Sept 24 , 2015
News
Grand Mufti cautions Muslims against ‘misguided elements’
* Cleric tells Muslims to beware of those who misuse Islam’s name and indulge in sabotage and terrorist activities * Urges Ummah to get united against conspirators
MOUNT ARAFAT: Around two million white-clad Muslims on Wednesday poured into the vast Saudi plain where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had given his final sermon, for the peak of the Haj pilgrimage.Many of the faithful from around the globe camped at the foot of Mount Arafat where they listened the Haj Khutba, offered the Zohr and Asr prayers and prayed under the scorching sun. Carrying colourful umbrellas, they walked from dawn in massive crowds toward the slippery, rocky hill, which is also known as Mount Mercy. Many more travelled in buses but they moved at snail’s pace because of massive rush. It was here that the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) gave his final sermon 14 centuries ago after leading his followers on Haj.
To organize the flow of pilgrims, security forces formed human chains along the roads of the vast Arafat plain. Along the way, volunteers handed out boxes of food and cold water bottles. Saudi Arabia’s Mufti-e-Azam Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah delivered Haj sermon in Masjid-e-Nimra at Mount Arafat urging Muslims to rise against ‘misguided’ elements, shun evil deeds and strengthen their relations with God. “Today when the Ummah is being cheated, oppressed and facing a testing time, the believers must wage jihad (holy war) against tyranny and injustice and against those who are tarnishing the image of Islam in the pretext of religion,” said the grand Mufti while addressing millions of Haj pilgrims.
Referring to the ongoing strife in Yemen, which border the Saudi kingdom, the chief Saudi cleric termed Houthis as a “misguided elements,” and urged Muslim youths not to “play in the hands of those rebels fighting against Saudi-led forces. “The Houthis of Yemen are misguided people. Those who are deflected from the path of religion are defaming Islam. They committed terrorism and didn’t even spare mosques. Such people mislead Muslim youths. The misguided forces are pushing the Ummah towards a downfall,” he said while addressing the world’s biggest Muslim gathering.
The Mufti said “Oh Muslim youths! Do not play in the hands of those disseminating fitna, but utilise your mental, physical and spiritual capabilities in the way of Allah and for the sake of His religion.” The chief mufti urged Muslims to staunchly practice Islam, which is a gift of God for the entire humanity. “Islam is a gift of God for us, this religion is a religion of definite teachings and peace. The Prophet has directed us to be God-fearing and thankful to Him who bestowed us with faith. Therefore, the Muslims must staunchly follow those teachings,” he said.
“The Muslims facing troubles and hardships must observe patience,” the Mufti said, urging the believers to forge brotherhood and unity among their ranks.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk