Grand Mufti urges Muslims to unite, promote peace
MAKKAH - Around two million white-clad Muslims on Wednesday poured into the vast Saudi plain where the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had given his final sermon.
Many of the faithful from around the globe camped at the foot of Mount Arafat where they listened the Hajj sermon and offered Zuhr and Asr prayers.
Carrying colourful umbrellas, they walked from dawn in massive crowds toward the slippery, rocky hill which is also known as Mount Mercy. It was here that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) gave his final sermon 14 centuries ago after leading his followers on Hajj.
To organise the flow of pilgrims, security forces formed human chains along the roads of the vast Arafat plain. Along the way, volunteers handed out boxes of food and cold water bottles.
Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah delivered Hajj sermon in Masjid-e-Nimra at Mount Arafat urging Muslims to rise against misguided elements, shun evil deeds and strengthen their relations with Allah Almighty.
“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,” the Grand Mufti said.