Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH/MADINAH – Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque in Makkah Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais said the Muslim Ummah is still in discord and its issues have aggravated and the bloodletting is continuing. In his sermon on the first Friday of Ramadan, Al-Sudais said, “The people of wounded Syria and steadfast Homs are being killed by the armies of oppression and tyranny in total violation of human rights, international norms and war conventions. The supply of relief material and medicines is being blocked.” On behalf of fasting Muslims, he called for the cessation of genocide and starvation of the Syrian people. He stressed that humanitarian relief should be allowed to enter the country immediately, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. “Our brethren in Palestine are suffering from the Zionist arrogance. The Zionists are receiving Ramadan with massacres, displacement and oppression. We appreciate all internal and external efforts to support the Palestinians,” he said. Al-Sudais said the circumstances through which Egypt is passing needs wisdom and reasoning so as to maintain the country's security. He warned against bloodshed. In Madinah, Imam and Khateeb of the Prophet's Mosque Sheikh Ali Abdulrahman Al-Hudhaifi urged Muslims to make the best of the holy month by doing good deeds. He said there are many merits of Ramadan mentioned in the Holy Qur'an and the Prophet's Sunnah. Abi Hurairah quoted the Prophet (peace be upon him) as saying that with the advent of Ramadan the gates of paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the Satans are chained. More than half a million worshipers performed Friday prayers in the Grand Mosque. All the storeys and courtyards were full with worshipers. The rows of worshipers extended to the Central Area and the roads leading to the Grand Mosque. Commander of Makkah Haram Security Forces Maj. Gen. Yahya Musaed Al-Zahrani said policemen were deployed on the roads and streets leading to the Grand Mosque. He said that security procedures this year are different from the past due to the construction projects being carried out inside and outside the Haram, specifically in the Mataf and external courtyards. “These matters have been taken into consideration at the level of public security. Meetings and workshops were held to deal with the recent requirements and to arrange the entry and exit from the Haram,” he added.
