Statement by King Saud bin Abdulaziz During His Visit to the Eastern Province (1373 AH) Published in Qafalat Al‑Zayt Magazine
“From Saud bin Abdulaziz to the sons of our people in the Eastern Province:
We praise God before you, for He has guided us to our path, and we would not have been guided had He not guided us. We send prayers and peace upon His Messenger and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Seal of the Prophets and Messengers.
We have come to you to visit you, to look into your conditions, and to seek the means of reform in your affairs—affairs that occupy the greatest share of our work, our thought, and our efforts. My heart has been gladdened and my spirit uplifted by what I have witnessed among you, individually and collectively, of sincere devotion, deep loyalty, and noble sentiments—clearly reflected in your warm reception and the expressions of affection and fidelity with which you surrounded us.
What has further reassured me about the future of my people is what I have seen of your determination to advance and your commitment to the means of progress—an aspiration that receives from us all that nurtures it and fulfills its highest hopes. All strive so that our country may attain the most honorable standing among nations. With this, we work to achieve the great and noble objectives set before us by our late and revered father, King Abdulaziz—may God bless his soul and grant him Paradise—following his blessed footsteps, adhering to his pure example, and walking his upright path.
Let all know that the highest aim to which we aspire, and for which we strive earnestly, is to restore to Muslims their glory and strength—by devoting worship to God alone and by upholding the observance of religious duties as God has commanded. I have devoted, and shall continue to devote, my utmost effort and care to this noble purpose. I also declare that my door is open to all.