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Once again... 'Be a patriot, dear to patriotism'

Prof. Dr. Sari bin Mohammed Al-Zahrani

Publication date: July 19, 2026 00:51 KSA

* Under this title, I wrote an article, and it is my right - again - to repeat what I wrote, in light of what we observe from those who try to offend the homeland or belittle its renaissance and achievements.

* To the best of my knowledge, I have not found in what I have read of precepts that necessitate the saying as they require the presence for every successive generation, whether in one nation or one homeland, of their saying: 'Be a patriot, dear to patriotism.' * This word, despite the fewness of its words, is not devoid of combining 'precept' on one hand, and 'wisdom' on the other. It is a precept because it stands in place of duty. And it is wise because it emanates only from those of understanding and the test of experiences, with the succession of days and years.

* Is the homeland and patriotism of such importance in terms of loyalty and the necessity of belonging? Yes... they are together in loyalty and belonging; because the homeland and patriotism are among the most obligatory duties, generation after generation. * Regardless of the rhetorical speech and poetic rhythm usually said when talking about the homeland and patriotism, historical facts prove with conclusive evidence that patriotism and national belonging are always the sole bulwark against any enemy, whatever its political, economic, and military capabilities. * When I was in charge of approving some articles or opinions on a certain issue in this luminous newspaper, as well as supervising some of its pages, before my eyes, in the first place, were only three things that could not be bypassed or lenient with: 'our religion' which we are proud of, 'our leadership' which we are proud of, and 'our homeland' which we boast of. * If the generation is raised on these principles and sees what confirms them by the ideal role model, then there is no harm in other minor flaws that are permissible in any society, no matter how high the voices of idealism within it rise. So let the society enjoy what it is reassured about, present and future. * Indeed, patriotism is not slogans said casually on occasions, nor is belonging to it managed in passing conversations; but in reality, it is based on love, altruism, sacrifice, giving, dedication, and seriousness. * Just as an individual strives and works hard to build his home with love, care, attention, perseverance, creating tranquility in his house, by fixing what bothers him, combating what corrupts it, encouraging its construction, and striving to rebuild it, so is the homeland, and so is patriotism. * Say about the homeland - as is always said - that it is a 'spiritual sanctity', an 'emotional intimacy', and a 'shared bond', but while that is necessary, you cannot drop any of those titles no matter how hard you try, without patriotism being present in them, embedded in their core; even if generations differ and spectrums multiply, so always be a patriot, dear to patriotism! * A turn: Coming, the majesty of towering mountains drives me; I traverse the orbit, chanting, and it traverses me; the scent of deserts, melodies on my lips; and their grandeur is a fire of longing in my veins.

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