Hajj sermon : Grand Mufti urges Muslims to rise against misguided forces

Mufti Azam Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah delivered Hajj sermon in Masjid-e-Nimra at Mount Arafat on Wednesday, urging Muslims to rise against ‘misguided’ elements, shun evil deeds and strengthen their relations with God, Samaa reported. ““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 Hajj pilgrims. Rise Against Rebels 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 Mufti also called upon the youth to shun groups like Daesh (Islamic State). Islam: The Divine Path 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. “There is no true religion but Islam, to God, who pulled us from darkness and guided towards an illuminated path, this religion is true and right,” he said in the sermon delivered to over two million Muslims who amassed in the holy cities of Islam from across the world for annual Hajj pilgrimage. Praying to Allah for betterment and falah (success) of the Muslim ummah, Saudi’s chief religious cleric, urged rulers to take care of masses and follow the Holy Quran. “The Muslims facing troubles and hardships must observe patience,” the Mufti said, urging the believers to forge brotherhood and unity among their ranks. About unrest in Palestine, he said “Yahood-o-Nasara (Jews and Christians) want to divide Masjid-e-Aqsa.” Concluding his annual sermon, Mufti Abdullah prayed for the unity and love among Muslims. “May Allah fill your hearts with love and brotherhood.”