Islam prohibits violence and terrorism, says Imam-e-Kaaba

LAHORE: Delivering a sermon at the Bahria Town mosque in Lahore, Imam-e-Kaaba Shaikh Khalid al-Ghamidi on Friday said that the religion of peace prohibits violence and terrorism.

“Islam is a clear and open religion. Allah directs us to forgive each other. Muslims should respect other sects and religions. Islam prohibits religious discrimination and hatred,” he said as he delivered the Friday sermon.

The Imam-e-Kaaba advised Muslims to hold tightly to the rope of Allah and to stay clear of any sectarian divisions.

“The enemies of Islam present it as a violent and narrow-minded religion. Islam prohibits violence and terrorism. There is no compulsion in Islam, and it does not force anyone to enter the religion. Islam directs us to be patient, and forbids hatred and jealousy of each other,” he said, as thousands of worshipers listened to his sermon.

He said advised Islamic governments to treat non-Muslims well, and urged scholars to struggle for a system of justice.

The Holy Quran says the right will be victorious and falsehood will be defeated, he said.

The Imam-e-Kaaba, who arrived on a week-long visit to Pakistan on Thursday, led Friday prayers after the sermon. Tight security arrangements were in place on the arrival of the Imam.

Senior officials of the Saudi government say the Imam will stay in Pakistan for about a week and will be invited to a special feast by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

He will also attend a seminar arranged for eradication of polio and urge the nation to take special measures in this regard.

The officials have added that the Imam-e-Kaaba will stay in Lahore for four days and in Islamabad for three days to help improve relations between the two countries.

He will hold special meetings with Pakistani authorities to discuss the current situation in Yemen.