Muslims Told to Project True Picture of Islam
JEDDAH, 13 November 2004 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah yesterday called for joint international efforts to revive the stalled Middle East peace process and achieve a just and comprehensive peace settlement in the region.
In a joint Eid Al-Fitr message to the nation, King Fahd and Prince Abdullah also urged all Iraqi groups to work as one to restore peace and stability in the war-ravaged country. They advised Muslims all over the world to uphold the noble teachings of Islam, a religion of peace and tolerance.
The message, which was read out on Saudi Television by Culture and Information Minister Fouad Al-Farsy, congratulated Saudis as well as all other Muslims on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, a celebration that marks the end of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.
The Supreme Judiciary Council earlier announced the sighting of Shawwal crescent in Riyadh, Qasim and other areas yesterday evening. “Consequently, tomorrow Saturday is the first day of Eid Al-Fitr,” the council said. In their message, King Fahd and Prince Abdullah said the Middle East peace received a setback as a result of Israel’s policies that contradict with international resolutions and charters. They also called for the implementation of the Middle East peace road map.
The message urged Muslims to strengthen their unity and solidarity inspired by Ramadan fasts and prayers. “We have to feel and stick to this great sense of unity that brings together Muslims all over the world,” he said.
The Saudi leadership called upon Muslims to make positive contributions toward the welfare and progress of humanity and practice the noble moral values taught them by the Prophet (peace be upon him) to become useful members of human society.
Prophet Muhammad himself has said that he was appointed to set an example in morality. “Don’t ignore any good deed, even meeting your brother with a smiling face,” they quoted the Prophet as saying. The message also quoted three Qur’anic verses that advise Muslims to behave with others civilly and do justice to people in other communities.
They lambasted the deviant group, a reference to sympathizers of Al-Qaeda network blamed for a series of bombings and shootings across the Kingdom, killing about 100 people and wounding more than 200 others.
“We have taken a pledge to track down members of this group, whoever they may be, and apply the Shariah to them. We will show no leniency toward them as we have already given them enough time to return (and surrender to authorities),” the message said.
“It is our duty to project the true picture of Islam, which is a religion of mercy, tolerance and peace,” the message told Muslims. “We should not cause any harm or destruction to others as it is against the teachings of our religion,” the message said.
The king, the crown prince and Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, received messages of Eid greetings from world leaders including US President George W. Bush.
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