MECCA, Saudi Arabia, Feb 7 (AFP) - The imam of Mecca's Grand Mosque, the holiest shrine in Islam, prayed for Muslims to be victorious against their foes, in a final Friday sermon before two million faithful take part in the annual hajj pilgrimage.
"Strong belivers are not scared of death regardless of how loud the enemies beat the drums" of war, Sheikh Saud al-Shraim told the pilgrims as he prayed for God to help Muslims achieve victory.
"Believers are aware that life has a limit and that the Almighty controls our destiny ... They should expect either victory or martyrdom, both of which should be sought," added Shraim, without singling out any enemies.
The imam urged the worshippers, who filled the giant mosque and all roads leading to it, to stay away from disturbances during the hajj which reaches its climax on Monday.
Saudi Arabia's top cleric in remarks published Friday accused "enemies of Islam" of working to undermine the Islamic nation.
"The Islamic ummah (nation) is facing many challenges from its enemies," said Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh, the grand mufti of Saudi Arabia.
These challenges include "fighting against the Islamic faith, the ummah's foundations, principles, values, economy and culture. They aim at containing this nation," the mufti said.
The area around the Grand Mosque, which contains hundreds of high-rise hotels and shopping malls, was flooded with a sea of humanity, many of whom waited for hours under the scorching heat of Mecca.
This year's hajj is being overshadowed by serious security concerns over growing US threats to attack neighbouring Iraq. The cabinet has appealed for calm and urged pilgrims to steer clear of trouble.
The kingdom's top leaders, including King Fahd, Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and Defense Minister Prince Sultan bin Abdul aziz, have moved to Mecca to oversee the pilgrimage.
NOW WAIT...
Im confused... I thought this was a war against 'evildoers' and NOT against muslims.
If we are going to war against a murderous iraqi dictator, WHY are the imams in the spiritual center of the 'Religion of Peace' praying for the 'victory of the muslims'???
If saddam has no connection to al queda, why is the al queda threatening if we attack him?
If saddam doesnt have WMDs why is he threatening to use them on our troops?
If islam is the religion of peace, then why are we supposed to be afraid of making them mad and militant? Are we being held hostage here?
I was born at night... but I wasnt born last night!
Time to get the Pope to call for another CRUSADE to free the world of the plague of ISLAM-Nuke Mecca!!!!!
