Hajj 2016: Terrorism has no place in Islam – foremost Saudi cleric Al-Sudais

The Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Thursday, led millions of pilgrims gathered in Arafat in prayers after delivering the Hajj sermon.

Delivering the wide-ranging sermon, Mr. Al-Sudais called on Muslim leaders to work together to solve the many issues confronting the faithful.

“Terrorism doesn’t belong to any religion or nation,” he said.

He also asked pilgrims to avoid politics during the Hajj.

Arab News reported that Mr. Al-Sudais gave the sermon this year instead of the Grand Mufti, Abdulaziz Al-Ashiekh as the latter was sidelined for health reasons. Mr. Al-Ashiekh sat on a chair as he listened to Mr. Al-Sudais encourage pilgrims to benefit from their time at Arafat and the rest of their Hajj.

He called for the unity of the Muslims and warned about deviant ideologies. He told parents, teachers and scholars about the responsibilities they have in nurturing the young away from deceptive messages.

The Makkah Governor Kahlid Al-Faisal sat with worshipers as he listened to the sermon in which Mr. Al-Sudais thanked the custodian of the two Holy Mosques, King Salman, and the organizers of the Hajj for their efforts in making the Hajj easy for pilgrims.

The cleric said scholars are the inheritors of the prophets and that they should speak with truth and be good examples to the people.

Mr. Al-Sudais also asked journalists to be responsible by avoiding “sensationalism and rumours” and by using their efforts to aid unity.