With the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan 1447 AH, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, delivered his customary annual address to the citizens and residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to Muslims worldwide. The address was delivered on his behalf by His Excellency the Minister of Media, Mr. Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari, and it contained profound spiritual meanings and noble messages reflecting the significance of this holy month.
Historical context and importance of the royal speech
The annual royal address on the occasion of Ramadan is a long-standing tradition of the Saudi leadership, serving as a bridge for direct communication with the people and the wider Muslim world. This tradition reflects the pivotal role the Kingdom plays as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the heart of the Islamic world. The address is not merely a greeting, but also outlines the spiritual and social direction of the nation during the holy month, emphasizing the values of tolerance, moderation, and balance upon which the country was founded.
The word's themes and main messages
In his address, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques congratulated everyone on the arrival of the month in which the gates of Paradise are opened, and which God has blessed with Laylat al-Qadr, a night better than a thousand months. King Salman called upon Muslims to seize this great opportunity to purify their souls and cleanse their hearts through fasting, prayer, and good deeds. He emphasized that Ramadan is an opportunity to strengthen the values of compassion and social solidarity, and he thanked God Almighty for His manifest and hidden blessings.
He also praised God for the honor bestowed upon the Kingdom of serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including pilgrims, Umrah performers, and other visitors, stressing that the state is continuing on this steadfast path followed by its kings since its founding, in giving everything precious and valuable to ensure the comfort and safety of the guests of God.
Local and international dimensions of the word
Domestically, the royal address strengthens national unity and reminds citizens and residents of their religious and national principles. Regionally and internationally, the speech carries profound significance, particularly given the challenges facing the Muslim world. The address included a special prayer from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques asking God to bestow peace and stability upon the Palestinian people, the Muslim world, and the entire world. This prayer underscores the Kingdom's unwavering stance on major Islamic issues, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, and reflects its humanitarian solidarity with affected populations.
The speech concluded with a supplication to God Almighty to bless everyone in this holy month, to accept good deeds, to perpetuate the Kingdom’s security and prosperity, and to spread peace throughout the world.
