are in urgent need to stand together today more than any other time and to work according to the teachings of Islam that reject violence, extremism and terrorism. “Hold fast together the rope of God and stand united at this very time when the nation of Islam is in need of coming together and Muslims in need of adhering to the Islamic teachings that reject violence, extremism and terrorism and preach moderation and tolerance,” the king and the crown prince told Muslims in a Ramadan greeting message, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Saudi Arabia will today join other Muslim countries in observing the holy month of Ramadan where Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk.
“The nation of Islam is in greater need of unity than any time before,” the Saudi leaders said. “The Islamic faith instructs us to follow the principles of wisdom and moderation,” SPA quoted them as saying.
King Fahd and Prince Abdullah congratulated Muslims all over the world on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan which begins today. They also reminded Muslims of the greatness of Ramadan and advised them to do righteous deeds.
The Saudi leaders said the Kingdom would spare no effort in the service of Islam and Muslims everywhere, especially those who come to Saudi Arabia as pilgrims and pledged to work tirelessly and will all determination for the interest of the country and its people.
“The blessed month has come... when the doors of Paradise are kept open and the doors of Hell are closed and the devils are chained... In this month there is a night that is better than a thousand months. On this occasion we congratulate all Muslims on the advent of this holy month where Muslims should make good use of it through good deeds and worship,” the king and crown prince said
King Fahd, Prince Abdullah and Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, exchanged messages of Ramadan greetings with world leaders.
