Saudi king will be buried in simple, unmarked grave
By The Associated Press
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- King Fahd will be buried today in a simple grave marked without name or inscription, a spot indistinguishable from those of nearby commoners and past monarchs in keeping with the traditions of conservative Saudi Arabia.
Arab leaders are expected in Riyadh for memorial services, but Saudi officials said there would be no state funeral -- a tradition they say is not part of the kingdom's strict version of Islam known as Wahhabism.
Flags will not be lowered to half staff because the green Saudi flag is inscribed with Islam's testament of faith, "There is no god but God and Muhammad is his prophet." Putting the banner at half staff would be a debasement of God's name, Saudis say.
Fahd, who died Monday at age 84, will be buried at the al-Oud cemetery in Riyadh.
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