JEDDAH, 12 January 2006 — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah yesterday said while watching the pilgrims performing Haj this year he came to the conclusion that they were motivated by five guiding principles: unity, equality, consultation, faith and brotherhood.
Addressing Muslim leaders and heads of Haj delegations attending a reception hosted in their honor in Mina, the king said the pilgrims clearly demonstrated the unity of Islam, despite belonging to different races.
Islam teaches equality of all, and if Muslims followed this precept, “We could end poverty, oppression and injustice,” said the king.
King Abdullah said in spite of all their different nationalities and adherence to different schools of thought, the pilgrims gathered at one place and demonstrated the principle of Islamic dialogue. He also said that Muslims during Haj stand for their brothers in need by sharing not only food but also their compassion.
Scenes such as the one in which a son carried his parent on his back demonstrated the atmosphere of love that pervades the pilgrimage, Abdullah said.
The king stressed that “sympathy” could be the watchword in dealing with our Islamic brothers. “If we have sympathy in dealing with our brothers, we wouldn’t fall prey to divisions and infighting,” he said.
