Top Cleric Denounces Terrorism as Hajj Peaks

SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia’s top cleric called on Muslims worldwide to forsake terrorism, saying those who claimed to be holy warriors were an affront to Islam.

The sermon by Sheik Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah al Sheik at Namira Mosque near Mt. Arafat was remarkable not only for its strong language but also for its timing -- at the peak of the annual hajj.

“Is it holy war to shed Muslim blood? Is it holy war to shed the blood of non-Muslims given sanctuary in Muslim lands?” he asked. “Islam forbids all forms of injustice, killing without just cause, treachery ... hijacking.”