JEDDAH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has joined the list of Saudi rulers who have directly supervised the Haj operation during the past 85 years. Right from King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, successive Saudi rulers have been according top priority to the welfare and security of pilgrims. Like all his predecessors, King Salman visited Makkah and the holy sites during this Haj season to supervise the services being extended by the various government departments including security agencies to ensure the welfare and safety of the guests of God. King Abdulaziz had set a good example for the rulers by going to Makkah and holy sites to directly supervise Haj operation. This reflects the readiness of Saudi rulers in carrying out the lofty and noble responsibility of taking care of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims sincerely and efficiently. King Abdulaziz played a leadership role in managing Haj affairs for 30 years until his death. During his lifetime, he had authorized then ruler of Hejaz King Faisal for two years and Crown Prince Saud for four years to supervise the Haj operation. His illustrious sons Saud, Faisal, Khaled, Fahd and Abdullah followed the example set by their father by conducting field supervision of Haj affairs every year. Ever since the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was unified by King Abdulaziz 85 years ago, its rulers have been supervising Haj operation without fail. King Abdulaziz had given top priority for the development of the Two Holy Mosques and other holy sites and ensuring welfare and security of pilgrims. He instructed authorities to mobilize all their capabilities to help pilgrims perform their religious rituals with ease. The Saudi government has been carrying out giant development projects in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah for the better management of Haj affairs. During the Haj season of 1360H King Abdulaziz made a historic statement that he would not perform Haj that year and spend that amount of money to enable some of his poor citizens to perform Haj. This royal gesture reflected his care for Saudi citizens. King Abdulaziz was a role model for the successive kings in taking care of Haj affairs in the best form. He ordered the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, established the directorate of Haj, set up quarantine facilities to protect health of pilgrims, took measures to ensure adequate supply of water to Makkah and other holy sites and set out a new law for Haj.
