Arafat — The security of the Two Holy Mosques and the safety of pilgrims are red lines which should not be transgressed by raising political and sectarian slogans, said Chairman of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais in his Arafat Day sermon from Namirah Mosque on Sunday. He urged pilgrims to observe devotion and avoid harming fellow pilgrims. Sheikh Sudais said unity and dialogue were the needs of the hour to tackle the challenges facing the Ummah. He urged Muslims to keep away from the paths of corruption and evil. They should always keep the interests of the Ummah above all considerations. He said whoever tampers with Ummah's interests, security, stability and gains will face punishment in this world and the hereafter. He warned the Muslim youth against taking any path that leads to discord and disunity. He warned them against following the Takfiri ideology that considers other Muslims as unbelievers. If they have any doubts in religious matters they should consult the Ulema, he advised the youth. Muslim youth should shoulder their responsibilities as they are the future of the Ummah, he said. Shiekh Sudais said that the Ulema were the inheritors of the Prophets and the bearers of the message, and hence they should not be the cause for the division of the Ummah. "Guide the Ummah to the right path, speak the truth and not falsehood," he told the Ulema. They should set a good example and pursue dialogue through kind pursuation, he advised. He appealed to the leaders of the Muslim Ummah and peoples to boost solidarity, stressing that the Ummah today is passing through difficult times. He said that the Haj gathering is also a message of unity and pilgrims should maintain this sprit in their home countries. Al-Sudais stressed that the Muslims were in dire need for dialogue to tackle their pressing issues. He said that all should realize that reforming our societies, protecting our Ummah's security and unity requires of the people to cooperate with their leaders. He called on Muslim leaders to sense the great trust and responsibility. In this connection, whenever the causes of discord appear, they must contain them through dialogue, fairness and lifting the injustice on the wronged. He stressed that justice is one of the principles of Shariah. Sheikh Sudais said terrorism cannot be linked with a particular religion or nation, and Islam is a religion of peace which has nothing to do with terrorism. He said Islam is a religion of peace and moderation that teaches tolerance and peace. Quoting extensively from Holy Quran and Hadeeth (the sayings of the Prophet — peace be upon him), Sheikh Sudais said Islam does not condone killing of innocent people. In fact, he said, Islam teaches its followers to respect the fundamental rights of others.
