RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan urged the Coalition forces and the Saudi soldiers stationed on the front line to stand united in repelling the attacks of the deviant Houthi group. In a statement addressing the soldiers, Sheikh Al-Fawzan, who is also chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and head of the General Presidency for Scientific Research and Ifta, advised them to remain patient, persevering, and steadfast while carrying out their lofty mission. Referring to the threats posed by the Houthi terrorist militia, the Grand Mufit said: “This is the Houthi group, a band of evil, a plot of the enemies, founded on corrupt faith and methodology. They rebelled against their rulers, engaging in successive acts of sedition for many years. They have divided the land and its people. Therefore, stand united against this misguided sect and deviant group that declares the Prophet's Companions to be infidels, deems the blood of Muslims permissible, and sacrileges their mosques by demolishing and destroying them,” he said. The Grand Mufti highlighted the significance of restoring legitimate government in Yemen. “Restoring security and stability in Yemen under its legitimate leadership is a paramount duty, so that our Yemeni brothers may live in safety, security, prosperity, and stability, thus enabling their nation to join the rest of the Islamic world in progress, development, and unity,” he said. Sheikh Al-Fawzan underscored the great virtue of protecting the holy land from the attacks of enemies. “Among the greatest blessings that God has bestowed upon Saudi Arabia is that He has honored it with the service of the Two Holy Mosques, which have received unprecedented service and care since the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs. Therefore, preserving this great entity, defending its borders, repelling aggression against it, and punishing anyone who seeks to encroach upon even an inch of its territory are among the greatest duties and finest acts of devotion, for which lives and souls are sacrificed in pursuit of God's pleasure. This is especially so given that this great nation embraces the holy sites of Muslims, and within its sacred grounds, Hajj, a great pillar of Islam and Umrah, one of its most important rituals, are performed,” he said. The Grand Mufti reminded the great rewards for those stationed on the front lines and the special merits bestowed upon them, citing the Tradition of the Prophet (peace be upon him). “Among the duties incumbent upon you, O brothers stationed on the front lines, is to remain constantly prepared to fulfill your duty, to listen to and obey those in authority and your commanders in the field, and to execute orders with the utmost precision. You are following in the footsteps of the Prophet's companions, defending the sacred sites of Muslims and raising the banner of monotheism.” Sheikh Al-Fawzan specifically noted that they are fighting an enemy that has spread corruption in the land, divided the people, rebelled against their rulers, and plotted evil against the sacred sites of Muslims. “We extend our greetings and appreciation to our brothers in the Coalition Forces. You stand on a great front, undertaking a noble and honorable mission. Hold fast to the rope of God, unite your ranks, cooperate with one another, and unite your word in obedience to the words of your Lord,” he said. The Grand Mufti prayed to God Almighty to grant the forces His aid and to protect Saudi Arabia and Yemen from all harm. “We also ask God to eradicate the Houthi group and all who support and aid them,” he added.