In the name of Allah and peace be upon His Messenger Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his companions. I am pleased and happy that we celebrate the 86th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which brings to our minds this important historical event on the 23rd of September every year. This day is engraved in the memory of history and in the minds and feelings of the Saudi citizen. On this day, King Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman united this great country and changed the division and antagonisms into unity and integration.
These days, our country is living the atmosphere of this anniversary. It is a timeless occasion and a great standpoint where generations are aware of all the values, concepts, sacrifices, and bright efforts which have accompanied the establishment of this giant entity. We are celebrating this day to express our love and appreciation for this blessed land, and those who were, after Allah, the reason behind the well-being and stability of our country. The Kingdom has witnessed an exceptional cultural breakthrough in all areas during few years. The achievements of this country in the economic, educational, and security fields are hard to describe. It sets an example in stability, prosperity, and development for other countries in the region.
It is also important on this occasion to mention the great attention given by the government to Saudi citizens and their education, qualification, and training in various fields. The government provides primary education all over the country, in addition to specialized educational institutions and foreign scholarship programs which continue to bear fruit.
It is also worth mentioning on this occasion, precious to all of us that the Kingdom has provided great services for the Arabic and Islamic nation. Saudi Arabia is the Place of Revelation, the Prophet's Message, and the Muslims' Qiblah. Since its establishment, the Kingdom has paid attention to Islam and Muslims. It has built mosques around the world beginning with the Two Holy Mosques, which have seen the greatest expansion of all time during the reign of the Saudi state. Al-Hajj today has become very easy after being very difficult and the Two Holy Mosques have become a source of pride for all Muslims. The comfort of the pilgrims and visitors of the Mosque of the Prophet- peace be upon him- was the main concern of the Kingdom. It cares about providing all means of comfort for them and uses all the possibilities to serve them with devotion witnessed by people far and wide. Then, the Kingdom proceeded to print the Holy Quran and distribute tens of millions of copies in different languages to be available for every Muslim, wherever they are and whatever language they speak.
What I have mentioned so far are just a few examples of the huge efforts of this great country.
Dear faculty members and students,
Eighty-six years, during which our dear Kingdom has lived in peace, realizing achievements in various fields
Eighty-six years, we, our fathers, and our grandfathers have lived in countless blessings from Allah
Eighty-six years, during which the Two Holy Mosques have had the greatest expansion in history and become one of the greatest landmarks in the World
Eighty-six years, during which the citizens and residents have witnessed justice and equality under the rule of the tolerant Islamic Sharia
Thanks be to Allah for all His blessings, and then to our great government
Dear students,
Safety and security are among the greatest blessings of Allah, which other countries around us lack. Many of us do not see this blessing and forget to thank Allah for it. I pray to Allah to save the safety and security in our country and all Islamic countries.
On this auspicious occasion, I send a special greeting to our brave soldiers who pay their lives to defend the safety and security of the Kingdom and to provide peace to our nation. We say to them: "May Allah grant you victory and bring you back safe to your families." We will not forget the martyrs of the country and their sacrifices to preserve our safety and security, and we will always pray for them and their families.
I am also pleased and honored to congratulate King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Crown Prince, the Deputy Crown Prince, all the royal family, the noble Saudis, and the residents.
May Allah help everyone to please Him
Dean of the College of Science,
Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Babtain
