MOUNT ARAFAT: Delivering the Hajj Sermon, Mufti Azam, Shahik Abdul Aziz said Islam is a religion of peace and condemns terrorist attacks taking place globally.
The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia told over a million pilgrims that Islam teaches peace and does not allow terrorism. He called upon leaders of Muslim countries to work for the well being of people. “Your nation is a trust with you. You must safeguard its security, stability and resources.”
According to the Grand Mufti, Muslims were facing problems because they had forgotten the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
He added that the economic crisis being experienced could be resolved through the Islamic economic system.
The pilgrims arrived at Arafat from nearby Mina where most of them spent the night following the traditions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). They had moved to Mina on Sunday from the holy city of Mecca, home to the Grand Mosque.
On reaching Arafat, they crowded onto the hill and the vast plain surrounding it to pray until sunset, when they are due to set off for Muzdalifah on Monday for the stoning of the devil.
This year the number of pilgrims has decreased significantly due to fears linked with MERS virus and the multi-billion-dollar expansion work at the Grand Mosque. Governor of Mecca province and head of the central hajj committee Prince Khaled al-Faisal said 1.38 million pilgrims had arrived from outside of the kingdom while ony 117,000 hajj permits were issued for domestic pilgrims.