By Omar Al‑Saleh Al‑Barghouthi
Al‑Jihad Newspaper — 12 Shawwal 1373 AH / 14 June 1954
A delegation from the Islamic Holy Places came before His Majesty—meaning King Saud—and he greeted them with warmth, his face lighting with joy, his spirit filled with delight. He welcomed them as they came entrusted with a mission of goodness. He thanked them for reminding him of the duty of restoring and protecting the mosques—those sacred houses whose care he had entrusted to those younger than him, so that generosity might flow from his will, chivalry pour from his character, and dignity radiate through his solemn presence.
His Majesty donated one hundred thousand dinars for the restoration of the Blessed Rock and Al‑Aqsa Mosque, expressing his readiness to cover whatever expenses the project might require.
Yet he refrained from paying all the costs himself—out of humility and a desire that his Muslim brothers might share with him in the reward. His longing to give surpassed his desire to be thanked; his heart expanded more in giving than the joy felt by the one receiving. Generosity and noble character are his precious essence.
This noble gesture reminds us of the fragrant deeds of the early caliphs—rooted in the history of Arab greatness, crowned by true Islam, and echoing the authentic Arab generosity of Bakr and Shayban, descendants of the heroes of Dhi Qar and the warriors of Al‑Qadisiyyah, who spread the faith, destroyed tyranny, and taught humanity the virtues of noble conduct.
O King, you have wiped the tears of Al‑Aqsa with your love.
You have brightened the face of the Blessed Rock with your generosity.
You have embraced the Islamic relics with your benevolence.
You preserved for us the miracle of faith, the pride of the ages, the eternal sign of Jerusalem. Hope returned to it after despair; its withered expectations blossomed anew; and the bonds of kinship were awakened.
Generosity is the finest garment of the great, the most splendid robe of kings and princes, the source of praise and the shield against humiliation. As the poet said:
“Whoever does good shall never be denied its reward;
Goodness never disappears between God and mankind.”
For generosity begins with gratitude and ends with remembrance—
a habit of King Saud, who quenches the needs of the needy and fulfills their many requests with a gentle gesture.