Several Shiite imams at mosques holding Ashura commemorations in the Kingdom recently called on young people to unite and thanked the security forces for maintaining peace and security in the country.
Imam Faisal Al-Awami was quoted as saying by a local publication that terrorism stems from an incomplete understanding of Islam, and using the religion to advance personal interests.
He said terrorists are using verses from the Qur’an, or the sayings of some scholars, to justify their criminal acts. It was important to ensure that Islam is not misused, he said.
Another imam, Ali Saleh, said the commemorations aim to spread a message of peace and love especially now that the country was facing many threats to its unity and security.
He said imams are using their sermons to advance these goals. Backed by suitable verses from the Qur’an, they are spreading a message of love and peace to unite Shiites and Sunnis and other communities, he said.
Imam Akram Al-Biladi said Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was a symbol of the Islamic principles of living peacefully with others, based on the teachings of the Prophet (pbuh). Love and affection were the main topics under discussion during the commemorations this year, he said.
He said the country has faced many challenges this year but this has been met with determination by security officers, who have remained vigilant and saved the nation from many calamities.
Imam Ahmad Al-Boshaje’ said people must be wary of losing themselves in this world even though they may have many possessions. They often need help to return to the right path, he said.
Agencies
