ARAFAT, 1 February 2004 — Amidst a ringing denunciation of terrorism by the Kingdom’s top Islamic scholar, more than two million spiritually charged but physically drained pilgrims prayed for peace and security under the searing sun on the vast plain of Arafat.
The “wuqoof” — standing — of pilgrims draped in two white unsewn pieces of cloth on the mount where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave his farewell sermon 14 centuries ago was the high point of the annual pilgrimage. It was also an extraordinary symbol of Islam’s unity and equality.
With the annual pilgrimage taking place while discontent moves throughout the Islamic world, the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh denounced all acts of terror in the strongest possible words. Delivering the sermon in the majestic Al-Namira Mosque, he said: “Islam has forbidden violence in all its forms; it has forbidden hijacking airplanes, ships and other means of transport and has forbidden all acts that would undermine security. God says the penalty for those who fight God and his Prophet and spread violence and terror is to be killed or have their hands and legs chopped off.”
He then questioned why Islam is branded by some as a religion of terror given its strong opposition to terror. “You must know of Islam’s firm stance against all these terrible crimes that are attributed to it,” he remarked.
As the sheikh was speaking, tears rolled down the cheeks of many pilgrims. “I agree with him,” said Hajik Abdul Qader of Dagestan. “Our image as Muslims has taken a beating. We need to close ranks and fight this menace with all our might.”
His elderly relative, Dana, however, disagreed. “This is a canard against Muslims. There are other people in the world whose hands are drenched in blood yet nobody talks about them, nobody dares call them terrorists,” he declared and then stopped immediately. “I am sorry. We are not supposed to discuss worldly affairs on these hallowed plains,” Dana said apologetically.
Sultan Saeed Al-Shahrani sobbed uncontrollably while seeking forgiveness from God. “Islam is the best religion in the world and I am proud to be a Muslim. I have only one prayer on my lips: May God unite all Muslims. If we are united, we will be victorious here and in the hereafter,” he said.
“Arafat reminds me of our beloved Prophet. He asked us to undertake this journey and here we are. We have been undertaking this journey for the last 14 centuries and Muslims will continue to do so until the Day of Judgment,” said Umm Kulsoom from the United Arab Emirates.
“There are more than two million people here and yet I am all alone. It is only me and God. Each person is an individual; each one is seeking forgiveness for his wrong doings,” said Ahmed Ali Al-Haj, a Sudanese national. Just after sunset, the two million contented and happy pilgrims proceeded to Muzdalifah.
