In a joint Eid Al-Fitr message to the nation with Crown Prince Sultan, deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, King Abdullah underlined the significance of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims all over the world fast from dawn to dusk.
The message, which was read out on Saudi Arabian Television by Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja, urged the Saudi people to strengthen their unity and solidarity, by cooperating with each other and showing compassion to one another.
“The holy month of Ramadan was instrumental in strengthening our bond with God and improving relations between the rich and poor. It generated the values of tolerance and compassion and brought peace and happiness to our minds,” the king said.
King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. “It strengthens our commitment to the Shariah and boosts cooperation and cohesion in our society,” their statement said.
The king and the crown prince prayed for the betterment of situation in the Arab and Islamic world. “God may help the Islamic nation to overcome the present tests and tribulations. May Allah make the Eid an opportunity for them to overcome pains and accomplish their hopes and aspirations,” the message said. They also prayed for the prevalence of peace and stability all over the world.
Earlier on Monday, the Royal Court said that today (Tuesday) has been declared as the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, a celebration marking the end of fasting in Ramadan. The declaration was made by the Supreme Court after a number of people sighted the Shawwal crescent. The Supreme Court congratulated King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan, the royal family and all other Saudis and residents on the happy occasion.
Also on Monday, King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan sent cables of congratulations to heads of Muslim countries on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. King Abdullah received telephone calls from Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. They exchanged Eid greetings.
In a related development, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif extended his Eid greetings to the families of security officers who were killed while fighting terrorists and other criminals.
