The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates the National Day
On the first day of the libra (23 September) of each year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates its National Day, in commemoration of the foundation of the country by His Majesty the late King Abdulaziz Bin Abdudlrahman Al Saud, who unified segmented regions and warring tribes in one consolidated nation in 1351 H. (September 1932), upholding Islamic Law (Shari'a) as its constitution.
The early beginning dates back to 1319 H. (1902), when the young Monarch seized Riyadh to recover the state of his fathers and ancestors, the Imams (leaders) and Princes of the Al Saud dynasty, who more than 250 years ago established two successive states which, at times, ruled over vast areas of the Arabian peninsula and its neighboring regions.
King Abdulaziz is perceived as one of the greatest leaders in this epoch. For more than thirty one years, he relentlessly struggled to build a solid state on top of a segmentary community plunged into chaos, turmoil and disorder. He achieved his goals with the foundation of the Kingdom which marked the beginning of an unprecedented achievements headway and a great social, economic and cultural transformations unheard of in 1000 years or so in the history of the Arabian Peninsula.
King Abdulaziz spent more than twenty one years dedicating tireless efforts to the advancement of the country in every conceivable walk. Consolidating the pillars of security, order and stability in the vast territories of the kingdom and building the basis for its development and progress. He passed away in Rabi' alAwal 1373 H. (9th of November 1953). Following his steps, his sons assumed leadership:
They committed themselves faithfully to their father's policy of upholding the teachings of Islam, accelerating development, establishing closer ties with Arab, Moslem and friendly nations, and defending world peace and stability.
A comprehensive, prosperous and rapid modernization was achieved in the kingdom which came now to enjoy a prestigious international position, with a strong economy, due to the wize utilization of its oil revenues.
Since the reign of king Abdulaziz, the country's foreign policy has been sustained and anchored in invariable principles derived from the tenets of Islam and unique Arab traditions. Among the characteristics of the Saudi foreign policy are the constant strengthening of Arab and Moslem solidarity, defending of the just arab and moslem causes, serving Islam and Moslems the world over, safeguarding world peace and stability non interference in the internal affairs of other states and the rejection of any interference in Saudi affairs by others. The kingdom has also spared no effort to consolidate international cooperation against aggression and terrorism, for the respect of nations sovereignty and independence and the resoluation of differences and disputes by peaceful means.
The kingdom's assets of credibility, respectability, prestige and eminence in world arena have been augmenting since its foundation. At present Saudi Arabia commands a renowned position on various international levels, above all in areas of cooperation, solidarity, commitment to international agreements and the incessant drive to uphold the principles of good, justice and peace.
Serving Sanctuaries
It has been an honour to the Saudi Government and people to serve the two Holy Mosques, the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. It has been a top priority in the official agenda of the Kingdom's leaders to provide security, assurance, protection and comfort to pilgrims and visitors. Relevant efforts have been intensified to improve services for the guests of Allah (God). Constant reconstruction and expanding works have been going on, greatest ever under King Fahd. The new projects have increased the area of the Holy Mosque in Makkah, augmenting the accommodation capacity of the prayer-goers. During the pilgrimage season or Ramadan (the month of fasting) the mosque may house over a million or so of worshippers. Similar plans for the Holy Mosque in Medina have extended the area for the prayer-goers.
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