"Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has safeguarded the process of issuing fatwas and protected Shariah law from infringements of unqualified people who deviate from the path of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his true followers," said the sheikh, who is also chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council.
"The king is determined to stop any transgression against approved religious establishments."
The imam also called on believers to be true Muslims by worshipping Allah alone and avoid wrongdoings.
He also urged people to fear Allah in such a way that they "do not earn illegally, bear false witnesses, make false promises, nor deceive in their transactions."
Thousands of Muslims attended the first Friday sermon of Ramadan at the Grand Mosque in an atmosphere of spirituality. Several thousand pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom to perform Umrah in the fasting month.
According to official figures, up to 3.7 million Muslims from all over the world are expected to perform Umrah this year. Makkah and Madinah have prepared well in advance to receive the visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom and help them perform their rites at ease and in comfort.
All government departments and private establishments concerned have completed their necessary arrangements. Deputy chairman of the Presidency of Affairs of the Grand Mosque Muhammad Al-Khuzaim said his organization's plan this Umrah season is to educate pilgrims and enlighten them about Islam.
He said several scholars have been deployed in the Grand Mosque to answer queries from pilgrims. "They are instructing pilgrims inside the Haram in various languages," he added.
Director of Makkah's health affairs department Dr. Khaled Zafar said five health centers would provide services to pilgrims inside the Grand Mosque round the clock. This is in addition to five other centers in the Haram courtyards.
"There are 29 health centers in Makkah which provide health care to pilgrims round the clock. The pilgrims can also use the general hospitals in Makkah, Jeddah and Taif," he added.
Makkah Mayor Osama bin Fadl Al-Bar said much emphasis would be given on cleaning the holy city to make it comfortable for residents and visitors.
He said more than 8,500 workers with over 810 pieces of cleaning equipment are involved in ensuring the city and the Grand Mosque are spotless.
Director of Makkah's traffic department Col. Ahmad Nashi Al-Otaibi said 1,900 students and 600 support workers would help the city's traffic police manage traffic flow during the fasting month.
He said cars would not be allowed to enter the central area around the Grand Mosque.
The Civil Defense has equipped itself with helicopters to deal with any emergency situation. Its director, Brig. Jameel Arbaeen, said their firefighting brigades and rescue teams are on call any time of the day and night.
