The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz has ordered the provision of financial assistance to a number of Islamic associations and centers in Asia, Africa, America and Europe.

The SR 5,646,110 assistance aims at supporting educational and da'awiah (call to Allah) projects by these Islamic associations and centers.

King Fahd also ordered that some of these Islamic associations and centers should be supplied with copies of the Holy Quran, its translations and interpretations and Islamic books.

King Fahd also ordered the setting up of scholarships for some members of the minorities, the appointing of do'aat (preachers) and the sending of imams (prayer leaders) to work among Islamic minorities in some countries.

He also directed to hold Islamic courses to train imams and do'aat in a number of countries and to convene Islamic book and tape fairs in eastern Asia.

Also, he ordered the formation of an Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance Committee composed of governmental and non-governmental organizations to coordinate the convening of Islamic courses to spread Islamic knowledge among Islamic minorities.

The King's instructions were included in his approval of the Higher Council for Islamic Affairs' recommendations submitted to him by Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General and head of the Higher Council for Islamic Affairs.

Acting secretary general of the Higher Council for Islamic Affairs, Dr. Salih bin Hosain Al A'aid told Saudi Press Agency that this assistance was part of the Kingdom's role in the world.

He added that it was an extension of the generous help provided by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his wise Government to Muslims everywhere.

He thanked Prince Sultan for his gracious stand in support of Muslims in general and Islamic minorities in particular.