December 2008
The Ministry of Finance issued a statement today highlighting the economic developments of 2008 and announcing the budget for fiscal year 2009 (1430/1431 H).
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz today called on the Muslim Ummah (community) to initiate a dialogue in order to unify the standing of Muslims in the world and eradicate extremism and violent ideologies.
Speaking to heads of states and heads of Hajj missions at a meeting in Mina today, King Abdullah reflected on the hope of the late King Abdulaziz, founder of modern Saudi Arabia, to see a united Muslim Ummah inspired by the unity and equality of the faithful during Hajj.
The imam at the Grand Mosque Shaikh Saleh Al-Talib called on Muslims to be more tolerant of others in his sermon during the Eid Al-Adha prayer today. “The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was sent as Mercy to all -- Muslims and non-Muslims. He used to visit sick Jews and answer their invitations. He was kind to animals, birds and even to inanimate things,” Shaikh Al-Talib said in his Eid Al-Adha sermon.
The new Kiswah [covering] was placed on the Holy Ka'aba today. It is customary that every year a new cover is handed to the Chief Saden to be installed on the Holy Ka’aba on the 9th of Dhu Al-Hajjah.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz was awarded the first Lech Walesa Prize for his contribution towards "inter-faith dialogue, tolerance, peace and international cooperation" as well as for his charity work.
The prize was received on behalf of King Abdullah by Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah at a ceremony in Gdansk on the 25th anniversary of Walesa receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.