Address of King Saud to The Scholars, The Judiciary and the Preachers in Dhahran

"I have convened this meeting with you before my departure to recommend that you be a symbol of the righteousness we desire for our nation. I have knownyou to be honest and hard-working men. The demographic growth and the increased activities in this region require the strengthening of its public utilities, government departments and particularly religious organs. Rest assured that we will spare no effort in raising the standard of living of our people. You must have been informed of the projects we have undertaken during our stay here, which we hope will promote social justice to which aspire all citizens whatever their category in the community, guided by the directives of God and the Tradition of His Prophet, prayers and peace be upon him. Our religion enjoins us first and foremost to do what is right and forbids what is wrong. It is our duty to propagate the call to God gently and courteously.

"The Holy Book is our religion and reference. The Tradition of the Prophet, prayers and peace be upon him, is our guide. In both we find all the enlightenment, goodness, and judiciousness we need. On our part, we shall heed the teachings of this Book in all our dealings, and we shall be guided by it, supported by God, in order to promote the well-being of all our people. I am looking forward to your cooperation to pursue the path of truth, benevolence and piety. According to a Hadith of the Prophet, prayers and peace be upon him, all the people are the children of God and the most cherished are those who are kind to their children. God has bestowed this bounty upon us: we wish you to be sincere and differentiate between good and evil. Follow always the path of goodness and stay away from any deviation, because good deeds always lead to succeed. Allah sayeth: 'And those who work righteousness will spread their couch (of repose) for themselves (in heaven) ..'* Evil deeds always ensue in unfavourable consequences, and may God protect us from all that is evil and undesirable. We must always call ourselves to account, stay away from evil deeds and act right. This is the great [ihad because the soul is prone to evil and, if left to itself, will be carried away by temptations and whims. The Prophet, prayers and peace be upon him, said upon his return from the battle of Hunein, 'We have returned from the lesser [ihad to the Greater [ihad, i.e. [ihad of the soul'. This is the course we always follow. God, Glory be to Him, will strengthen us as long as we act in good faith and have good intentions, because intentions and not words and appearances are what is of import. A Hadith of the Prophet, prayers and peace be upon him, states: God never looks at our appearances and words but at our hearts and deeds. If intentions are good, the outcome is good. On the other hand, if they are evil, God forbids, we are doomed."

Reply of the eminent ulamas:
"God has chosen you to vindicate His religion, and honoured you by enjoining you to raise high His banner, propagate His teachings and enforce His punishments. You have been granted His satisfaction and support. We shall abide by God's will and strive to gain His blessings and be a source of satisfaction to you." Comment of His Majesty: 'We are looking forward to your righteous deeds and are confident that you will honour your obligations to perfection. May God guide us to goodness, protect us from evil whims and an undesirable fate. God is our best Support."