His First Pilgrimage in 1366 AH, on behalf of His Majesty the King, his father
News had scarcely begun to reach the ears of the people in Riyadh that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the esteemed Prince Saud, intended to travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage on behalf of His Majesty the King, his father, on Monday, the 6th of Dhu al‑Hijjah, 1366 AH, when crowds from every direction flocked to his lofty palace to bid him farewell. From the early morning hours, the royal procession set out, composed of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the noble princes, after a grand farewell ceremony in which the palace staff, heads of departments, senior officials, the royal guard, soldiers, dignitaries, notables, and all classes of the people participated. They gathered in Riyadh, at its airport, and along the road between them, with the royal princes at the forefront. The chants in praise of His Highness rose until they reached the heavens.
While the official farewell ceremonies were taking place in Riyadh, the city of Jeddah was preparing to receive the procession of the great Prince and those accompanying him from the royal household and senior members of the royal entourage. At Jeddah Airport, crowds gathered in waves awaiting the arrival of the Saudi aircraft carrying the leaders of the Hijaz and the luminaries of the Arab East. Present at the airport were the heads of Jeddah’s departments, its senior officials, notables, and dignitaries, along with a delegation from Mecca’s departments and its officials and notables, as well as the full Indonesian delegation. A large public crowd of all classes assembled, and a detachment of police, army personnel, schoolchildren, and sports teams lined both sides of the road leading to the reception hall. The site of the celebration was adorned with Saudi Arabian flags fluttering proudly, proclaiming to the world that these banners, raised by mighty Arab hands, would remain aloft over these sacred lands for all time. Jeddah’s municipal officials supervised the organization and order of the event.
At the forefront of those receiving His Royal Highness were Their Royal Highnesses Prince Saud bin Abdulrahman, Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of Defense Prince Mansour, and Prince Abdullah Al‑Faisal. At five o’clock that day, the procession of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince arrived at Jeddah Airport. The princes hastened to greet him as he descended from the aircraft. A police detachment rendered the military salute, and schoolchildren and sports teams sang enthusiastic welcoming chants, their voices mingling with applause, cheers, and the thunder of the twenty‑one cannon shots fired in salute to His Highness.
Accompanying Prince Saud from Riyadh to perform the sacred pilgrimage were several royal princes, grandsons of His Majesty King Abdulaziz, including Prince Faisal bin Turki, Prince Mohammed bin Turki, Prince Fahd bin Saud, Prince Musaid bin Saud, Prince Mohammed bin Saud, and Prince Abdullah bin Saud. Also accompanying them were officials of the Royal Court, including (titles preserved): Sheikh Ibrahim bin Jami‘ah, Chief of Hospitality; Sheikh Ibrahim bin ‘Aidan, Head of the Bedouin Affairs Office; Sheikh Abdullah Al‑Tuweijri, Assistant Secretary‑General; Commander Saeed Bey Joudeh, Chief of the Royal Guard. The entourage of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince included the following gentlemen: Abdullah Al‑Saadoun, Nayef bin Ar‘ay‘ar, Suleiman Al‑Ubaid, Suleiman bin Hadhlool, Saud bin Dughaythir, Talha bin Ar‘ay‘ar, and Abdulaziz bin ‘Aboud.
Also present were the officials of his private court: Fahd bin Kuraidīs, Chief of the Crown Prince’s Diwan; his deputy Mohammed bin Saeed; Othman Al‑Tuweijri, Head of the Telegraph Division; Ibrahim bin Suwaylim, Head of the Complaints Office; the distinguished writer Abdulhamid Mushakhkhas, Deputy Head of the General Audit Authority; Dr. Adeeb Al‑‘Antabi, the Prince’s personal physician; and Officer Mohammed Al‑Namla, his military aide, along with other officials and noble princes honored to accompany His Royal Highness from Riyadh to Jeddah and then to Mecca.
After His Highness settled in the reception hall at Jeddah Airport, a speaker delivered a welcoming address. The attendees then came forward to greet His Highness, who received them with his natural warmth, graciousness, and noble character. Coffee and refreshments were served. After the grand ceremony concluded, His Highness was escorted with great honor to a royal car, followed by a convoy carrying the princes. At the entrance of the royal palace, a detachment of defense soldiers rendered the military salute. Once inside the palace reception hall, diplomats, foreign mission representatives, government officials, notables, and dignitaries streamed in to offer their greetings. His Highness received them one by one, thanked them for their loyalty and sincerity, and invited them to a luncheon at his table.
After the customary royal ceremonies, His Highness donned the garments of ihram, as did the princes and state officials performing the pilgrimage that year. He then departed by royal car from Jeddah to Mecca, followed by the princes and his entourage in a long convoy. Police units stationed along the road rendered the military salute as he passed.
At the same time, I was in Mecca witnessing firsthand the immense anticipation of the noble people of Mecca for the arrival of the beloved Crown Prince. Crowds of all kinds lined both sides of the road from outside Bab Jeddah to the gate of the Sacred Mosque, leaving no room for a single step. Police and some army personnel maintained order and cleared the way for the royal procession. At 10:30 a.m. on Monday, 6 Dhu al‑Hijjah 1366 AH, the procession entered Mecca. A police detachment at Bab Jeddah rendered the military salute, sports teams sang their enthusiastic chants, and twenty‑one cannon shots echoed across the city in honor of his arrival.
A line of jeeps and police motorcycles preceded the procession. Police soldiers at Bab al‑Salam rendered the military salute. The crowds lining the road clapped until their hands were sore and greeted their beloved prince with noble expressions that filled the air. His Highness responded to their cheers with his gracious hand, radiant smile, and luminous face. Upon reaching the Sacred Mosque, he entered through Bab al‑Salam, as is customary in pilgrimage protocol. The princes followed, then the entourage and officials, with the royal guard at his sides. The attendants of the Haram walked before him carrying censers of incense. His Highness circumambulated the Kaaba seven times, prayed behind the Station of Abraham, then walked to Safa and Marwah, completing seven circuits on foot. Before sunset that Monday, he had completed his rites.
Afterward, the procession returned to the royal palace. At its entrance, the defense soldiers rendered the military salute. Cheers and applause rose skyward along the entire route from the entrance of Mecca to the royal palace, from the people of the city and the pilgrims. It was among the most splendid and joyful scenes. The Hijazi capital was adorned with Saudi flags raised over all its institutions in celebration of the arrival of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
After the Maghrib prayer, a group of senior officials and notables dined at His Highness’s table in the royal palace.
At three o’clock on the second day (Tuesday), another grand public reception was held at the Royal Palace in honor of His Highness the Prince. It was attended by the heads of Saudi government departments, senior officials, the notables and dignitaries of the Hijaz, representatives of all social classes, and the leaders and distinguished members of the pilgrim delegations. When all had gathered and each took his designated seat, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince entered the great reception hall. The entire assembly rose in respect and reverence. Once His Highness was seated, fine Arabian coffee was served to the attendees.
Then the eminent poet, Professor Ahmad Ibrahim Ghazzawi—Poet Laureate of His Majesty the King and a member of the Consultative Council—stepped forward and recited before His Highness a magnificent ode, excelling both in its composition and delivery. We present it here in full:
Poem by Ahmad Ibrahim Ghazzawi
Saud—all radiance and glory, In whom the nation gathers though he stands alone.
Al‑Bathā’ hastens toward him in love, Calling his name in joy, running to greet him.
I behold the Hijaz—now that he has arrived— Illuminated by the bright morning of Najd.
Its hills pour forth toward him, Its very breath filled with thanks and praise.
His countenance overflows with graciousness, And from his generous hands comes abundant blessing.
The full moon seems to shine from his face, And the sun itself cannot surpass his light.
He has inherited noble virtues everlasting, Whose tides rise and fall among his people.
Prayers have watered the tales of his gifts, And white swords tell of his resolute deeds.
All the world’s peoples revere them, Their elders and their youth alike repeat his name.
I see processions of his vanguards— Beyond the horizon their ranks have no end.
They march upon the earth in steady succession, And shake hands with the Pleiades as though they were its banner.
Who is more worthy of pride than one Whose father’s crown holds the lineage of Ma‘add?
He was raised by noble suns—his forefathers— To whom every honor returns.
Since the day his amulets were hung upon him, He has never faltered nor been turned aside.
How many delegations crowded his gates, Receiving from his flowing generosity abundant gifts.
How many armored battalions he has led, Above which birds of omen circled at dawn.
How many battles he has entered, blood‑red, Their storms dark as twin seas.
How often he advanced with the sword, conquering, Fortresses that could not escape his victory.
How often his shade spread wide, Cooled by the mercy of the Most Merciful.
The Crown Prince—bright of countenance— A pillar of governance in whom authority takes pride.
He has never ceased to illuminate the darkness, His record filled with lightning and thunder.
Hearts have come to him, veiled in love, Drawn toward him with longing.
He possesses a breeze of light, As though his radiance were a necklace for the East.
How could it be otherwise, when in his two hands lie destinies, And he has a covenant with the smiling dawn?
A shining glow rests upon his brow, Like a polished blade drawn from its sheath.
In him lies the refuge of Arabism in its vision, And he is the one foretold in its aspirations.
Separation has afflicted us grievously, Enough that it has bent and wearied us.
Lift from us its burden soon, For its snares reverse and recoil.
We have upon you a right throughout the year, A right that you remain—and this is your promise.
Yes—you promised us—until the waves Returned us to you, and you did not fail.
We bore separation long and painfully, Endured it for ages, clad in its armor.
You are enough as caller, enough as answerer, And from you justice draws its strength.
This is a trust I bear on behalf of the people, Which I deliver to you and do not withhold.
Their hearts nearly burst with longing, And your compassion—as we know—has no limit.
Your bounties continue unceasingly, And from you come effort, success, and purpose.
Long live our King and all his sons, And your young lion, the delight of both eyes—Fahd.
Then Mr. Fouad Shakir, Chief of Royal Protocol, stepped forward and recited a poem before His Highness Prince Saud. It was received with great admiration and full appreciation, and many attendees repeated its verses afterward. He was followed by Mr. Muhammad Hussein Zaidan, Assistant Director of the General Administration of Hajj, who delivered an eloquent speech before His Highness—one that made a profound impression and was met with vigorous applause.
Then Mr. Diya’ al‑Din Rajab, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Endowments, recited before His Highness a splendid poem—one of the immortal jewels of Arabic poetry. After him, Dr. Muhammad Mar‘i stood and recited a poem expressing his overflowing devotion to his exalted King and beloved homeland; it, too, was received with admiration and esteem.
Next came the orator of the Orphanage House in Mecca, the distinguished student Mr. Abdulaziz Mas‘ud, who delivered a remarkable address that was warmly appreciated. He was followed by the renowned Bedouin poet, Mr. ‘Aliyan al‑Jabri, who recited—true to his reputation—a fine poem that left a pleasant impression on the audience. Then the poet Mustafa al‑Sukran stood and recited an exquisite poem, masterfully delivered and well received.
Afterward, refreshments were served to the attendees. They then came forward, class after class, to greet His Highness, who stood on his feet receiving them with the noble qualities and gracious manners for which he is known. The last groups to greet him were the officers of the Capital Police and the students of the Mecca Orphanage House, who passed before him carrying their banners and offering their salute in a beautiful and orderly display.
Thus concluded this celebration, which was supervised and organized by His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah Al‑Faisal, and it was a scene of beauty, splendor, and magnificence.
The procession of His Highness the Crown Prince Saud—surrounded by majesty and perfection—was the joy and adornment of the pilgrims, a source of delight and pride for all. On Wednesday, the 8th of Dhu al‑Hijjah, His Highness departed from the capital wearing the garments of ihram, riding in a royal car, followed by the noble princes and his esteemed entourage. Before him, beside him, and behind him marched the royal guard, all in ihram, in a long convoy chanting the talbiyah until His Highness reached Mina. There he stayed in the Meccan Palace, performing five prayers as prescribed by the noble Prophetic tradition.
On the morning of the 9th, his procession moved to Arafat, where he entered the royal camp and remained in devotion and talbiyah until the sun passed its zenith. Then his noble procession proceeded to the Namirah Mosque, where His Highness entered through the ‘Azizi Gate and performed the combined noon and afternoon prayers, following the Sunnah, led by His Eminence the Chief Judge, Sheikh Abdullah bin Hasan Al‑Sheikh. He listened to the Sheikh’s valuable sermon explaining the rites and rulings of Hajj. The vast multitudes of pilgrims present heard the sermon through modern loudspeakers.
Afterward, His Highness and those with him proceeded to Mount al‑Rahmah, where he stood before the rock where the Prophet—peace be upon him—once stood. It was a magnificent and awe‑inspiring scene, radiant with sanctity and spiritual majesty. His Highness remained there with the pilgrims for the rest of the day, humble before God, chanting the talbiyah, glorifying and supplicating until sunset.
Then his noble procession departed from Arafat, followed by the pilgrims, toward Muzdalifah. After performing the dawn prayer of the 10th there, he stood at al‑Mash‘ar al‑Haram until the light rose, then proceeded to Mina, where he stoned the Jamrat al‑‘Aqabah. After completing the required rites, his procession moved to Mecca, where he performed the Tawaf al‑Ifadah, then returned to Mina. Throughout the pilgrimage, His Highness was a noble example for the pilgrims, a model of proper conduct and devotion.
After the pilgrims completed their sacred rites, His Highness the Crown Prince held a grand reception in Mina for the delegations of pilgrims from various Arab and Islamic countries. His Royal Highness Prince Mansour, Minister of Defense, personally supervised its organization with meticulous care. Special seats were prepared for official and public figures, each labeled with its occupant’s name.
The reception was attended by distinguished pilgrims, provincial governors, heads of government departments, senior officials, national dignitaries, and representatives of all social classes. Among the foremost attendees from Islamic delegations were His Excellency Haidar Bey Mardam, Syrian Minister Plenipotentiary to the Hijaz; His Excellency Ahmad Khashabah Pasha, Amir al‑Hajj of Egypt, and members of the Egyptian Honor Mission; the representative of the Indonesian Republic; and the Muslim ministers and envoys of Arab and other nations. Also present were officials of Islamic legations, heads of popular delegations, scholars, leaders, and dignitaries from across the Muslim world.
After greeting His Highness the Crown Prince and congratulating him on completing the Hajj and on the blessed Eid al‑Adha, they took their seats. Then Professor Ahmad Ibrahim Ghazzawi, Poet Laureate of His Majesty the King and member of the Consultative Council, recited a powerful and stirring ode that moved the emotions and ignited the sentiments of the audience.
He was followed by the esteemed Professor Abdulrazzaq al‑Himsi, head of the Syrian delegation, who delivered a magnificent and comprehensive address that was met with strong applause and full appreciation. Then the young writer, a member of the Saudi delegation studying at the Faculty of Arts at Fouad I University in Egypt, recited a fine poem that left a deep impression on the attendees.
After refreshments were served, His Highness stood, and behind him the representatives and dignitaries of the Islamic nations gathered at the balcony of the royal palace overlooking the parade ground, where His Highness reviewed the Saudi Arabian Army.
First, the regular defense units marched before His Highness, led by His Royal Highness Prince Mansour, Minister of Defense, whose military appearance—wearing the uniform of a Field Marshal—was striking and majestic. Loudspeakers announced the names of the units as they passed in order: infantry, armored units, armored cars, field artillery vehicles, desert artillery vehicles, anti‑tank artillery vehicles, anti‑aircraft artillery vehicles, machine‑gun vehicles, light‑machine‑gun vehicles, Red Crescent vehicles, and industrial workshop vehicles.
The precision and discipline of the parade impressed all attendees, who filled the parade grounds with enthusiasm and courage, their applause and cheers for the Saudi Army rising to the heavens.
After the defense units, the police units marched past His Highness in the following order: infantry division, cavalry division, motorcycle division, and jeep division carrying inspection and traffic‑control units. Then the Mujahideen units marched in their traditional Arab “‘Ardah” formation, led by the heroic descendants of His Majesty the King: Their Royal Highnesses Prince Abdullah Al‑Faisal, Prince Faisal bin Turki, Prince Musaid bin Saud, Prince Muhammad bin Saud, and Prince Abdullah bin Saud.
Their parade in traditional Arab attire—swords drawn and gleaming, rifles in hand, chanting spirited songs accompanied by the beating of war drums—was a magnificent sight. As the victorious Saudi banner passed before His Highness, the Mujahideen erupted in renewed vigor, advancing like charging warriors, firing volleys into the air. The scene stirred the hearts of the spectators, who responded with thunderous applause and cheers for the triumphant Saudi Army and its victorious flag.
His Highness remained standing throughout the parade, saluting each unit as it passed. Around 5:30 p.m., the military review concluded, and the attendees approached to kiss the hand of His Highness the Crown Prince before departing. Thus ended this grand celebration.
Afterward, His Highness Prince Saud and the royal entourage departed Mina for Mecca, where preparations were underway for the ceremony of installing the new door of the Holy Kaaba. The old door had aged and weakened, and His Majesty the King wished to add a noble deed to his countless services to Arabism and Islam. He ordered that the new door be crafted at his personal expense.
The new door was made of pure silver plates adorned with Qur’anic inscriptions in pure gold, and its two great rings were fashioned entirely of gold in a magnificent and unprecedented design. The silver plates and golden inscriptions were mounted upon panels of the finest fragrant oud wood.
The installation of the new door took place in a grand official ceremony presided over by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who lifted the door with his noble hand and placed it in its sacred position on the Kaaba. Present at the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Mansour, Minister of Defense; His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah Al‑Faisal; the royal princes, sons of the Crown Prince; the scholars, led by His Eminence the Chief Judge Sheikh Abdullah bin Hasan Al‑Sheikh; Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al‑Sheikh; Sheikh Umar bin Hasan Al‑Sheikh; other members of the Al‑Sheikh family; the Director of Public Education Sheikh Muhammad bin Mani‘; provincial governors; the senior custodians of the Kaaba; the Minister of Finance; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Director of Public Security; the Director of Endowments; the staff of the Holy Mosque; its attendants; and the heads of Islamic delegations and distinguished pilgrims.
The General Administration of Endowments organized this great ceremony, prepared its program, and extended invitations with utmost diligence. When His Royal Highness the Crown Prince arrived at the Gate of the Sacred Mosque, a detachment of police rendered the military salute. His Highness entered the Holy Mosque, preceded by the eunuchs and officials of the Haram carrying censers of incense. Upon reaching the door of the Kaaba, he sat before it in complete reverence, and the invited guests sat behind him.
The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by the renowned reciter Sheikh Siraj Qarut. Then His Royal Highness the Crown Prince graciously addressed the audience with a magnificent and deeply moving speech that left a profound impression on all listeners. We publish its full text here for memory and history:
Speech of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince
My beloved people and the delegations of the House of God:
I greet you with the greeting of Islam. Praise be to God who has honored us with the service of His House, and honored me with placing this door upon this Ancient House. This is a grace from God bestowed upon us, and a noble deed among the many deeds of my father, His Majesty the King—may God preserve him and prolong his life.
I ask God, in this great and solemn position, to make all our deeds sincere for His sake, to accept from us and from you, to lift the distress from our sister Egypt and from all Muslim lands, and to guide us all to what He loves and is pleased with. Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.
After that, Sheikh Abdullah Al‑Shaibi, the second custodian of the Holy Kaaba, delivered an eloquent address praising the virtues of His Majesty the King and concluding with prayers for him, for His Highness the Crown Prince, and for all members of the Royal Family.
Then Professor Diya’ al‑Din Rajab, Deputy Director of the General Administration of Endowments, delivered a speech—recorded here verbatim—because it recounts the history of the Kaaba’s door and the changes and transformations it has undergone:
Historical Address by Diya’ al‑Din Rajab
Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the noblest of prophets and messengers, and upon his family and companions.
Your Highness, by God’s grace and generosity, the pages of the glorious Saudi era have been filled with noble deeds and great achievements. No virtue of the past nor glory of bygone days exists except that history renews it, shining once more in the record of the immortal hero—His Majesty your exalted father.
Your Highness, on a day like this, three hundred and twenty‑two years ago, Sultan Murad Khan, son of Sultan Ahmad Khan, ordered the Governor of Egypt to make a new door for the Kaaba. He appointed Prince Ridwan Bey the Architect, and added to him Yusuf the Architect, the chief engineer of that time. They arrived in Mecca during that year’s pilgrimage season.
On the 17th of Rabi‘ al‑Awwal, 1045 AH, they reached the Kaaba. The Al‑Shaibi custodians opened its door, removed it, and installed another wooden door covered only with a white cotton cloth. On Tuesday the 19th of that month, work began on preparing a new door, upon which the adornments of the previous door were placed, and the name of Sultan Murad Khan was inscribed. The new door was installed in a ceremony attended by the Emir of Mecca, the Sheikh of the Haram, the custodians of the Sacred House, senior scholars, and notables. On Thursday, 20 Ramadan 1045 AH, the old door was sent to Sultan Murad Khan by his order.
And on this Thursday, history renews its greatest virtue through His Majesty King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al‑Faisal Al‑Saud, who ordered the making of this new door for the Kaaba. Today, the honor of this moment is manifested in this ceremony presided over by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who places with his noble hand this eternal religious monument.
Indeed, it is among the greatest of deeds that His Majesty the King ordered the making of this blessed door, that it was crafted in Mecca by Meccan hands, and that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has been granted the honor of placing and installing it. Praise be to God for His blessings and grace.
This is the new honored door, adorned with noble Qur’anic verses embroidered upon it in the following order:
“In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. And fear God, to whom you shall be gathered. God has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a support for mankind. Say: My Lord, cause me to enter a sound entrance and to exit a sound exit, and grant me from Yourself a supporting authority. There is no god but God; Muhammad is the Messenger of God. Say: O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of God; indeed, God forgives all sins—He is the All‑Forgiving, the Most Merciful. Your Lord has prescribed mercy upon Himself. And your Lord says: Call upon Me; I will answer you. This door was ordered to be made by His Majesty King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al‑Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
In conclusion, we raise our hands in supplication that God grant Islam and the Muslims long life under His Majesty the King, protect through him the strongholds of His religion, support him with His might and victory, and safeguard his noble sons and grandsons.
Afterward, Mr. Jamil Ashi recited verses from the Holy Qur’an. When he finished, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince advanced and placed the golden ring of the Kaaba’s door upon its hinges amid the chants of “Allahu Akbar” from the invited guests and the gathered Muslim crowds. His Highness entered the Kaaba, accompanied by the princes, the heads of Islamic delegations, scholars, and dignitaries. He remained inside for a time, offering blessed supplications—many of them for Muslims across the East and West. He then exited, circumambulated the Kaaba seven times, prayed at the Station of Abraham, and returned, escorted with the same honor with which he had been received.
Afterward, His Royal Highness Prince Saud, the Crown Prince, held the grand annual banquet traditionally offered in honor of the delegations of the Sacred House of God. More than five hundred guests attended, including heads of delegations, official missions, distinguished pilgrims, scholars, writers, representatives of Islamic nations, and Arab envoys. Royal automobiles transported those without private vehicles to the Royal Palace.
In the reception hall, palace officials and members of the royal household welcomed the guests and seated them in their designated places. A sincere spirit of equality and hospitality was evident on every face. Palace attendants moved among the guests to fulfill their needs, making each person feel as though he were sitting in his own home among his family and kin.