Saudi imam urges Muslims to keep off violence!

• Sheikh Aziz called upon people to strengthen their relationship with God and play their due role in establishing peace in society across the world.

Saudi imam Dr Sheikh Hussein bin Abdul Aziz on Monday urged Muslim youths to stay away from violence and elements of mischief.

Delivering the Haj sermon at Masjid-e-Nimra, Mount Arafat, as more than two million Muslims gathered to perform the annual pilgrimage, Sheikh Aziz urged Muslims to practise the teachings of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).Sheikh Aziz called upon people to strengthen their relationship with God and play their due role in establishing peace in society across the world. "Give respect and importance to your parents and teachers. Strengthen your relation with the Holy Quran," he said.

"Islam forbids us from indulging in sins. It propagates harmony and brotherhood amongst Muslims," he said.

The imam said the rule of law and justice are the hallmarks of an Islamic society. He said Allah likes those who are honest, give Zakat and are charitable.

The day of Arafat marks the culmination of the Haj. It is a reminder of the day of judgment, where Muslims believe mankind will stand on a similar plain in scorching heat. At the hill of Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his final sermon, a sea of worshippers scaled the rocky mount of Arafat southeast of the holy city of Makkah for a day of prayers and reflection.

After sunset, the pilgrims were to leave for nearby Muzdalifah where they will gather pebbles to perform the symbolic stoning of the devil. The ritual begins in earnest on Tuesday as Muslims observe the first day of Eid, which marks the end of Haj.