“First: my visit was to the Mosque of the Messenger of God, peace be upon him — that noble Prophet who migrated to this city to spread among people the teachings of Islam, guiding them to good, combating evil, and instilling in their hearts the spirit of unity, affection, and cooperation so that they may attain honor and happiness in their religion and worldly life.”
“Second: I came to examine your affairs, speak with you, and see for myself what this sacred land requires of beneficial works — to improve the material and moral conditions of its people and provide all that is necessary to raise their standard of living.”
His Majesty continued:
“For this reason, you saw that I preferred to travel to this blessed city by land, despite the hardship and fatigue, because I feel that direct contact with the people brings great benefits. It strengthens natural understanding between the ruler and the ruled, deepens bonds of affection and trust, and reinforces reformist ideas, giving them the attention they deserve.”
“I am deeply delighted by the warm receptions I encountered from the moment I entered the borders of this sacred city — from its settled people and its Bedouins alike — receptions filled with patriotic enthusiasm and sincere emotion, free from affectation or pretense.”
“I am also overwhelmed with appreciation for the speeches and poems I heard — filled with noble sentiments and sincere devotion — which brought joy to my heart. I thank you for these feelings and for the heartfelt welcome that left a lasting and beautiful impression on my soul.”
“What I feel toward your city — of love, goodwill, and admiration for your loyalty — is no less than what you have shown me; indeed, it surpasses it many times over. I shall strive to ensure that this affection does not remain mere sentiment, but is translated into action and reality.”
His Majesty added:
“I listened attentively to your speakers and poets and to the national hopes and aspirations they expressed. I am pleased to tell you that our aims meet at a single point: work and reform.”
“I have personally observed your living conditions and closely examined what this land needs in terms of progress and projects that will benefit you, God willing.”
On Poverty and Reform
“The more I study the condition of society and the hardships its people endure, the more convinced I become that the most destructive affliction is poverty — for from it arise other afflictions such as illness and ignorance.”
“A poor person is often prevented by his poverty from seeking treatment, acquiring knowledge, or improving his condition. For this reason, I have always placed the fight against poverty at the forefront of my concerns.”
“You know that during my stay among you, I took swift measures to ease hardship, support educational institutions, and formed a committee of experts to study the needs of your municipality — to propose development projects and reform plans that combat every ailment weakening the body of the nation and harming the health, livelihood, and social well‑being of its people.”
“I am also preparing long‑term programs to ensure the implementation of these reforms within a defined timeframe. I am hopeful that my study of the region’s conditions will mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with prosperity and good for the people, God willing.”
A Call to Patience and Confidence
“I am pleased to see my brothers in this land looking to the future with confidence and reassurance — and they are right to do so. Nothing stands between us and achieving our goals except sincerity of intention and dedication to work — and this, God willing, is within reach.”
“But we must remember that reform and nation‑building require continuous effort and considerable time. Therefore, you must arm yourselves with patience. Know that the ship of reform is moving forward, overcoming every wave until it reaches the shore of safety, crowned with success.”
Farewell
“On this occasion, I entrust you to God, for I have decided to depart this blessed city soon. I repeat my deep gratitude for your noble sentiments and heartfelt welcome.”
“Were it not for the duties awaiting me in other parts of the country, I would have stayed longer in this sacred city, for I feel its sanctity and see in it a symbol of overflowing patriotism and sincere loyalty.”
“I also thank the delegation from Mecca that came to bid me farewell on behalf of its people — who insisted on accompanying me with their loyalty and devotion. To them, and to all other delegations from across our land, I extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude.”
“In conclusion, I pray that God grants us all success in upholding the firm principles of Islam and strengthening our beloved homeland under the leadership of His Majesty the King — may God support him and preserve him as a source of strength for the nation, the Arabs, and Islam.”
“Peace be upon you.”
(Rabi‘ al‑Awwal 1372 AH — December 1952)