Muslim unity driving force for global peace 

(MENAFN - Arab News) Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, yesterday called upon the Muslim nation to stand united to strengthen global peace and stability.

In their joint Eid Al-Fitr message, the king and crown prince also urged Muslims to show mercy toward the poor and weak and engage in righteous activities, taking inspiration from the holy month of Ramadan.

"Allah has made it easy for the leaders of Muslim countries to hold their solidarity summit to protect the Ummah's unity, prevent its division and avoid further bloodbath," the message said about the emergency Islamic summit that was held in Makkah on Aug. 14-15.

"We pray to the Almighty that He may protect the Muslim nation's security and stability, guide its leaders to work for the betterment of their societies and fulfill their trust," said the message that was read out on Saudi Television by Culture and Information Minister Dr. Abdul Aziz Khoja.

King Abdullah and Prince Salman emphasized the importance of Islamic faith, saying "There is no honor greater than the honor being affiliated to Islam and serving the nation and its people."

King Abdullah, meanwhile, received telephone calls from Bahrain's King Hamad and Jordan's King Abdallah, who congratulated him on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.

Also yesterday, Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, congratulated the king and crown prince as well as Saudi people and Muslims all over the world on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.

He said the SCTA has made arrangements for Eid celebrations all over the country in coordination with regional governorates.

The commission organized 21 tourism festivals during this summer, attracting more than 10.6 million visitors.