Hajj message from the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia

http://www.pakistantimes.net/2007/12/19/top.htm

Over 3 Million: Faithful Perform Hajj
‘Pakistan Times’ Special Correspondent

MAKKAH: Almost about three million Muslims – from all-over the world – performed Hajj on Tuesday – and sought forgiveness from Almighty Allah.

Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Abdul Aziz in his Hajj Khutba at Masjid-e-Nimra called upon the Muslims to acquaint them with the true teachings of Islam, get guidance from the Holy Quran and adopt moderation for emancipation in the world and hereafter.

Imam Sahib said the main thrust of the Islamic teachings is service to humanity.

It provides complete guidance to live a good life and its teachings lead towards overall welfare and wellbeing of humanity.

He said Islam covers all aspects of life and provides a code to live a pious life.

Imam Sahib asked the leaders of Muslim Ummah to not become the instruments of enemies of Islam and should understand the true message of Deen.

He warned the Muslims to be aware of such elements who have penetrated into their ranks and are damaging their unity.

Imam Sahib said that some interested powers are usurping the resources of Muslims with tactics and have captured these resources.

He said it is the duty of the leadership of the Umma to foil the conspiracies being hatched and urged them to take the Muslims out of this crisis.

He underlined the need for the protection of economic system of the Muslim Ummah and the Muslims to control their own resources.

He also asked for adoption of the Islamic system of economy and to get rid of Riba. He urged the Muslim Ummah to be careful from the propaganda of the media.

He said that Islam guarantees the rights of all segments of the society and provides solution of all political, economic and social problems provided it is fully implemented.

He asked the Muslim leaders to give rights to the down trodden people easily. The pilgrims offered combined Zohr and Asr prayers at Masjid-e-Nimra and sought Allah Almighty’s forgiveness.

After sunset, they left for Muzdalifa where they offered their Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night there under open sky. Hujjaj will proceed to Mina today (Wednesday) to complete Hajj rites.

In Mina they will offer sacrifices of animals in commemoration of Sunat-e-Ibrahimi and throw pebbles on the three satans.

They will later go to Makkatul Mukkarma for twaf-e-ziarah which will complete the hajj.

Pilgrims from all over the world thronged the plane of Arafat south east area of Makkah after sunrise on Tuesday as Hajj rituals reached a climax.

The pilgrims had spent Monday night in Mina from where they headed towards Arafat in vehicles or on foot after the ‘Fajr’ prayers, reciting “Here I am, God at your command.”

Tracing the journey made by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBHU) more than 1400 years ago and following a tradition laid down by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), the pilgrims assembled at Arafat. They prayed for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

In the sermon which was relayed from the mosque through loudspeakers, Saudi Mufti urged Muslims to cement and strengthen unity of the Ummah. The pilgrims started leaving Arafat after sunset for Muzdalifah.

As per the tradition, the Kiswa (Cover) of the Holy Kaaba was changed. Media people from different countries covered the pilgrimage rites and Saudi television provided live coverage. ●