ARAB NEWS: MAKKAH – The imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday said that a US pastor’s threat to burn copies of the Holy Qur’an was an act of terrorism and an incitement to terrorism.
Delivering his Eid sermon to the nearly 2.5 million faithful who thronged the mosque, Sheikh Saleh Bin-Humaid also called the move an act of aggression against Islam, its followers and its sanctity.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, senior princes and Cabinet members attended the congregation.
Bin-Humaid, who is chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council, urged Muslims to establish better relations with other communities and cultures.
“We call for more solid relations, greater understanding, mutual respect and cooperation between peoples,” the imam said, stressing the importance of interfaith dialogue.
“It’s from this holy city, the capital of Islam and Muslims, the interfaith dialogue conference set off in order to build bridges of dialogue and understanding and peaceful coexistence and reject all forms of terrorism and fanaticism,” Bin-Humaid said.
The imam described Islam as a religion of truth, moderation and tolerance. >>> Badea Abu Al-Naja, Arab News | Saturday, September 11, 2010
