IBN SAUD LEADS PRAYER

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 956, 26 April 1930, Page 30

IBN SAUD LEADS PRAYER

HEDJAZ MONARCH STRICTLY RELIGIOUS

JOINS PEOPLE IN DEVOTIONS From Moscow comes word that the Soviet Government is turning churches throughout Russia into museums, and the bells that formerly called the humble peasants to prayer are being melted down.

From a distinguished Arabian in the Redjaz comes a communication, in the course of which he speaks of that picturesque personality. Ibn Saud, Sultan of Nedj and King of Hedjaz. He tells of the religious fervour of the people of Arabia headed by this Napoleon of the desert who rules his empire ofttimes from a Bedouin tent, with an iron hand. The letter says: “Nowhere in the world of Islam is the teaching of Mohammed so strictly observed as in the dominions of the King of the Hedjaz. And no Moslem is more punctual In obeying the call than the King himself. “You can picture him in his tent, sitting in Bedouin fashion on his rugs. He is surrounded by his advisers and ministers, while visitors pass in and out.

“Suddenly the muezzin's voice rings out. There is an immediate stoppage of official business. The King, in his capacity as Imam, that is, religious leader, utters the invocation: “There is no power and strength save in Almighty God.’ The phrase is reverently repeated by all those present. “The tall figure of Ibn Saud —a magnificent figure more than six feet in height—dominates the group. He advances a short distance across the sands, then stops and turns his face toward Mecca. “The congrgeation arranges itself in a single row behind its King and religious leader. They stand abreast of one another, for all are equal before God. “The only exception is the desert Emperor himself and his personal attendant, who stands behind him with a drawn sword. “The custom of stationing an armed attendant behind the King at prayer dates back to the year 1532, when the great Turki Ibn Saud, great-grand-father of the present King, was traicherously stabbed to death as he prostrated himself in prayer.”