| The imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah yesterday urged Muslims all over the world to stand united and discard their divisions, taking inspiration from the Haj or annual pilgrimage. âThe Haj in its unique form and content is a practical course that emphasizes the need to unify Muslim ranks,â Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais told pilgrims who thronged the mosque âThe time has come for the Ummah, weakened by division, to make this season an opportunity to strengthen its unity.â The Haj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is the greatest manifestation of Muslim unity. Over two million pilgrims from around the world assemble in Makkah and other holy sites, wearing the same dress, chanting the same invocation âLabbaik Allahumma Labbaikâ or âGod, here I am answering you callâ, and perform the same rituals. Sheikh Sudais also urged the faithful to follow the moderate line of Islam and keep away from actions that would violate the sanctity of Haj. Nearly one million Muslim pilgrims have already arrived from abroad for Haj, which is to start on Jan. 30. |