the Two Holy Sanctuaries, then returned to their countries and conveyed what they had understood, acting upon Allah’s words:

“So fear Allah as much as you are able.” 1

They put into practice the little they had learned. May Allah increase us and them in beneficial knowledge.

Second: the preachers affiliated with the Department of Scholarly Research, Fatwa, Preaching and Guidance, about whom you already know much and whom I need not introduce.

Third: delegations from the Islamic University and the departments of scholarly research, which repeatedly visited the region and did what they could to raise awareness, offer guidance, and teach through lectures, scholarly seminars, religious evening gatherings, and official and unofficial contacts.

Fourth: visits by certain Saudi figures to some of those countries at the invitation of official bodies. One example was the visit of the imam of the Prophet’s Mosque, Shaykh Abd al-Azīz ibn Sālih, to some of those regions. His visit had a substantial impact in raising awareness, offering guidance, and combating religious innovations and certain manifestations of idolatry.

Fifth: some pilgrims from the continent who repeatedly visited the Kingdom and benefited from what they heard during the Hajj season from teachers in the Two Holy Sanctuaries and at awareness seminars. Some would remain for a time after performing the obligatory Hajj to further their learning and knowledge, insofar as regulations permitted.

These five groups, to our knowledge, have worked together to advance the call in the region. Allah has blessed their cooperation, so that the call has reached