Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman on Wednesday greeted Muslims in Saudi Arabia and all over the world on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan. In an address to the people of Saudi Arabia and Muslims around the world, King Salman reiterated his determination to safeguard the country and citizens from sedition, unrest and sectarian tensions. “We emphasize our total rejection of sectarian divisions as we are aware of its dangers to national cohesion. We will not tolerate those who are negligent and we will hold accountable whoever compromises our security and our religious and national values,” the King said in the address, read out by Minister of Culture and Information Adel Al-Turaifi, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The King said: “The holy month of Ramadan, which is a month of goodness and blessings, brings for us mercy, forgiveness and emancipation from Hell, and teaches us the meanings of empathy and compassion. We receive this holy month with pleasure, following the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who used to congratulate his companions on the advent of the holy month that teaches us great lessons.” The King continued: “The month of Ramadan is not a month for rest and relaxation. There are many virtues in the holy month that motivate us to carry out good deeds such as fasting, praying and doing charity work. For Muslims, these include trying to achieve perfection in one's work and dealing with others decently and benevolently. “Our religion is the religion of love, compassion and tolerance; its message was revealed as a mercy to the people; its path is the path of goodness and construction; and its approach is that of moderation, dialogue and intimacy. "Our religion unifies rather than separates, and it renounces violence and terrorism,” the King said, adding that "this holy month with its noble meanings does give us the commitment to abide by these noble ideals, values and objectives.” King Salman noted that Saudi Arabia, whom Almighty Allah has honored to serve the two holy mosques and their visitors, is always aware of its role, duties and responsibilities to protect this religion and serve the interests of Muslims everywhere. “From this perspective, the Kingdom has been, since it was founded by the late King Abdulaziz, responsible for following moderation in religion, supporting the oppressed and bringing relief to the distressed in all parts of the world. This commitment emanates from our belief in the bonds of brotherhood and humanity,” the King said.
