MAKKAH: Grand Mosque Imam and Khatib Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid used his first Friday sermon of the holy month of Ramadan to praise the royal decree banning unqualified people from issuing fatwas.
"Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has safeguarded the process of issuing fatwas and protected Shariah law from infringements of unqualified people who deviate from the path of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his true followers," said the sheikh, who is also chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council.
"The king is determined to stop any transgression against approved religious establishments".
The imam also called on believers to be true Muslims by worshipping Allah alone and avoid wrongdoings.
He also urged people to fear Allah in such a way that they "do not earn illegally, bear false witnesses, make false promises, nor deceive in their transactions".
Thousands of Muslims attended the first Friday sermon of Ramadan at the Grand Mosque in an atmosphere of spirituality. Several thousand pilgrims have arrived in the Kingdom to perform Umrah in the fasting month.
According to official figures, up to 3.7 million Muslims from all over the world are expected to perform Umrah this year. Makkah and Madinah have prepared well in advance to receive the visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom and help them perform their rites at ease and in comfort.
All government departments and private establishments concerned have completed their necessary arrangements. Deputy chairman of the Presidency of Affairs of the Grand Mosque Muhammad Al-Khuzaim said his organization's plan this Umrah season is to educate pilgrims and enlighten them about Islam. Arab News
