20 January 2005	Thursday	09 Zilhaj 1425

PLAIN ARAFAT, Jan 19: Saudi Arabia's top religious official in his Haj sermon from the Nimra Mosque on Wednesday denounced 'hostile' campaigns against Islam and rejected any link between religion and terrorism.

"O nation of Islam...the military, ideological, economic and media-related campaigns are led against Islam and our nation branded as terrorist," Mufti Abdulaziz Al Sheikh said while addressing over two million Muslims gathered in the Plains of Arafat for the main Haj rite pf 'waqoof'.

"Muslims are also called backward and violators of human rights and freedom, yet Islam is a religion of justice, equity and rights," he said in the sermon which was broadcast over loudspeakers to the camps of pilgrims.

Imam Abdulaziz also denounced the "false slogans of defence of the rights of men used as a pretext to exploit the (Islamic) nation and control it" and called on the Muslims to "rally around their leaders to preserve the interests of the nation."

"Don't become a tool in the hands of your enemies and (don't) let them attack your nation," the Imam said, warning Muslim leaders against plans by "the enemies of Islam who want to divide us and provoke conflict" between Muslims.

"Kowtowing to the enemy does not resolve the problems of the nation," he pointed out. The Imam criticized Arabic satellite channels, which showed 'immoral films' as well as 'unjust channels which seek to sow discord' in Muslim countries.

The pilgrims from across the world, including 150,000 from Pakistan, offered combined Zuhar and Asr prayers in Arafat. Imam Abdulaziz urged Muslims to acquaint themselves with the true teachings of Islam and adopt moderation for emancipation in the world herein and hereafter.

He said Islam was a religion of love, peace, security and tolerance. It guaranteed safety not only to the life and property of Muslims but also to those of the minorities, besides protecting rights without any discrimination.

He said Islam condemned extremism and taught its followers to ensure justice in society. He emphasized that there was no room for terrorism, violence and crimes against humanity in Islam, and called upon the faithful to promote love, peace and affection among the Muslims and all humankind.

The Imam said that Islam was a religion which gave equal rights to women in society and then protected these rights. He said Islam gave a very high status to women in society.

He said that Almighty Allah had gifted the Muslims with tremendous resources which should be efficiently explored for the benefit of the Ummah. From Arafat, the pilgrims moved to Muzdalfa where they offered combined Maghrib and Isha prayers.

They were to spend the night under the open sky praying and invoking Allah's blessings and seeking forgiveness of their sins. The pilgrims will proceed to Mina on Thursday morning to perform other Haj rites, including the stoning of the devil, and sacrificing animals in commemoration of Sunnat-i-Ibrahimi. They will later go to Makkah to perform tawaf-i-ziarat. -Agencies