A Moment of Pride for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Asharq Al-Awsat, London, November 22
It is a moment of profound pride for Arabs and Muslims everywhere to see the Arab and Islamic world recognized as an essential force in global civilization and human advancement. Islam has offered a timeless message grounded in peace and compassion. A young Arab man named Muhammad Ibn Abdullah once retreated to his place of contemplation, the Cave of Hira, on a mountain near Mecca—later known as the Jabal al-Nour (Mountain of Light). There, the angel Gabriel appeared before him and commanded him to “Read.” When Muhammad replied that he could not, Gabriel pressed him firmly three times before delivering the divine instruction: “Read in the name of your Lord who created you.”
This was the revelation that defined Islam, shaped a people, and influenced the trajectory of civilization itself. Of course, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia did not exist then; the Arabs lived as scattered tribes across a vast landscape marked by conflict. Yet from this very environment, Islam’s transformative message began its spread, eventually inspiring some of history’s most important cultural, scientific, and philosophical contributions.
Centuries later, carrying the spirit of that message, a young man from Najd, Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud (Ibn Saud), displayed extraordinary magnanimity toward the warring tribes of the Arabian Peninsula and founded the Kingdom in 1932. The young nation quickly ascended to new heights and continues today to offer the world a vision of peace, cultural vitality, and innovation applied both at home and across the region.
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The Kingdom’s clarity of purpose and sincere intentions—particularly the example it aims to set for the region and the world—have not gone unnoticed in Washington. US President Donald Trump, along with senior officials, policymakers, and business leaders, greeted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with an unmistakable warmth, receiving him with notable respect and appreciation. It is a moment of immense pride for us Saudis, who have been shaped by the vision and leadership of King Salman and his crown prince. Their roles as sons and grandsons of the revered King Ibn Saud come with an added weight of legacy, yet they have also emerged as his spiritual heirs, offering a promising future and expanding opportunities for the next generation.
My heart urges me to say, “I love you, Saudi Arabia!” What our leadership has accomplished over the past decade is nothing short of extraordinary, both for us and as an example to the world. A newfound optimism has swept across our nation, powered by a generation benefiting from world-class education, expanding prospects, and a revived sense of Saudi identity. Our aim is not to outpace others, but to conquer disease, poverty, loss, and the many tragedies and hardships that afflict humanity.
Like all nations, we face regional and domestic challenges, yet we possess the humility to recognize our shortcomings and swiftly correct our course. Witnessing the reception Crown Prince Mohammed received in Washington only strengthens our conviction and fuels our imagination for how far this remarkable national journey can go. The world now sees us through a new lens, increasingly aware of the example we strive to set. Alongside the crown prince’s ambitious Vision 2030, we continue to draw upon the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad’s vision: a message rooted in coexistence, devotion to God, and love. These principles inform our daily choices and animate our commitment to upholding the Creator’s command of peace and coexistence.
What we seek to contribute to our region and the broader world is a modern standard of conduct that champions peace, cooperation, and mutual respect. We Saudis represent no threat to anyone; our aspiration is to help build a better world for all, not just for a select few. After generations shaped by war and turmoil across continents, our hope is to see the tools of science and progress triumph over the instruments of conflict. The Kingdom has intensified its pursuit of leadership in technology and innovation, striving to harness these forces for the collective good through a comprehensive approach rooted in peace and coexistence.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given us every reason to hold our heads high. The Arabian Peninsula has carried a message that has transcended borders since antiquity. Our Prophet Muhammad delivered the revelation of Islam, and King Ibn Saud brought long-sought unity and peace to our land. Today, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed carry that message forward to the world.
Hassan Youssef Yassin (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)
