RIYADH: The new Saudi King and custodian of the two holy mosques, Shah Salman bin Abdul Aziz surprised the visiting US President when he left him to offer prayers.
The incident transpired last week when US President Obama accompanied by his wife Michelle had arrived in the kingdom to offer condolences on the passing of Shah Abdullah.
The scene was witnessed by millions on television screens across the world. As the US President and first lady were meeting the new Saudi King, the evening call for prayer began.
Shah Salman, upon hearing the call for prayer left the US President and his wife and proceeded to offer his prayers.
Islam gives special importance to prayer and the new Saudi King, Shah Salman led by example to show the importance of prayer giving it priority over meeting one of the most powerful leaders in the present world.
Categories: Arab World, Asia, Saudi Arabia
If I am not mistaken, I think once sir Zafrullah khan was in a meeting with the Queen of England when he asked leave because it was time for his other important appointment. The Queen was a little puzzled and SZK left to offer his prayers.
CORRECTION: The word ‘did’ after ‘Pope’ in paragraph 2,line 2,should be changed to ‘done’. It should now read in part ‘–IF THE POPE HAD DONE THAT–‘.
What is it that praying some private act should leave one ‘standing’ it is supposed to be an inclusive act not some ‘exclusive act’. The thing to do with the President Obama or Queen Elizabeth is to say its the time for us to pray will you join us?
Pope Francis is a praying man if you were to go into prayer he would join the occasion to pray as well. So whats the big deal about leaving someone standing surprised confused about prayer tell the most powerful people in the world to ‘ Hold on a minute’ just to show them your values. Get them a chance to participate and join in. Then it becomes meaningful to everyone. Not just a private exclusive act. I’m sure God would understand. Mike
Dear Muslim Times readers and article authors,
Dear Madame and Gentlemen,
I have just red an article regarding The President Obama’s visit , who come to offer condolence after the death of The King Abdullah Bin Abdel Aziz Al Saud, May Allah awards His Royal Highness in Ahiret insha’a Allah for all he has done for the mankind and Muslim existance surviving and living World wide.
What I want to say and to ask is why some journalists make an scene, a panic of everything they see or they do not know that the President Obama is Muslim too, born and educated as Muslim and he knows importance of pray in Islam . Saudi Arabia nation are well known as people , prayers that they never forget pray and they do it immediately as soon as they hear call for Salat from the Mosque.
Secondly, all official visitors during such State levels visits have an VIP itinerary list and security measures include each movement of the King Shah Salman His Royal Highness , so even The President’s Obama security was informed that at the certain time The King Shah Salman would offer the pray.
As a mere fact, President Obama could join him as well, he had his own reasons why he did not do pray as well, or he simply did not want to leave his wife, Mrs Obama Michelle, sitting apart, which I find polite and reasonable. I also do not find anything unpolite in a behavior of The King Salman, as I had opportunity to meet some members of His Royal family and I found them all polite with an mirthful behavior and humbleness.
I really do not find a reason for such panic articles about ordinary things.
Those who are Keepers of Qur’an, Keepers of Kaba , those who keep Islam since more than 1400 years do not need to excuse , on contrary , they show their feelings and their gratitude to Allah by offer prays in time.
The pray and a name of an person is the most important thing in Islam.
Those who pray all prays during the day, and there are five praying times , they know well how hard is to pray all Salats prays later after the time passed during one day.
May Allah give power to the successor of the King Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz Al Saud, The King Shah Salman bin Saud in his Throne activities.
May Allah teaches and leads all those without knowledge about Islam , about the habits of the King and about Islam itself .
Herewith I express my condolence and my compassion to the the King, His Royal Highness Shah Salman al Saud, to The Prince Muqrin and their families, Wives and children of the King Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz al Saud. to the whole nation of Saudi Arabia about a death of the King Abdullah bin Abdel Aziz al Saud, who died very soon after The King Fahd ,the one I remember , May Allah gives Him Jennet insha’aAllah for all He had done for peace keeping and supporting me, my nation and millions of Muslims to stay alive during hard wars that happened in last years even in my country 1992-1995, Bosnia and HERZEGOVINA.
Wishing all of You peace and happiness, long lives and success
Yours sincerely,
Salam Alykum warahmato Allah we beraqatuhu
Mrs Delilla Šiljak Čustović, born 24th October 1967.,
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Bosnia and Herzegovina, 3rd February 2015
To me the visit was scheduled much before. King knew prayer timings. In Islam there is flexibility to offer prayers at belated stage also. Hospitality is am important aspect of Islam.Evaluating the situation KSA King could have said prayers aftewards. This is just my persoanl view point.