Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Dr. Saleh Al-Fawzan, described the Houthi group as a "group of evil" and "a plot by enemies," saying it was "founded on corruption in creed and methodology" and had turned against those in authority, leading to successive periods of turmoil over many years "until it divided the country and its people."
The remarks came in a statement addressed to soldiers serving on the front lines and coalition forces, urging them to "stand united against this misguided faction and deviant group," which he said "declares the Prophet's Companions to be unbelievers, deems the blood of Muslims lawful, and destroys and demolishes their mosques." He added: "God is your supporter and will grant you victory, so put your trust in Him."
Al-Fawzan said: "God has blessed us with this upright religion, Islam, and unity in this blessed and good land, as well as unity around our leaders." He said one of the great blessings bestowed upon Saudi Arabia was that it was established on the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet and honored with serving the Two Holy Mosques, adding that they had received a level of service and care "unprecedented since the era of the Rightly Guided Caliphs."
He said protecting this great nation, defending its borders, and punishing anyone who seeks to lay a hand on even an inch of its territory were among the greatest duties and most virtuous acts of devotion, for which lives and souls may be sacrificed in seeking God's pleasure.
He noted that the country is home to the sacred sites of Muslims, and that one of the pillars of Islam, the Hajj, as well as the major Islamic rite of Umrah, is performed there.
The Grand Mufti stressed that troops serving on the front lines have great virtues and rewards, saying they "must always be prepared to perform their duty, obey the rulers and their field commanders, and carry out orders with the utmost precision, as God Almighty commanded the Companions of His Prophet to do."
He continued: "You are following in the footsteps of the Prophet's Companions, defending the sacred sites of Muslims and raising the banner of monotheism." He also urged them to remain patient, steadfast, and committed to their duty.
Al-Fawzan said the coalition forces were "guarding a vital frontier and carrying out an honorable and noble mission," adding: "Hold firmly to the rope of God, unite your ranks, cooperate with one another, and unite your word. Know that you are fighting an enemy, the Houthi group, which has caused corruption in the country, divided its people, turned against those in authority, and sought to harm the sacred sites of Muslims. But God is watching over them."
The Grand Mufti stressed that asserting the authority of Yemen's legitimate government over the country was "among the most pressing obligations," so that Yemenis can live in security, safety, prosperity, and stability, and so that their country can join the rest of the Islamic world in progress, development, and cohesion.
He prayed that God protect Saudi Arabia and Yemen from all harm, support the troops stationed on the front lines, and bring about the complete defeat of the Houthi group and those who assist and support them.
