Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2013-10-15

The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh has condemned terrorism and delivered an inspiring message of peace among Muslims ahead of the "most important day" of Hajj.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh, who has been the religious leader of Saudi Arabia for almost 15 years, told the millions of hajee’s gathered in Makkah for the annual hajj that Islam does not allow terrorism and that Muslims should practice peace and love.

Asheikh said “Hell is the final abode for those who spill the blood of an innocent human.”

"Islam does not allow terrorism at any cost. Islam condemns all violence and terrorism plaguing the world today. Muslims should demonstrate a love for peace and unity," said Asheikh.

Before Hajj, Al-Asheikh had said wealthy hajee’s should help the poor instead of performing Hajj twice.

Delivering the Hajj bayaan (Sermon), from Masjid e Namira at Mount Arafat, Al-Asheikh said Muslims across the world are facing a difficult time because many had forgotten the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), adding that success lies in unity and urging an end to sectarianism.

“Your nation is a trust with you. You must safeguard its security, stability and resources,” he said in his address to the Muslim world. “You should know that you are targeted by your enemy… who wants to spread chaos among you … It's time to confront this.”

"The Holy Quran is an ultimate guidance for the entire humanity which should be implemented and acted on.”

"Oh Muslims be God-fearing, adopt the taqwa (fear of Allah), shun from earning money through un-Islamic means, hold fast the rope of Allah and don't be divided into diverse schools of thoughts, get united against injustice."

He made his comments ahead of the most holy day of Hajj, the Day of Arafaah where hajee’s gathered on the desert planes of Arafaah to pray.

Early in the day, around two million Muslims descended onto Mount Arafaah after walking 14 miles from the Mina Valley Chanting “Labaik Allahuma Labaik” (I am responding to your call, God).

Many of the hajee’s camped in small colourful tents and took shelter under trees to escape temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius.
 
The 9th of Thu’l Hijjah is known as ‘the Day of `Arafaah,’ because hajee’s gather at Arafaah in worship. Its importance is such that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)) said, Al-Hajju Arafaah (Hajj is `Arafaah)