ISLAMABAD, 2 June 2007 — Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, Imam of Makkah’s Grand Mosque, has called for spreading the message of Qur’an in order to correct the misconceptions about Islam in the West.
Delivering Friday sermon at Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque, Al-Sudais said, “We must make efforts to send a message across the world that Islam is a religion of peace.”
Unfortunately anti-Islam forces are bent on demonizing Islam, he said, adding Qur’anic teachings alone can correct the wrong impressions created by anti-Islam propaganda.
Al-Sudais said the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are enough for true guidance.
He said Islam abhors explosions and terrorism. It teaches peace and harmony and is against sectarianism.
Al-Sudais said Muslims must combat anti-Islam propaganda by spreading the message of the Qur’an.
The Friday prayer led by Al-Sudais at the sprawling mosque in the capital was attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, President of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Awadh Asseri and hundreds of thousands of people.
Prime Minister Aziz hosted a dinner in honor of Al-Sudais at the Prime Minister’s House on Thursday night.
Aziz said the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are a source of strength and stability for the Muslim world. “Pakistan— which came into being in the name of Islam — is on the path of progress and development by following the basic fundamentals of Islam,” Aziz said.
The prime minister said that as the Ummah was facing a number of challenges, there was a need to promote interfaith harmony.
He said Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and brotherhood and abhors terrorism, adding, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have shared objective of peace in the world, with similar views on various regional and international issues of concern.
Al-Sudais stressed the need for dialogue and increased contacts within the Muslim world to resolve the issues and address the challenges faced by the Ummah. “There is a need to have increased contacts, cooperation and dialogue within the Muslim world to tackle the challenges faced by the Ummah.”
He said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy deep, historic and brotherly relations.
Al-Sudais also expressed his good wishes and prayed for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
Aziz said Al-Sudais’ visit was reflective of the deep-rooted and close relations between the two brotherly countries and will help further strengthen these historic relations. He said Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan in every difficult hour and the two countries are working hand in hand for the betterment of the Ummah.
..and Mashallah your sooo lucky we don't break up until 20th but were going to Alton Towers next friday!
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