Authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have made it clear that they will not in any way allow the annual Holy pilgrimage by Muslims from all over the world to be unduly politicized.
This position was made known by the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca who doubles as President of the General presidency for the Affairs of the two Holy Mosques, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz as-Sudais when international media group, organized by the country’s Ministry of Media under the Islamic Communication Centre (ICC) visited him.
Apparently reacting to the diplomatic brushes Saudi Arabia has been having with Canada and other countries, as-Sudais said: “Holy places are meant for worshipping Allah and not for political slogans and sectarian extremist groups.”
He stressed that the message of Islam is based on mercy, tolerance, coexistence and support of moderation, saying that terrorism has no religion but meant to tarnish the image of Islam
Dr. Abdul Rahman Sudais who has the responsibility for the formation and administration of the internal system of the two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Madina reminded the media men and women of their great responsibility upon them in the area of world peace.
“You represent the pulse of the Muslim nation and its conscience. In a word, you change the Islamic public opinion.
“Allah will ask you on the Day of Resurrection for every single-word you wrote …
“The Kingdom’s message is the message of Islam based on mercy, tolerance and co-existence, supporting moderation and harnessing the facts of the times in highlighting the image of civilized Muslims and removing the accusation of terrorism against them.”
Dr. as-Sudais added: “the Holy Land is a place of worship, not just for political slogans and sectarian and religious sects, and indicates that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is entrusted by Allah to the two Holy Mosques and is concerned with security and peace in them.
“These are the responsibility of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a responsibility and a trust performed by the wise leadership of the Kingdom, may Allah save them.
As-Sudais stressed that he is keen to take care of all Muslims and seeks to consolidate relations and solidarity among the members of the Islamic nation under the circumstances experienced by the Islamic nation. [myad]
