(Published in “Akhbār al‑Yawm”)
“My noble people,”
“Now that the lawful pledge of allegiance placed upon me has required that I ascend the throne and assume the responsibilities of governance, I shall keep ever before my eyes the example of our late father—may God have mercy on him—his views, and his noble qualities in administering the country and managing its affairs. I shall follow the clear rulings of our religion and hold fast to the firm rope of God. I pledge before God to adhere to His Noble Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace be upon him, and I shall defend them with my words and my deeds.”
“I will devote all my effort to ensuring the happiness and well‑being of my beloved people, and to advancing the country politically, economically, and socially. I will remain vigilant in safeguarding the interests of the nation and securing the rights of its citizens, removing every obstacle that stands in our way, and confronting every corrupt or harmful practice.”
“We shall give special attention to strengthening our military and national forces. I will also continue striving to reinforce the bonds of Islamic and Arab brotherhood with the Muslim and Arab nations, and I will maintain the friendships with foreign states that our late, beloved King so carefully cultivated—ensuring that our cherished country holds its rightful place in supporting global peace.”
His Majesty’s Statement to the People of Mecca
The King wished to make God His witness in His Sacred House regarding his intentions, his resolve to do good, and his sincere direction. He therefore addressed the people of Mecca with these words:
“My brothers and sons—neighbors of the Sacred Mosque, its servants, and the noble people of my nation,”
“On this night in which I meet you—after our great King answered the call of his Lord, may God envelop him in mercy—and the burdens and honor of kingship and the protection of the Two Holy Mosques have been placed upon my shoulders… on this night, I have seen with my own eyes, heard with my own ears, and felt in my heart the affection you hold, the noble remembrance you keep for your departed ruler, and the sincerity and loyalty you show to his successor.”
“On this blessed night, as I circumambulated the Ancient House, I turned to God Almighty, asking Him to grant me His aid in the responsibility He has bestowed upon me in His Sacred Land, and in the honor He has granted me of serving the Two Holy Mosques and hosting the pilgrims who come from every corner of the world.”
“I asked God—with a heart full of good intention—to increase me in sincerity, to show me truth as truth and grant me the ability to follow it, to show me falsehood as falsehood and grant me the ability to avoid it, and to make you a source of support for me in obeying Him.”
“This is what I asked of God, and I share it with you as a blessing from Him, and as a pledge I make to you: that I shall exert all my effort, keeping before my eyes—whenever I look into the affairs of the state—that I am under God’s watch, as though I see Him; and if I do not see Him, He surely sees me.”
“On this blessed night, I extend to you my sincere thanks and deep appreciation for your noble sentiments and loyal devotion. I ask God—the One who answers those who call upon Him—to grant success to what I have asked of Him, and to aid me in carrying out the responsibilities of governance in accordance with the Book of God and the Sunnah of His Messenger.”
“I shall give your blessed city the greatest share of my care and attention, so that—through your cooperation—we may provide for the pilgrims to the Sacred House of God all that ensures their comfort, health, and dignity as they fulfill their sacred duty.”
“We ask God to guide all our steps and grant us success in what benefits the Muslims.”
(2 Rabi‘ al‑Awwal 1373 AH)