Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard, have welcomed nearly two million pilgrims in the Kingdom’s Holy Places. The pilgrims are now performing their Hajj rituals in ease and comfort in an atmosphere of spirituality, community and harmony, with the benefit of the healthcare and other facilities and the comprehensive security provided for them by the Saudi Government.

In a Joint address to citizens, Arab and Islamic nations on the occasion of the blessed Eid al-Adha for this year (1420AH), delivered on their behalf on radio and television by Minister of Information Dr Fouad Abdulsalam Al-Farsy, the Saudi leaders said: 'Praise be to God for ever and peace be upon Prophet Mohammed and his companions and the followers of his traditions until the day of judgment. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King, Government and people have the pleasure of receiving the pilgrims with love, respect and appreciation. It has the honor to serve them and exert untiring efforts with the provision of round-the-clock services and assistance to enable them perform their Hajj rituals. Brothers, we praise Almighty God and thank him for seeing these large numbers of the guests of God (estimated approximately at 2 million) proceeding with their pilgrimage at ease, in comfort, in safety and in an orderly manner.' said the King and Crown Prince in their address. 'On Wednesday, all the world watched on televisions via satellite the pilgrims on Mount Arafat clad in white, raising their voices: 'God is great' and raising their hands calling and beseeching God for forgiveness,' they said.

'Praise be to God for guiding us to Islam and providing the two great feasts for this nation - Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha that starts on the sunrise of this blessed day. On this dear occasion, we have the pleasure of conveying greetings to citizens, residents, pilgrims and Muslims all over the world, praying to God to make it a happy Eid, and to bestow on the Islamic nation, glory and strength to achieve the goals closest to its heart in the present life and the hereafter. Every year, it returns to ensure their prosperity and happiness,' said the King and Crown Prince in the address.