In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
“I praise to you God, there is no deity but He, and I send prayers and peace upon Muhammad, his family, his companions, and all who follow them in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.”
His Majesty continued:
“I am pleased to seize this blessed opportunity — in which God has gathered us with you in the most beloved of lands to Him, during the best of months and the most blessed of seasons — to extend to each one of you my heartfelt Islamic greeting on the great blessing God has granted us all: the performance of this mighty pillar of Islam, the pilgrimage to the Sacred House of God, in response to the call of Abraham, peace be upon him, when he proclaimed by God’s command that people should come to this blessed sanctuary to witness benefits for themselves and to remember God’s name over the livestock He has provided them.”
“This blessing deserves from us sincere gratitude and pure praise to God alone — the Bestower of favors, the One who guides to righteous deeds. To Him alone belong our thanks, our supplications, our sacrifices, our prayers, our fasting, our pilgrimage, and our seeking of help.”
“We ask Him to unite our hearts upon the monotheism with which He sent all prophets and messengers, to fill our souls with true faith, to purify us from sins and misdeeds, and to accept from us what we intended when we set our faces toward His Sacred House and followed the guidance of His Prophet in the rites of pilgrimage.”
His Majesty then offered his counsel:
“I advise myself first, and then I advise you, to fear God in private and in public, in words and in deeds. Let each of us know that nothing will reform the last part of this nation except what reformed its first part.”
“The weakness, division, and decline that have afflicted Muslims today in various lands stem from their failure to understand their religion correctly, their distance from the spirit of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and their limiting of worship to outward forms devoid of the essence of Islam — pure monotheism, which God emphasized when He said: ‘Indeed, God does not forgive associating anything with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.’”
“Islam grants honor, strength, and dignity to the believers, as the Qur’an declares that honor belongs to God, His Messenger, and the believers. These were the principles of the righteous predecessors, who once led the world — calling to God with insight, uniting the ranks of Muslims, strengthening their solidarity, and guiding them to the straight path.”
His Majesty placed responsibility upon the leaders of the Muslim world:
“I place the duty of restoring this condition upon the scholars of Islam first, then upon its leaders and elders. They are responsible before God and before the people for any shortcomings among Muslims, for they are the heirs of the prophets. Had each fulfilled his duty with sincerity to God alone, Muslims would not have reached this state of ignorance, weakness, and division.”
He added:
“Religion is sincere counsel. As I advise myself, I must direct this counsel to everyone who hears it, asking God in this sacred moment to guide us all to what benefits our religion and our worldly affairs.”
His Majesty then addressed the pilgrims directly:
“Let each of you feel that he is among his people and his family. Let us all cooperate in maintaining order during the days of pilgrimage and assist one another in what brings comfort to all.”
“Our doors are open to anyone with a need, a complaint, a grievance, or a request for assistance — within our ability. Let him contact us, or our private offices, or any responsible government department, by telegram, letter, or any means. Everything that reaches us is reviewed, given attention, and forwarded to the relevant authorities with our urgent instructions.”
“We hope everyone understands the great responsibilities we bear during these days — watching day and night over every detail concerning the hundreds of thousands who come to the Mother of Cities, ensuring their comfort in travel and residence. We do not claim perfection, but we exert our utmost effort.”
He concluded with a heartfelt prayer:
“We ask God sincerely to grant us and you safety, health, and acceptance; to honor us with serving you in this Sacred Land every year, God willing; and to protect you until you return to your homelands joyful, reassured, and blessed in your religion and your worldly affairs.”
Your brother, Saud
Makkah al‑Mukarramah — Tuesday, 8 Dhu al‑Hijjah 1372 AH