Nations have immortal days in the course of their history—days that hold the memories of their awakening, their honor, and their glory. Among the cherished memories of our nation is the 5th of Shawwal, 1319 AH, whose anniversary we celebrate today as a joyful and blessed day: the golden day marking the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by its beloved sovereign.
It was by divine will that, in every nation suffering decline and disorder, a leader emerges to restore its affairs, gather its scattered parts, and guide it toward what ensures its welfare and righteousness—returning to it its lost dignity and usurped authority.
Since ancient times, nations have vied in honoring those who reformed their affairs, established their foundations, and built their glory. They bestowed upon them love and obedience, surrounded them with admiration and respect, celebrated their memory, immortalized their names, and enumerated their noble deeds as a just recompense.
Today, our noble nation rejoices in recalling that golden day, for on such a day, fifty years ago, His Majesty the revered King regained the capital of his forefathers from its usurpers. He then continued, with extraordinary courage and firm resolve, to reclaim all the lands of his ancestors. God further honored him by granting him the opening of the Two Holy Mosques, blessing him with their service and with facilitating the pilgrimage to God’s Sacred House and the visitation of His Prophet’s Mosque. This marked a profound turning point in the life of the Arabian Peninsula: a transformation from chaos to stability, from tyranny to justice and security, from disunity to cohesion, from humiliation to honor, and from weakness in religious conviction to strength of faith.
Ultimately, it was a transformation from a neglected tribal condition to a free, independent nation respected among nations.
His Majesty—may God protect him—built his kingdom upon two solid foundations: military valor and political acumen. There is no doubt that his religious conviction, the strength of his character, and the nobility of his nature played a decisive role in his success and in achieving his lofty aims.
If we look beyond the military and political aspects of his blessed reign, we find that His Majesty worked with sincere determination to reform and develop his country in all fields—economic, agricultural, cultural, health, and social. He devoted his care to establishing a national defense force on modern principles, equipped with advanced weaponry. He also worked to develop the nation’s natural resources to support the desired reforms and to lighten the burden of taxes and fees on its people. The country began to flourish, and the signs of development spread.
His noble spirit refused to stop at any limit of victory or success, for the horizon of his aspirations was vast and the sky of his ambition lofty. With enlightened judgment, wisdom, knowledge, insight, and deliberation, he steered the ship of the nation with masterful leadership until he brought it safely to shore—honored, fully independent, and sovereign. He elevated it to its rightful place in the United Nations, standing equal with long‑established independent states. He contributed to the founding of the Arab League and worked sincerely to preserve its unity, seeing in that the fulfillment of a sacred hope for the Arabs in particular and a noble aspiration for Muslims in general.
By his far‑sighted vision and political skill, His Majesty succeeded in shielding the country from grave crises and dangerous events that arose during his blessed reign—foremost among them the great world war—protecting the nation from its dangers and calamities, and ensuring for it peace, security, and a life of stability and prosperity.
His Majesty’s reign, in truth, is a history filled with great deeds and a record rich with achievements—each one a source of pride and honor.
Celebrating this anniversary reflects the nobility of the people and their awareness of what benefits them. It signifies the following lofty meanings:
First: Recognition of the great King’s virtues and his benevolent deeds toward the nation.
Second: Honoring the throne he established through his efforts and sacrifices—a symbol of the nation’s dignity and sovereignty.
Third: Reverence for what his blessed reign has brought to the country of honor, independence, reform, and prosperity.
There is no doubt that remembering glorious deeds and immortal achievements inspires in the hearts of the nation’s sons—especially its youth—the spirit of ambition and vitality, instilling in them noble qualities and high resolve. These memories are a source of strength, a wellspring of goodness, and a treasury of lessons and wisdom.
In conclusion, I salute His Majesty my lord the King—ever watchful over the welfare of his nation, the faithful guardian of his people, and the supreme leader who fought battles himself for the liberation of his land, triumphing through the strength of his faith, the soundness of his judgment, and his courage and valor. I ask God Almighty to prolong his precious life, to preserve him for his country—supported and victorious—and to make him a source of strength and refuge for the Arabs and Muslims.
Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.
Source: Umm al‑Qura Newspaper