Prominent Saudi Arabian cleric Sheikh Maher Al Muayqali praised the warmth of South Africans and urged them to be patient and strive for unity.
An Islamic scholar, who hails from Makkah in the kingdom, is one of the many Imams (who lead prayers) in the Haram or grand mosque.
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More than a thousand people gathered at Masjid-us-Salaam in Laudium on Friday to welcome Sheikh Al Muayqali.
This Islamic scholar is currently visiting South Africa as a guest of the Saudi Arabian embassy in Pretoria.
Tolerance
As South Africa and the world face many challenges, Sheikh Al Muayqali advises people to be patient.
“Truly, tolerance is from the characteristics of believers, and from the characteristics of brotherhood. Islam has encouraged the adornment of the character of tolerance in our society and has put it at the level of worship.
“Tolerance is what produces a community governed by love and compassion, by cooperation and unity. With tolerance faith is strengthened, and unity can be achieved,” he said.
Also read: SA pays tribute to Saudi Arabia on 92nd Saudi National Day
appreciate
Sheikh Al Muayqali also called on people to respect each other.
“Treat others as you would like to be treated, be kind and compassionate to yourself, be patient and you will be accepted, because your reward is only what you do.”
Mutual cooperation
South Africa and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enjoy mutual relations at various levels.
Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to South Africa Sultan Al Angari highlighted the relationship between the two countries during the 92nd Saudi National Day at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria last year.
Al Angari said that Saudi Arabia is celebrating the importance of the national day, as well as celebrating the continuation of friendly relations between the kingdom and South Africa.
“Through their long history, the two countries have witnessed great development in various fields including politics, economy, recreation, culture, information technology and more.”
State visit
Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa embarked on a state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
Ramaphosa was hosted by HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud.
The gate
Ramaphosa said that while Saudi Arabia is positioned as the gateway to the Middle East and the region, South Africa is the gateway to a dynamic continent with great prospects.
He said that the trade between the two countries has reached $5 billion, and believes that this can increase further in the next few years.
The two countries signed 11 agreements and a Memorandum of Understanding to boost investment in energy, water, green hydrogen, waste diversion, and logistics at the Saudi Arabia-South Africa Investment Forum in Jeddah.
Also read: SA is a ‘good, reliable and stable place’ to do business – Ramaphosa