(This article is published in commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the enthronement of Salman bin Abdul Aziz, King of Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques)
On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz, it is fitting to reflect on the remarkable legacy of a leader who has not only elevated Saudi Arabia to global prominence but also championed the cause of humanity at large.
King Salman, fondly known as “Malikul Insaniyah” (King of Humanity) and “Qadimul Haramain Al Sharifin” (Guardian and Servant of the Two Holy Mosques), has dedicated his life to serving both his nation and the global Muslim community. His reign over the past decade has been defined by his unwavering commitment to progress, peace, and prosperity.
Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has seen profound transformation, not only economically but also socially and politically. King Salman’s vision has solidified the Kingdom’s position as a key player on the world stage, making it a beacon of stability in the Middle East. His efforts have brought prosperity and stability to his nation, earning him immense respect and admiration both at home and abroad.
But King Salman’s influence extends beyond Saudi borders. As the Guardian of the Two Holy Mosques, he is revered by Muslims worldwide, embodying the values of a humane and just leader. His compassion knows no bounds, as he has always viewed the citizens of the world with the same empathy and concern as his own people.
As he marks ten years on the throne, King Salman’s contributions to the global community, particularly to the Muslim world, stand as a testament to his exceptional leadership. His legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as one that not only shaped Saudi Arabia’s future but also left an indelible mark on the world.
When King Salman ascended to the throne, he appointed Muhammad bin Salman as crown prince, ushering in a new era of dynamic leadership. Crown Prince Muhammad, a vibrant young leader, has been instrumental in accelerating Saudi Arabia’s development across various sectors. Under this leadership, the Kingdom has experienced rapid growth, positioning itself not only as the capital of the Middle East but also as a global symbol of peace and a beacon of hope for Muslims worldwide. Saudi Arabia’s progress has been so remarkable that it has captured the attention of the world.
One of the major achievements during this period has been the complete eradication of terrorism within the Kingdom, thanks to the relentless efforts of both King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman. Saudi Arabia adopts a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, imposing severe penalties on anyone found to be involved in terrorist activities, whether at home or abroad. The country is also unflinching in its use of the death penalty for such crimes when necessary.
In line with their commitment to global peace and security, King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, along with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif Al-Sheikh, have initiated and organized numerous anti-terrorism conferences, workshops, and awareness seminars both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. The Kingdom dedicates billions of riyals annually to these efforts, having held 15 global anti-terrorism conferences in just the past two months. Their singular objective is to make the world a safer and more peaceful place.
Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia has intensified its fight against corruption. Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad, the Kingdom is steadfast in its commitment to transparency and accountability. Those found guilty of corruption, regardless of their status—even members of the royal family or high-ranking officials—face immediate dismissal, with their assets confiscated and severe punishments handed down by the courts. A recent case saw the Saudi police chief convicted of massive corruption, resulting in his imprisonment and the seizure of his assets, underscoring the Kingdom’s firm stance against fraud and misconduct.
Saudi Arabia has imposed a complete ban on drugs, supported by some of the strictest laws in the world. Those caught violating these regulations face severe penalties, including the death sentence for involvement in drug use or trafficking in any form. This firm stance reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting society from the devastating impact of drugs.
For any nation looking to eliminate terrorism, corruption, and drug-related crimes while fostering progress and virtue among its citizens, the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman serves as an exemplary model.
Saudi Arabia has also made significant efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. The Kingdom is actively engaged in diplomatic initiatives at the international level, displaying unwavering dedication to the Palestinian cause. This has positioned Saudi Arabia as a key player in the region, with even global powers seeking its influence in this matter.
In Saudi Arabia’s rise to prominence, the role of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has been instrumental. His efforts, both regionally and globally, under the guidance of the King and Crown Prince, are widely recognized and highly commendable.
Politically and economically, Saudi Arabia holds a unique and indispensable position in both the region and the wider world, consistently taking a leading role in addressing the issues faced by Arab and Islamic nations.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a transformative plan spearheaded by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, holds immense historical significance as it aims to modernize the Kingdom for the challenges of today’s world. With the full support of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Saudi people, this visionary plan drives all development projects across the country. Under the King’s direct supervision, these initiatives have already achieved numerous milestones, advancing the nation’s progress on multiple fronts.
King Salman’s deep experience in leadership is rooted in his long tenure as the governor of Riyadh, where he served for an impressive 62 years. During that time, he worked tirelessly to transform Riyadh into one of the most developed cities in the world. His success in shaping Riyadh laid the foundation for his leadership in driving Saudi Arabia’s rapid national development. Additionally, as Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, he provided invaluable service to the country, earning a reputation as a trusted advisor to several Saudi kings. Remarkably, King Salman also memorized the entire Quran by the age of 10, a testament to his dedication from a young age.
Saudi Arabia, as the home of the Two Holy Mosques, is the sacred destination for Muslims around the world who come to fulfill their religious obligations of Hajj and Umrah. This divine responsibility to host pilgrims is one that Saudi Arabia embraces wholeheartedly. The Kingdom provides extensive facilities to accommodate visitors, with King Salman personally overseeing the generous financial investments to ensure that pilgrims to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina have everything they need.
At the Two Holy Mosques, airports, and other pilgrimage sites, several ministries—including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, along with special security forces and dedicated officers—work tirelessly to serve the pilgrims. The Saudi leadership and its people proudly proclaim, “It is an honor for us to serve the guests of Allah who come to perform Hajj and Umrah.”
The world continues to recognize and commend the unparalleled services that Saudi Arabia provides under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Together with Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, King Salman has ensured the smooth execution of these initiatives, particularly in the realm of religious services.
Every year, King Salman facilitates thousands of Muslims, including Palestinians and others affected by hardships, to perform Hajj and Umrah free of charge, covering the expenses personally. In addition, his establishment of the “King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center” reflects his deep commitment to global humanitarian efforts. These remarkable contributions have earned him the honorary titles of “Malikul Insaniya” (King of Humanity) and “Qadimul Haramain Al Sharifin” (Guardian and Servant of the Two Holy Mosques).
Saudi Arabia also shares a long-standing friendship with Sri Lanka, consistently offering substantial support for its development. Saudi Arabia ranks among the top countries providing humanitarian assistance and funding for long-term projects in Sri Lanka.
During a recent event celebrating Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, Saudi Ambassador Khalid bin Hamood Al Shahdani highlighted the extensive aid and cooperation Saudi Arabia has extended to Sri Lanka. Many attendees were surprised by the scale of assistance provided.
Newly appointed Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, who attended the event as a special guest, expressed his gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s contributions to Sri Lanka. He also requested further support from Saudi Arabia and announced that visa fees would be waived for Saudi tourists visiting Sri Lanka, further strengthening the bond between the two nations.
In guiding Saudi Arabia and its people towards progress in the modern era, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, along with Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, have shown unwavering dedication. These two visionary leaders have played a pivotal role in shaping the Saudi Arabia we see today.
On this occasion, we express our heartfelt respect and admiration for His Highness King Salman. We raise our hands in prayer to Almighty Allah, asking for His continued protection over the King, the Crown Prince, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the cherished people of Saudi Arabia. We pray for the safety, stability, and prosperity of the Kingdom.
May Almighty Allah bless King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman in their efforts to advance the nation and its people. We ask for their continued success and smooth progress in all their endeavors. I offer these prayers on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka and our institution.
M. H. Shehudeen Madani (BA Hons)
Director,
Al Hikma WelfareAssociation, Colombo
