MAKKAH, 24 July 2004 — The imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais said here yesterday that terrorism and extremism must be stopped and the organizations that promote terror should be dismantled.
Delivering his Friday sermon, the imam said militant groups had unleashed a war on religious values, and this must be stopped.
He said such terror groups should be nipped in the bud. “This should be one of our major priorities in order to preserve the nation against trials and strife,” he told thousands of worshippers.
“Some of our sons were brainwashed and became tools in the hands of deviants to commit violence and practice terrorism. They took the path of extremism, destruction and explosion. They tried very hard to damage the fabric of the society and sought violent means to change the social system,” he said.
Al-Sudais expressed the fear that such groups would ratchet up their attacks not only physically but also on ideologies. The next stage would witness a war on religious values using their extremist thoughts, he said
“We have to overcome these negatives and to rebuild,” Al-Sudais said. He called on the nation to be honest, to abide by the precepts of their religion and to make sure of the safety of their country. “We should be vigilant and counter such extremist thoughts, he said.
“Thank God that the symbols of terrorism are falling down like tree leaves during fall time. We remind those that still sympathize, or harbor these people that they are committing a crime against their religion, their nation and their country,” said Al-Sudais.
“A Muslim returning to the right path, even if it is a small step toward it, will face God’s mercy on the Day of Judgment, but not those whose hands are covered with blood.
“The rulers of this country offered that chance to these people with a one-month amnesty, so that these people return to the right path. Those that gave themselves up have found peace and forgiveness,” he added.
“Those still sticking to the wrong path will only harm themselves, their family and their society,” he said.
