Saudi Arabia's national anthem took shape over several decades, beginning with the original royal salute melody composed in 1946 (1365 AH) and ending in 1984 with the official adoption of lyrics by poet Ibrahim Khafaji.

Along the way, in 1958 (1377 AH), the Saudi poet Mohammed Talat wrote a poem welcoming King Saud bin Abdulaziz on a historic visit to Taif. Documented by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), it hailed the King as protector of the holy mosque and called on people to raise the nation's banner and chant "Long live the King!"

Throughout the reign of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the royal salute remained purely instrumental. King Khalid bin Abdulaziz later ordered official lyrics to be written for the melody, but the project stopped after his death.

Under King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, the idea was revived and entrusted to Ibrahim Khafaji, who wrote verses grounded in national and religious values. Composer Siraj Omar fitted the new words to the original tune.

A royal order on July 1, 1984, approved the anthem for broadcast on national radio and television. Its opening line calls on listeners to "Hasten to glory and supremacy," and the verses go on to glorify the Creator, raise the green flag, proclaim "Allah is the Greatest" and hail the homeland as the glory of Muslims, ending with a salute to the King, the flag and the homeland.