(Umm al‑Qurā, Issue No. 1558, 1 Sha‘bān 1374 AH / 25 March 1955 CE)
It has given us great pleasure today to visit the barracks and encampments of the units stationed in Taif from our rising army. We observed with satisfaction and delight the cleanliness of all facilities, the fine organization of their sections, and the impressive appearance they presented. We were equally struck by the spirit of discipline and the marks of manliness evident before us—especially in the bearing of all our sons, officers and enlisted men alike—reflecting noble souls eager to elevate the name of the nation and defend its honor.
My greatest comfort and deepest joy during this visit was seeing copies of the Qur’an adorning the bedside of every officer and soldier. For within the covers of our great Qur’an—God’s noble Book—lie our dignity, our honor, our glory, and our blessings in this world and the next. This sight assured me that our sons are firmly committed to their faith and diligent in fulfilling their religious duties. In performing these duties, they are thereby fulfilling their national obligations in full, by God’s permission and guidance.
While we appreciate these admirable qualities, we must remind our valiant army that our nation—and the Arab world as a whole—faces a difficult and thorny path ahead, one that requires earnestness, perseverance, and tremendous effort, akin to the efforts of our illustrious forefathers. Yet we are confident, with God’s help and strength, that this army will be among the strongest pillars supporting the builders of this glory, and the firmest shield protecting this precious honor and the greater Arab honor.
In recognition of what we have witnessed during this visit, we have ordered that all our sons—commanders, officers, employees, soldiers of our army, and members of our air force—be granted a one‑month salary as a reward for their dedication and vigor, and as a commemoration of our visit. We pray that the Almighty guide their steps and inspire them to the right path.