NEWS\
Saturday
24 July 2004 |
Makkah
Imam says "Nip Terror Groups in the Bud"
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.
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