Saudi Arabia celebrates 94th National Day today with pride and legacy of unprecedented progress

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: editor@Newsofbahrain.com

Today, Saudi Arabia will celebrate its 94th National Day. This national occasion arrives as the Kingdom stands in a position of glory, achieving one accomplishment after another through clear development plans grounded in a comprehensive national vision.

This vision, spearheaded by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, aims at fostering growth and prosperity, and establishing the nation as a beacon on the global stage.

The progress the Kingdom is experiencing today is a continuation of the legacy crafted by the great and wise leader, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, who is credited, after Allah Almighty, with founding a state whose flag proclaims monotheism, and whose constitution is the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammed, peace and blessings be upon him.

The Kingdom enjoys security, safety, and stability, with the objective of building a progressive state with influential power both locally and internationally. His righteous sons carried on the journey after him, allowing the Kingdom to flourish in this prosperous era under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince.

Proud of their country’s achievements and to build on its successes, citizens and residents alike commemorate this joyous occasion under a wise leadership that uses all means to secure their comfort and prosperity, and that continues to steer the country toward a bright future. This report recalls the life of King Abdulaziz who, on September 23, 1932, unified the scattered parts and splintered tribes of the Arabian Peninsula and established the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an Islamic state with the Holy Quran and the Prophet Sunnah as its constitution.

According to King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives ’ (Darah) records, King Abdulaziz was born in Riyadh in 1293 AH. At the age of seven, he was taught reading and writing. At the age of 10, several scholars and tutors were assembled by his father, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal, to teach him the fundamentals of Islam and equestrian skills.

King Abdulaziz was greatly influenced by his courageous father and his mother, Princess Sarah Al-Sudairi, who was known for her wisdom and intellect. He had a close relationship with his brothers Khaled, Faisal, Fahd and Mohammed, and an even closer one with his sister, Princess Noura. King Abdulaziz had seen and been through many events in his life that sharpened his character and taught him patience, strength and statesmanship. Some historians consider his (forced) departure from Riyadh in 1308 Hijri, along with his father and some members of his family, to have been the most difficult time of his life.

The family first settled in the Yabrin oasis, in Al-Ahsa, then moved to Bahrain, and later to Kuwait where they stayed for several years. Throughout this time, King Abdulaziz was determined to recapture the city that was once held by his forefathers. He was in his twenties when he left Kuwait, on the fifth of Ramadan 1319 AH, for Riyadh at the head of an army.

On the fourth day of Shawwal 1319 AH, King Abdulaziz and his men reached Al-Shaqib district, ninety-minutes away from Riyadh on foot. From there, they headed to Riyadh, where he restored things to order after a heated battle that did not last long, turning a page on the past of Riyadh and announcing the beginning of a prosperous era.

The people and notables of Riyadh pledged allegiance to him as Amir of Najd and Imam of its people in 1320 AH. After this great victory, political stability was restored after years of turmoil, and the unity of government played a significant role in paving the way for Riyadh to enter a new era of growth and prosperity. After enduring a difficult journey, King Abdulaziz united the country, restore security and confront the chaos that prevailed in the Arabian Peninsula.