Arafat sermon denounces suicide, urges unity to eradicate it

Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Abdulrahman Al Sudais said on Sunday terrorism cannot be linked to any religion or nation, urging the Islamic nation to join hands to eradicate this phenomenon that terrifies innocent people, Muslims and non-Muslims.

"Islam is a religion of peace and has nothing to do with terrorism," he said while delivering the annual hajj sermon at Namira mosque in Mount Arafat.

He called upon Muslims to strictly follow the teachings of Islam that call for moderation and tolerance.

For the first time in 35 years Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh was absent from delivering the traditional hajj sermon for health reasons.

About 1.5 million pilgrims coming from all corners of the world flocked on Sunday to Mount Arafat where Prophet Mohammed delivered his final sermon, asking for God's forgiveness and mercy.

Chanting "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik", white-clad pilgrims proceeded to Arafat Mount on foot or by bus or train. 

There are about 63,000 Egyptians among this year's pilgrims.

The Chinese-built Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro (Metro Mecca), which is now in service, ferried pilgrims from the white tent city of Mina to Arafat Mount where they will spend the day till sunset.

For security reasons, pilgrims have been given electronic bracelets storing personal and medical information that will help authorities provide care and identify people.

From Mount Arafat, pilgrims will move to Muzdalifah, where they will collect pebbles to be tossed at three stones representing Satan.

Following the stoning, pilgrims will sacrifice animals on the first day of Eidul Adha, joining millions of other Muslims around the world.

The Hajj is one the five major pillars, or tenets, of Islam that followers of the religion must abide by.

Source: MENA