‘Day of Rage’ a damp squib

By MUHAMMAD AL-SULAIMI, SIRAJ WAHAB & MD. RASOOLDEEN

RIYADH/JEDDAH/DAMMAM: It was a normal Friday yesterday across the Kingdom despite worries that the calls on Internet social sites for a “Day of Rage” might be heeded.

“There was nothing of the sort,” security spokesman of the Interior Ministry Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki told Arab News four hours after the Friday prayers. There were no demonstrations anywhere in the Kingdom, he said.

People were wary after reports of the incidents that marred protests in Qatif on Thursday, leaving three people injured.

But Riyadh, Jeddah and other cities were quiet for a Friday that saw pleasant weather, although there was a strong police presence. In both Riyadh and Jeddah, police helicopters were briefly in evidence.

Al-Turki refuted agency reports that demonstrators had been fired at in Qatif on Thursday. “It is totally untrue. What actually happened was that the police had to fire shots in the air to control an emerging situation by a very small number of protesters who snatched a video camera being used by a policeman to document a shooting incident. This was believed to have come from the center of the small crowd,” he said. Al-Turki was not certain if the protesters returned the camera.

In Allegiance Square (Al-Baia), downtown Jeddah near the Foreign Affairs Ministry, which had been one of the sites specified by the “propagators of sedition” as a location for the protests, the “Day of Rage” was nowhere to be seen before and after Friday prayer. There was no intensified security presence either.

Later in the day, during Arab News’ tour of the city, it found the Al-Baia in Balad district closed and a sizable number of police present in nearby streets. But they all disappeared by dusk. A police officer said the square had re-opened after Maghreb prayers.

Young Saudis could be seen driving their cars carrying messages of support and loyalty to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and pictures of him.

“I plastered photos of the king all over my car. It cost me SR650. I just wanted to send a message to those who called for demonstrations,” said 30-year-old schoolteacher Abdullah Al-Baqami. “We love our country and our king. You will not make us alter our love for our country and our king by what you say,” he wrote on his vehicle. Al-Baqami said he intended to park his car the next day in front of the school where he is teaching so that the students could read the message.

The king’s photo was posted in the window of a shop in Jeddah selling car accessories by Faisal Al-Marashi, a 22-year-old student at King Abdul Aziz University. “Our love for our country and our government isn’t new. We inherited that from our forefathers who vowed allegiance to King Abdul Aziz,” he told Arab News.

Social networking site Facebook also carried postings of Saudis who were opposed to the protest plans. Their number took up more than 30 pages and they exchanged congratulations on Friday’s protest turning out to be a non-event.

The unprecedented rallying of the Saudis behind their king took the world by surprise, a Facebook post said. One blogger praised citizens of Jeddah for not making even the slightest move to protest.

Meanwhile, towns and cities across the Eastern Province were also quiet and activity somewhat subdued as many people chose to stay home. In Qatif, where there was a small protest Thursday night, town elders urged people to stay off the streets and most appeared to heed that advice. One Qatif activist said he heard there was a protest in Hofuf some 130 km south, but Arab News could not get any independent confirmation of this.

On Friday, mosques were full for noon payers. Two hours later, at around 1:30 p.m. Arab News visited the city and found streets and alleyways empty. Restaurants and gas stations were open, but there were few customers. There were not many vehicles on the streets. At least one helicopter flew overhead, though there were far fewer men in uniform. Qatif was quiet, which is generally not the case on a typical Friday afternoon.

When Arab News spoke to one resident about not seeing many people on the streets, he was not surprised.

“What do you expect to see on a Friday afternoon at 2? People are resting at home after saying their prayers,” he said. “Everything is fine - no protests, nothing.”

A group of expatriates at a gas station close to Qatif Plaza mall seemed nervous. They said it was abnormally quiet for a weekend.

A little farther from Qatif, a small zoo was almost empty with just two families visiting.

“Yesterday was particularly bad. We had no visitors, which is highly unusual,” one of the zoo staff said.

“We usually have hundreds of families and children packing this place on Thursday and Friday. Reports of trouble in the area have kept people away.”

Some expatriates remained home on Friday. “We were told by our company managers to avoid going out, and that is what we did,” said John Sebastian, a sales engineer at an Alkhobar-based ticketing agency. “We were mostly watching television and remained glued to it after dramatic images began appearing of the tsunami in Japan.”

Other people decided not to worry about anything and just enjoy the weather. “You media people are the ones to create all this hullabaloo,” said Pakistani businessman Munnawar Azeem Chaudhry, who took his wife and three daughters to the Dammam Corniche.

“Look for yourself. Everyone is having a ball,” he said pointing to an Egyptian family barbecuing kebabs over hot coals.

Congregations dispersed peacefully after Juma prayers in Riyadh mosques.

Security was visibly tight. In Olaya Street, between Faisaliah Tower and the Kingdom Tower, there were more than 20 patrol cars.

The traffic was thinner than usual with people preferring to stay home after prayers. However, supermarkets saw regular custom and even roadside fruit and vegetable vendors in front of mosques enjoyed brisk business.

Saudi Arabia had announced on Saturday that it would not allow any demonstrations in the country that are aimed at undermining the Kingdom’s security and stability.

“Laws and regulations in the Kingdom totally prohibit all kinds of demonstrations, marches and sit-in protests as well as calling for them as they go against the principles of Shariah and Saudi customs and traditions,” the Interior Ministry had said in a statement.

The Shoura Council and Board of Islamic Scholars also severely condemned any form of protests against the leadership describing it as an action against the tenets of Islam. Jumma sermons in Riyadh mostly focused on finding solutions through dialogue as the only way advocated by Islam.

The imam at a mosque in Malaz district said that the Kingdom’s foundation is based on the book of Allah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

“We cannot be dictated by the democratic policies advocated by Western countries,” the imam said.

Addressing the country’s youth, the imam at Al-Rowaidah Mosque called them the backbone of the community. “We are well aware of their needs and aspirations,” he said, stressing that youth must be able to differentiate good from bad for the greater good of the nation.

On Thursday, football fans made plain their allegiance at the match between Al-Nasr and Al-Hilal in Riyadh’s King Fahd International Stadium. They raised the photos of the king and waved the Saudi flag. Football fans in Makkah and Madinah made the same show of support. One banner held up by the fans read: “We do not deserve to live in a country that we are unable to protect.”

A senior diplomat, who performed his Friday prayers at a mosque in the capital’s Diplomatic Quarter told Arab News that everything went on as usual. He said that he had driven around the city following prayers and the only thing he noticed that was different was that security arrangements had been beefed up in some areas.

Comments

JUNAID

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Good ... Alhumdulillah
But I would like to say that govt should try sense the nerves of their people. You cant make everyone happy, but one can try. Govt shold try to be more close and understand the problems. Coz belive me, whatever you do but if incidents like Jeddah floods and corruption exposed in it will make everyone happy and unhappiness sometimes becomes violant.
May Allah guide all of us to the right path .. :)

NISHTHAR IDROOS

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Atleast now the government of Saudi Arabia must come out strongly and shut the mouths of all and sundry and make a cogent elucidation of the Wahhabi myth and quash the perceived derogatory vignettes associated with the so called wahhabist plot. It’s mercy and a blessing that Allah azzawajel sent the reformer Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhaab at a crucial moment in history and saved the country from the abomination of cancerous polytheism. Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhaab is none but a reviver of the Sunnah and evidently Allah aided him to cleanse and revive the religion of Islam. Saudi could have suffered the same revolt if only its leadership had shown over indulgence and crookedness like its neighbours, instead Allah saved it, Alhamdulillah.

MOHAMMED

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congratulations to all saudis and their leaders. this should send a strong signal to the west and us who are hell bent against the muslim ummah to get destroyed by infighting. also saudi arabia should prevail upon libya, egypt, bahrain, yemen, tunisa, oman etc. and lead them to live peacefully. tell the world that we can rule ourselves without the dictat and influence of the zionist and west. saudi arabia under the rule of sharia is the best country in the world with lowest crime, stability and growth, let world follow its model and then world be a beautiful place for living.

MOHAMMAD ZUBAIR KHAN

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i am glad that nothing bad happened in ksa today. i lived in saudi arabia for four years back in mid seventy and loved it. ksa is the most peaceful country in the world. i am also glad to know that young saudis are taking the stand to appriciale what they have and expressing their positive views about the king and his policies.

AMER

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"LONG LIVE THE KING - KING ABDULLAH OF SAUDI ARABIA"

MAHID MUSTAPHA

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i love the king of saudi king abdullah i very very like the law of islam

MOHAMMEDALI

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God is great!.God is great!! God is great!!! Saudi people know who they are! what they are!

MUJEEB

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NISHTHAR IDROOS you are totally correct in your farsighted observation.
May Allah give strength and aafiyah to the people who have committed to uphold the values preached and practiced by Mercy Of Aalameen Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).May Allah shower his mercy on Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhaab who dedicated his life against cancerous polytheism and Bida'a.

KHALID MAHMOOD

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Satan must be worried, why his plan did not work, where is his team gone on Friday?

008.048 Remember Satan made their (sinful) acts seem alluring to them, and said: "No one among men can overcome you this day, while I am near to you": But when the two forces came in sight of each other, he turned on his heels, and said: "Lo! I am clear of you; lo! I see what ye see not; Lo! I fear Allah: for Allah is strict in punishment."

Al-Qur'an, 008.048 (Al-Anfal )

ABDUL RAHIM

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Well what more could the Saudi citizens could ask for. They have the most stable economy , their loans are being written off and king is generous more than ever.All they need to educate thmselves and inculcate good working ethics and be staedfast in theier religion rather than following the anti social elements who want to create disturbance. May allah protect this nation and may GOD give more taufeeq to the king that he does more good to tis citizens and expats too.

S.S.JAFFRY

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It can write 1000 lines in praise of some one but its waste... better single word of justice spoke to relive the pains of humans and their aspiration ...son rise everbody know its better to built a bridge take the people to their destiny.....need courage to speak out..

SHADHULY A. HASSAN

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Alhamthu-lillah, glad to hear good news. I also agreed to the points of brother Nisthar. May ALLAH SWT accept and show mercy on the great reformer Sheik Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhaab (RA). Obviously, the rumors made by deviators got humiliated in the soil of holy peace land since all citizens and expatriates are love to the current regime of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud (RA). ALLAH with us and you be holding strongly to the law of ALLAH & teachings of Prophet Muhammad and rightly guided calipates. Be aware of hypocrites and deviators, who always plan to do fitna as they had aleady done in the name of relegion during and after the period of Prophet Muhammad (SAL). May ALLAH protect this country,ameen..................

ARMANDO

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thanks God, He give us peace

ABOU HIBA

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Thank Almighty Allah and extend my full support to His Majesty, King Abdullah for his generous rule. May Allah Bless Him.

ABDUL QUADER

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If it were a damp squib, what were all these police (5 times the normal presence) doing on the road?

NAVEED

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Hats off to the Teacher, The Imam and the youth who all came in support meaningfully. We need more Imams and teachers like them. Let every citizen contribute for the good of this country. I request each and every citizen to propagate promote the good and to to expose any evil bad moves by anyone immediately. I am sure Allah will reward such people with property and peace here and here after. Its not just Saudi citizens but every Muslim is proud of Saudi Arabia. I pray to Allah to protect it from every evil and to make it a peaceful and prosperous country. Aamen

AZRA

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Saudi king is a good human being.He takes good care of his country .thats why people of his country love him so much.Saudis have set a good example for others to follow by not coming out to protest because they are sensible enough to know that its waste of time.May Allah bless the king with long live and good health.be blessed with

EHSAN

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LONG LIVE KING ...... LONG LIVE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA.....

SAMIRA

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Saudi Arabia is such a peaceful nation, its so upsetting that a so called "day of rage" should be even thought about. Rage against what? This is a country ruled by such a compassionate king who takes such good care of all the peoples needs, there is no need for any rage. Considering the situation in other middle east countries, we must be happy and content that we are under the care of such a compassionate king. May God bless him with good health so that hecan continue taking care of the people

SARAH SHAHID

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may Allah guide all of us to the right path(INSHALLAH)

GAMMAL

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Every one will taste the death. If you think you can silence the believers by intimidation, wait until you see the fire of hell.

FATIMA

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And the time has come to conduct free elections as well?

USMAN AZAM

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Allhamdulilah each and every Member of society have shown Wisdom Tolerance and Socially intellectuallity by rejecting such bogus calls and have shown their trust in Saudi system.

SHAMCEY

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If God is with us, who can be against us?

BILAL

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Alhamdulillah and may Allah protect this country for the evil sights, these people who demonstrated in qatif and some other places have always been the enemies of islam and they being saudi's don't have sympathy with this land, they are potential danger for this country.Govt should take strong action against them and make sure that in future they should not dare to resort to protests. These people are behaving in same way as jews did in the Time of Prophet Muhammad(peace be upon him) and may Allah send billions of blessing upon our Prophet who drove all these miscreants out of this land and made it a peaceful nation of muslim brotherhood.Same thing should be done with these people either drove them out or put such conditions that they could never dare to think of it again

AZKAR

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Today I Salute the people of KSA. They have taught the west that, what is democracy and what is required by the people in each country is different. No country in the democratic world had succeeded in solving the problems people, contrary they have more problem and only politicians thrive. Whereas in KSA people are happy and live in peace and harmony. May Allah bless this country with more wealth, continued peace and harmony. Long live the king.

SAIF

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We are expats from Southern Philippine worry for this fitna against the Saudi government. To all the Saudi Activist and protesters please save Saudi! This is a 100% sharia law. The Saudi government tries to give everything to all the Saudi nationality. You are lucky and blessing nationality as part of Saudi government. Allah bless Saudi Arabia¦.

ZIA AHMED - DAMMAM

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Congratulations to all Saudi Citizens for maintaining law and order and shown your truly trust in the leadership of KSA. We all are very lucky that we are living under such a great leadership which allow us to live best life without fearing. If we compare with western countries we are living much better and secure life. I prayres are to be maintain calm in future as well and show our unity and prove that we are such a fool to be trust their media reports.

RAMEE

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you are in heaven ,why you need to see hell ,

FEROZ

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I feel sorry for CNN, BBC and Al Jazeera reporters. They have been drOOling for some kind of turbulance in Saudi Arabia. What these people dont know is how much Saudis and Expats love this country and its rulers. Now all the anti Saudi and anti muslim channels can go back to Wiscosin, Indiana or Guantanamo Bay and report the human rights abuse there.

TIM

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Yea can we say SCARED!!!! Cause I know LOTS of saudis that are angry on the inside from the government but as of yesterday when nothing happened I see they got SCARED.....

DO NOT WISH TO MENTION

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I am an expatriate Muslim from a neighbor Muslim state and have great love for this country and people and HE King Abdullah and admired the way they use to go five time prayers with full enthusiasm and feels true love to Allah (Eiz o Jal) and prophet Muhammmad (pbuh).How they mange during Huj days to accommodate Muslims, in millions from all over the world They are straight and God fearing. Believe on human respect. But , during last couple of days until Thursday and Friday 10-3-11 &11-3-11 night, I could feel ,how the people of other religion(earning in this country what they could never earn anywhere) expressed their evil desire to de stabiles this land of piece (Holy place for Muslims of the world),. Their(hidden) desire has been fully exposed, which is as follows: 1. They wish to see this country as a European/American Colony where ,all the non Muslims would grab the country 's resources and, along with their European/American masters who take take the cream , these Non Muslim Asian allies also get remaining maximum benefits as a group on the basis of religion and deprive the Muslim brothers who also come here(much less in number) to earn bread while this is their first right to take benefits from this great brother Muslim State. 2. Now a days it is being observed with grave concern that, situation is just the reverse. These European and Americans are the heads of most companies, who allow only non Muslims for their assistance and rarely allow those from neighboring Muslim States. However the situations is just the reverse for Muslims , who made attempts to work in these non Muslim states. Just imagine, that God forbid, if some Saudi National (in need) desire to work in India or Philippine or United Kingdom then what are his chances of getting good job. I am pretty shore; He will never get any job. This, situation is an eye opener for the residents of Saudi Arabia and Gulf Muslim states as a whole.

ELYAS ELIAT BAESHEN

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Thanks to God.everyone is relieved.I hope there won't be any more call for any protest.

PARVEEN RIZVI

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Heartiest Congratulations for a peaceful Friday in Saudia. May Allah bestow peace on this land of the holy mosques forever Aameen
The Koran states in Chapter 2, Verse 190: "Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors."

ZULFIKAR

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Now govt. know who is these guys. Should take strong action againist them in order to open again un ncessary panic in peacefull country . Otherside govt take stronger action againist curruptions especially baladiyya and other dept. We can see the Jeddah roads conditions and neatness. I

UBAH ADAN

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we support and have respect to the king and the saudi people. Saudi Arabia is the safest and the purest country in the whole wide world . we have to protect makka and madina. long live the king and his people.

SHEREEN

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Why is that Arab News only censors comments which parrot superficial aspects of Saudi society? Why not tell the TRUTH? Isn't this part of the true Tenents of Islam. As a Muslim female, I find the hypocrisy of the The Shoura Council and Board of Islamic Scholars to be quite shameful. Since when is it a sin or against the teachings of Islam to speak out against injustices committed by numerous Prince and Princess and yet not a word of reprimand against the sinful HARAM acts and misconduct of these arrogant Saudis. <

LELALEE

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PEACE, please.......

AHMED

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westerners tried to spread rage but alhumdulillah they ended up increasing locals love nd showing their strength , i urge saudi government to block social networks nd launch their own , may Allah's blessings be upon the country and its citizens aamin , love to kingdom nd people by indian community .

LELALEE

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PEACE, please........no pain, no worries, no wars........respect us who treasure peace and to live peacefully.....

JAMAAL ABDUL-RAHIM

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@NISHTHAR IDROOS Jazaakallaahu khairaan for the true words about the great imaam and reformer ash-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab, may Allah, subhaanahu wa ta'aalaa, have mercy upon him. He clarified and revived the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, and restated the original, correct aqeeda (creed) of Islam based upon Tawheed in it's revealed purity. A society with this call at its core will prosper and enjoy peace and security, inshaa Allah.

MAJID

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King Abdullah is spending his last breaths for his people's well being, we have every reason to be loyal to him. The king already knows that the biggest problems in Saudi are the corrupt clerks behind the desks in the Jeddah Municipality and the construction companies in Jeddah. We voice it in every newspaper ever printed here. This is peaceful way of voicing our concerns. Like the old saying goes, "the pen is stronger than the sword". I pray for the King's health, and congratulate him for the loyal support from his populace that he deserves.

ABDULKADER

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"It was a normal Friday yesterday across the Kingdom ..."

yes, apart from the 15 000 police, 5000 police vehicles, 250 temporary checkpoints and helicopters, it really was a normal friday

ever wondered about the meaning of the word 'oppression' ???

MUSLIM

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Alhamdulillah nothing happened but this is coming. I strongly think even government compromise on something protestors would never satisfy. Best way is to book them as traitors who want to destroy Saudi society & put them behind bar forever. Same time government should act quickly on reforms & to the benefit of its people according to Sharia before it is really late.

SHADHULY A. HASSAN

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Dear Moderator, please post the following. It was posted earlier this morning, but I cound not find when I read again this afternoon. ============================================================ Alhamthu-lillah, glad to hear good news. I also agreed to the points of brother Nisthar. May ALLAH SWT accept and show mercy on the great reformer Sheik Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhaab (RA). Obviously, the rumors made by deviators got humiliated in the soil of holy peace land since all citizens and expatriates are love to the current regime of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud (RA). ALLAH with us and you be holding strongly to the law of ALLAH & teachings of Prophet Muhammad and rightly guided calipates. Be aware of hypocrites and deviators, who always plan to do fitna as they had aleady done in the name of relegion during and after the period of Prophet Muhammad (SAL). The deviators and evildoers, who propagate thru internet are against to the rulers of Saudi Arabia who rule according to Shariah, the landmark of monotheism and against innovation in the name of relegion. May ALLAH protect this country,ameen..................

ZAHID KHAN

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I congratulate all Saudi Citizens and The Royal family ... and confirm and ensure TOTAL support from Islamic republic Of Pakistan citizens working and living in kingdom ....LONG LIVE SAUDIA , LONG LIVE THE ROYAL FAMILY..ALLAH BLESS SAUDI ARABIA ..Ameen.

MERLIN

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AZKAR

"Whereas in KSA people are happy and live in peace and harmony"

Apparently not!

BILAL ".......people who demonstrated in qatif and some other places have always been the enemies of islam and they being saudi's don't have sympathy with this land"

Not much peace and harmony there then?

MD. RUSSELL TALUKDER

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This is a great sign of having a mature understanding of how caring and loving the king is to their countrymen, who now enjoy the state benefits that no other citizens in the world ever dreamt of. To have such a king as a ruler is a specail blessing from the Almighty and it is also the duty of the citizens to support and remain loyal to the king. The country has immense possibility to further strenthen its economy by expanding its economic activies in the international level in the coming days under the prudent and benevolent leadership of the king. The industrialists and entrepreneurs of Saudi should seriously consider investing in Bangladesh in garments, leather.pharmaceutical and in jute sectors and in the newly emerging ship breaking industry, as the labour is unbelievably cheap and foreign investment rules are very friendly there. May Allah bless the king and his countrymen and also the milliions of expatriates serving the kingdom.

MOHAMMED

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I appreciate all citizens of Saudi Arabia for their obedience and patience for the instruction and directions given by the Govt. I am an Indian working in KSA for the past 17 years and I was really worried. Now I understand that the people of KSA and Govt has got a good relation. Al hamdu lillah. This country is a safe place of work for expatriates both men and women. Thousands of families living outside the KSA are fed by income source from this country

ZAEEM AHMED

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Alhamdolillah Saudi citizens are very much satisfied with the government and the governance. They are enjoying the total benefit of the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Regime. All the public intrest programme is executed with satisfaction level. Yes there are some people who can not be satisfied even if u give them your heart and these people must not be counted. Overall every citizen in kingdom is satisfied and love King Abdullah and his policies. May Allah bless the KING with more health & wealth.

EJAZ

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Fqr God sake accept the comments of criticts also, if you are unable to this the days are not away to see the results. Do not live in fools paradisi.

ENGINEER UMAIR SHAH

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Assallam Alikum
Alhamdulillah
Long Live Saudi Arabia
Long Live King Abdullah
i am glad to see the peace and stability in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is the center of Islam therefore no Muslim can see unstability here.
I salute to the Govt. of KSA for its good and peaceful governce as the demonstrations were stopped in a peaceful way.

MOHAMMED AKRAM MUGHAL

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INSHALLAH NOTHING WILL GO WRONG AS WESTERN WANTS.
GOD ALLMIGHTY IS WITH BIGGEST ISLAMIC COUNTRY - SAUDI ARABIA.
LONG LIVE THE KING

MOHAMMED SHARFUDDIN

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LONG LIVE THE KING - KING ABDULLAH OF SAUDI ARABIA

ABDUL MOTALEB

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i have 2 tell all the saudi youth don't trust the west they looking 4 your oli only.destroy the real islam.ask your self why they make interest abt libya,why not i"vory cost.cause of libyan oil only.that's a game by the west.please muslim's don't destroy your country.and abt saudi arabia this is the happiest country in the world. i m expat.again i have 2 say don't destroy your mother land by your hand plz plz plz .....Long Live Saudi Arabia(AMIN)

IMRAN

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ALLHAMDULILLAH everything is in Peace." LONG LIVE THE KING".

MOHD ILYAS

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Salam to all alhamdulillha nothing happen iam Indian working in the kingdom more then 20 years iam very happy to stay here what i have seen in the kingdom the saudis are very happy under the king role. The kingdom nothing happen on friday only small incident happen but what i have seen in the press tv it want to make saudi on trouble like other countrys always press tv giving news saudi uprising saudi uprising only what we understant Iran regime want to creat a problem in the peaceful kingdom please i requst all my saudi brothers not alow them to your peaceful nation may allah save this country

ABDUL KHALIQUE

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Assalamu Alaikum, I think there are some evil forces behind this rubbish demonstration in this peacfull country of Saudi Arabia, where millions of foreighner with difference religion from the world are enjoying their life without any fear. They travel from one corner to another corner of the country and face no problems and fears. Allah bless Saudi Arabia and the generious King who care its people and as well as the foreighners.

NESREENE

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All over the world was so thankful to Allah, Saudi Arabia is the center of peace and forgiveness, may Allah bless us all here.

AZKAR

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Merlin No where in the world you get 100% happiness. There will be always dissatisfied unhappy people. Comparatively Saudi is happier place, people are living so happily. As Brother Ramee has said "you are in heaven ,why you need to see hell" . See what happened in Wisconsin, USA yesterday, they are restricting the rights given for the unions. This is their way of democracy, what they think and feel is always correct, and they want rest of the world to follow. Please leave Saudi out of this mess. Let this country follow Sharia, I am not a Saudi but as a muslim i want this land to remain the same, as the land of muslims for the entire world. Please dont change this heaven to a hell

RONALDO

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We, expatriates love the King, the Custodian of the two holy mosque. We hope we have the same leader back home as King Abdullah. Allah will always bless Saudia and its people. Long live the King!!!

MOHAMMED ABDUL NAYEEM KAISER

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i am here since last two decades alhamdulillah its peace loving country in the world god bless kingdom of saudi arabia and personally the h.e.h king abdullah al saud long live the king under his leadership everything is good and well by the grace of almighty the great.

EDONIS PEREIRA RIBEIRO

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The Saudi police have to shoot to cause serious health consequences or death to anyone who wants to change the rule in Saudi Arabia, because surely these protesters are not well intentioned, has seen Islam being the religion of Saudi Arabia.
It is not shameful to fight someone who fights against Islam, but we should be proud to defend Islam and Muslims.
Every Muslim believes that Allah is greater.
Despite being brazilian and living in Brazil I would never allow anyone to denigrate the sacred land of mosques with ideas polytheists or apologies to polytheism.
I pray that Allah protect the kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as their king Abdullah bin AbdulAziz Al Saud.
I studied Islam and the language of the Holy Quran in Saudi Arabia.
Today, Arabic is my first language.

RAHEEL JUMA

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Alhamdolillah nothing happen and inshallah not will happen so EU / US culprits you cant make the difference in the way you had tried in other parts . This is the Heart of Islamic World and we all Muslims prayed to God for the long stability of the kingdom .

What this political System Gives to other counties See the example of Pakistan .. Iran ... Iraq .... and take any of muslim / non muslim country this political regim is nothing to do with the interest of a common man . And i tell you truly that We pakistani are paying huge huge amount of this political system and now pissed off with the term politics and politician

Please take our example and dont ever go for any political revolution in this peacefull Land

SUMA

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for those ppl calling for protest i can say read sura "saba" and you can understand its meaning .u have peacefull country ,you have a good leadership what you need more than this ,you are calling ,such us african leaders bombing their country and to their ppl by their hand ,so plz dont be mad ,if you want know what ,war looks like ask to one somali ,iraqi ,libyan etc

SYED MOAZZAM ALI ACC JEDDAH

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I am glad that nothing bad happened in ksa today. I lived in saudi arabia for ninteenr years and loved it. ksa is the most peaceful country in the world. I am also glad to know that young saudis are taking the stand to appriciale what they have and expressing their positive views about the king and his policies.

AHMED

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Several hundred protesters turned out in the cities of Hofuf, Awwamiya and Qatif. Inshallah, there will be more next time.

SAM

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Congratulation to all saudi brothers, and it is slap to yahoo maktoob, usa, eu, and israel peopel for there hidden agenda. Indian much thankful to saudi for showing there love and confidence for there countray and king.

S ALVI

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One needs guts and hardwork to organize even the most peaceful protest- something lacking here. And yes, freedom of expression, anyone in government here aware of the term?

ASMA

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The Saudi government can't build a modern sewage treatment system for Jeddah, but it can intimidate its own people with a massive show of force. Not exactly a record of accomplishment to be proud of.

SHAFEEQ KHAN

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long live King Abdullah, Thanks to Saudi brothers not participating untrue protest, may allah keep healthy and safe to Saudi king and saudi people Ameen

KARINA

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SAUDI ARABIA promise land ....I'm a Filipino expat and 6 years here in Riyadh and it's a great help for me and my family to work here. With the life here that Saudi national are enjoying sometimes I wish I am one of them but as an expat the Saudi government is also taking care of us....no tax, a good place to stay, what can I ask for...I really pray that this country will stand still...no need to protest on the street..dialogue is the best solution....GOD BLESS US ALL!!!!

SYED NOOR

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Obama and Hillary Clinton must be scratching their head and the secret agents such as CIA and Mossad and alike crying their heads between knees.

BRAVO PEOPLE OF SAUDI ARABIA..... AND CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL AND THE BELOVED KING ABDULLAH AND ENTIRE FAMILY.

Shame on US and evil planners.

K.SYED

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No to rage, MashaAllah

FAROOQ

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Assalamualaikum congratulations and all our dua'w with the king,people of Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia.it is our duty ,responsibility and our Iman to pray for the well being of this country and its people,And we indian 's always stand by the side of Saudi,and we will stop this fitna and always pray for the unity of Saud family and Custodian of Holy Masks and with the Grand ulema of K.S.A. jAZAILUMULLAH KHAIR

GENE

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I was watching a German TV talk show and they had a man who represents the TV station Al Jarzeera. This man openly stated that his station was going to bring down every government in the middle east by continiously bringing up stores against the rulers. The moderator of the show was in a state of shock to hear this coming from an Arabic TV station representative. Seems like they have an agenda that should be examined by the people of the middle east.

RICHARD

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More charming conspiracy theories from the obsessed with the west crowd.

• “ westerners tried to spread rage but alhumdulillah they ended up increasing locals love nd showing their strength “

• “ INSHALLAH NOTHING WILL GO WRONG AS WESTERN WANTS. “

• “ i have 2 tell all the saudi youth don't trust the west they looking 4 your oli only.destroy the real islam. “


Really? Where did you all hear those bits of nonsense?

Westerners have NOTHING to do with Arab rage or the lack of it. Westerners could not care less! Westerners are concerned with their own problems and the earthquake in Japan.

Other Arabs are setting themselves free or at least trying to do so, even at the cost of their lives. Those with less courage will not do anything. Nobody cares whether Saudis live as slaves or free people. It is Saudis who need to care.

Perhaps some of the conspiracy theorists have not yet heard that the Arab League has asked the evil, western controlled UN to impose a no fly zone on Libya.

Interestingly enough, they are not opting to send Arab peace-keeping troops. Therefore, more Libyans will die thanks to the Arabs.






FILIPINO NURSE

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im a newbie here in riyadh,ksa.. almost 5months. from d past few weeks filipino community keep hearing gossip that there will be a protest. and it bothers me so much.. it scares us bcoz we saw whats happening in libya that all people are evacuating. keep thinking that it will happen here also. what a coincidence that arab countries are influencing each country like a disease that is viral. but who would have think that after a warm and delightful welcome from king abdulaziz coming from a long treatment from the us, people would have an attempt to influence the mind of the society to appeal a protest.. but i keep positive. we keep our selves calm and observing noise outside. And im so thankful that only choppers hanging around the sky s the noise i only heard. I congratulates king abdulaziz and government officials for handling this crises peacefully. We filipino's appreciate so much from the protection and guardianship. This is not my country but i care..

SYED SIDDIQ PASHA

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Al hamduliilah, Saudi youth did not fell prey to false propaganda, they are lucky to be the citizens of this great country, and we are lucky to spend part of our lives here in peace and away from major sins. May Allah preserve the Al Saud house and peace of this country and give long life to the great King.

MIRAZ

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alhamdulliah..and shukar to allah that nothing happened bad here in ksa..i am not a saudi but i love this country so much and i love the rules and regulatin that based on islam..i would like to say those people who wants to protest and evantually they are annoying other citizen.they even dosent know that they are driving wrong..my support goes for this country and for the king of Saudi arabia. :)

DR.MOHAMMAD BASIT ALI-MBA PHD FIRST CLASS JEDDAH

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Thanks to Miss Azraa..our beloved King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud/wise Al Saud Royal Family and very sensible Saudi citizens...who has set an example for other people of the World ..Bravo..

CHARLES SAID

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peace and harmony??

What understand you for peace and harmony?
Treataning your wife like your horse or can is harmony?
Treataning others saudi's tribes or others nationalities people like slaves or secondaries citizens are peace or harmony?

Untill Saudi people understand that all being human are all for equal,man and women,saudis or foreigners,you never will live with peace and harmony

JAMAL ASFAR

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It is time that Saudis should start taking jobs of thousands of expatriates living there while the expatriates whould be respectfully sent back to their own countries.

MUHAMMAD MUSHTAQ

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Alhamdolillah. Well done. Saudi,s are wise people. they knows that who is pulling the strings behind the curtain. Situation of Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, Oman are in front of them and they understands the Evil designs of the enemy of Islam and their country. InshaAllah the devil deciple, who are going to create unrest in Islamic countries will be defeated, when the people of those countries will understand these devils. they should follow the Saudi,s.

KHALED SHALHOUB

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It is unfair to compare Saudi Arabia with the rest of the Arab countries regarding relationship between Gov and its citizen. It is correct in asserting that when people join dissident movement or take part in collective revolt they act not so much upon their private motivations, but out of a broad community concern. In our case our collective welfare is biologically imprinted in us, which accounts for the need to sensible and wise when dealing with social issues.

SHAUN CANAVAN

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Having lived and worked in the Kingdom for some years, it was wonderful to see that the vast majority of Saudi people are living in solidarity and love for their King. You are blest with a good, kind and generous King in Abdullah. He has strived to support and govern Saudi with respect, wisdom and reverence to God. Not all countries have such a wonderful leader, nor the economic availability that Saudi Arabia has. The want for Democracy (in places such as Libya) is not the evil in this equation, Oppression is. Saudi's live in a country where you are not oppressed. The Saudi People are supported by their King. Please do not begrudge those that have fought for their freedom to live in the same environment, nor those that live in democratic countries that have in their past had to fight for freedom themselves. True, Saudi is a Kingdom, however your wise King is open to his People and governs them with a generous heart. Long Live King Abdullah

BAWAZIR

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dear readers and com-mentors , even in the times of prophet s a w s there was madina and makkah and kaaba , but even then there was crimes and the criminals and wrongdoers were punished . so keep makkah and madina seperate , the corruptions and torture people should be punished and also the whole system should b ebased on silam and shariah , which is still not, so let the government take measures and steps for the betterment of society and saudi people and expats working here . we love saudi at the same time there are certain policies should be changed which is slavery and bonded labour system .
we love you king abdullah.......

BASIT ALI

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Alhumdolillah i am glad to live & work in the world most peaceful country where everybody lives in peace. May Allah subahanatallah save this country from evil eye. Every country has problem , corruption & crimes but if you compare saudi with western world or with other developed countries Saudi is the most cleanest. Islam is the only solution for humanity Long live King Abdulllah .

JON LOPEZ

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The Saudi government should track down those who are creating rumors of demonstration in the internet.

DESERT_SAINT

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There are certain groups here in the Kingdom who are trying to spread rumors that there are trouble happening in Saudi Arabia. TFC, the Filipino Channel was one of them.. One of the TV patrollers was mentioning about the deployment of tanks and soldiers all over the street in Riyadh.. It was a ridiculous news posting because I haven't seen one soldiers manning the street here in Riyadh nor a tank..If he is here in Riyadh, he has to be deported immediately for rumor mongering. The channel are trying link some videos in Al Qatif and Libya, to depict heavy fighting in here. Very ridiculous news footage. It has given nervous breakdown to our family back home in the Philippines.
I had been in Saudi Arabia ever since the Gulf War, I have witness military deployment, but I felt I am more safer here in KSA than in the Philippines.
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