For three million Muslims these are the days of the pilgrimage to Mecca. Today they will observe the "stoning of the devil". Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh underscores the importance of the application of Islamic law, in all areas of life, including politics, while "some slogans raised among Muslims these days call for setting up democratic states with no connection with the Islamic Shariah. "

Riyadh (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The need to apply Sharia, or Islamic law, in all areas of life even in relations between Muslim states. This is the invitation that the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh addressed to the nearly three million faithful who in these days are making the pilgrimage (Haj) to Mecca.

For them, today is the day of the "stoning of the devil", symbolized by the stone throwing against three Jamarat, tall pillars, which have now been replaced for safety reasons by long walls (see photo). This is in fact the most dangerous moment of the pilgrimage: the stone throwing has sometimes caused riots and in 2008 caused the death of 346 pilgrims.

The ritual takes place in Mina, east of Mecca and follows the Wuqoof-e-Arafat, when the faithful gather in the plains of Arafat and recite "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik," Here I am, O God, in answer to your call. Helicopters and thousands of police agents have followed the journey, which took place in a hot 37 degrees, relieved by hydrants that bathe the pilgrims. After sunset, they came to Muzdalifa, a plain where traditionally they gather stones that today are launched against the Jamarat.

But yesterday was also the day of the sermon of the Grand Mufti who urged believers to "make all your efforts to achieve dignified living for your people and end their sufferings." He called on them to treat people with "justice and fairness" and underlined the importance of the application of Sharia, or Islamic law, in all areas of life, including politics, while " some slogans raised among Muslims these days call for setting up democratic states with no connection with the Islamic Shariah. "

"The leaders of the Muslim world should engage in dialogue and comply with Shariah in resolving differences." Muslim leaders must be on guard not to become prey to the schemes of their enemies, who are trying to ignite sectarianism and destabilize the security of the Ummah, the Islamic nation.

Muslim nations should also exchange expertise in the economic, business and scientific spheres. " This will achieve two benefits for Muslim nations. First, there will be a political advantage. A Muslim nation should run its own affairs without interference from outside. Second, there will be an economic advantage. Production will increase in Muslim countries and more job opportunities will be created. Moreover, the well-educated will stay and will not leave for non-Muslim countries "

 

• saudi
• Islam
• mecca
• pilgrimage
• sharia
• law