RIYADH: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah said the annual International Book Fair that opened yesterday in Riyadh would increase the nation's intellectual wealth and enable greater communication with other people.
"We in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia always emphasize the need for upholding the Shariah with actions guided by the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him. Islam instructs us to be at the forefront of those who seek and acquire knowledge," King Abdullah said in his speech read out on his behalf by Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja.
"The merit of a scholar over a worshipper is like the superiority of the full moon over the rest of the planets," King Abdullah added.
King also said that Islam stressed the need for tolerance of others and opening of channels of dialogue with those who disagree with it.
The king also stressed the importance of presenting the real image of Islam to others at cultural events such as book fairs.
The king also expressed his happiness at the participation of Brazil as guest of honor in the book fair, the Saudi Press Agency reported yesterday.
