[Dawn] Hundreds of thousands of Moslem pilgrims thronged Mount Arafat in Soddy Arabia...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in the Soddy national face...
on Monday for the high point of the annual Hajj, praying for an end to disputes and bloodshed.
Hell is the final abode for those who spill the blood of an innocent human, said Sheikh Abdulaziz al-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of the Ka'aba.
"It sez so right in the Koran someplace. You could look it up!"
"Islam does not allow terrorism at any cost. Islam condemns all violence and terrorism plaguing the world today. Moslems should demonstrate a love for peace and unity," he said.
The Grand Mufti recalled the Islamic prohibition of killing and aggression, while insisting there is "no salvation or happiness for the Moslem nation without adhering to the teachings of the religion."
The top holy man also urged Moslems to avoid divisions, chaos and sectarianism.
"Your nation is a trust with you. You must safeguard its security, stability and resources," he said in his address to the Moslem world. "You should know that you are targeted by your enemy... who wants to spread chaos among you ... It's time to confront this."
Officials said around 1.5 million pilgrims descended on the site, where they offered prayers and listen to the annual sermon from the Saudi top holy man.
Helicopters hovered overhead and thousands of troops stood guard to organise roads flooded by men, women and kiddies streaming towards Mount Arafat.
The top holy man said Moslems throughout the world were going through a difficult time, and stressed that the global economic crisis could be controlled if the Islamic economic system was adopted. "Moslems should support the community by investing in their businesses," he urged.
Chanting "Labaik Allahuma Labaik" (I am responding to your call, God), many of them camped in small colourful tents and took shelter under trees to escape temperatures of around 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Special sprinklers were also helping cool the pilgrims.