Arafat sermon:Total implementation of Sharia key to global peace - Bn Abdulazeez
By MAUDE RABI’U GWADADE

THE supreme authority on Islamic affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdullahi Bn Abdulazeez Al-Sheik, has asserted that only the total implementation of Islamic sharia can ensure global peace.
Sheikh Al-Sheik who made the assertion while delivering this year’s Arafat sermon as part of the on-going Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia argued that secularism has predicted nothing but wars and pestilence.
While contending that Allah who created man and the universe is in the best position to decide how the affairs of men should be governed, he urged Muslims to adhere strictly to the tenants of Islam since all ideologies apart from it are vain.
Commenting on the weaknesses and sufferings of the Islamic ummah, Al-sheikh revealed that disunity and corrupt innovations in the religion are the causes.
He, however, pleaded with the Muslim community to regard the trials and tribulations as motivators to stand firm to confront the enemies of Islam.
The Islamic scholar called on Muslim leaders to protect their people and stop collaborating with their adversaries who rely almost exclusively on Muslim resources to develop their economies.
Turning to Islamic scholars, he asked them to rise up to their duty by guiding their followers to the right path brought by Prophet Muhammad Sallallalahu alaihi wasallam.
Al-Sheikh who cautioned Muslim youth to beware of the wily actics of secular nations who are spreading false doctrines through the medium of so-called popular culture, also beseeched them to be the defenders of Islam in this millennium.
Speaking on Muslim young girls, he urged them to always dress in the Islamically cautioned hijab despite the preaching of the so-called women liberators, noting that Islam is the only ideology that protects and respects the rights of women.
While soliciting the cooperation of Muslim journalists in presenting the true colour of Islam and deconstructing the image promoted by the secular media, he also pleaded with Muslim intellectuals to develop economic and social as well as political solutions to the Muslim ummah’s problem and move away from the current economic system that is based on interest and exploitation.
Commenting on this year’s Arafat-Day, Al-Sheikh revealed that it is one of the most blessed since it occurred on Friday which coincided with the day of Prophet Muhammad’s (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) last pilgrimage.
He added that Friday is the day Allah created Adam, the day He put Adam in paradise, the day Adam was removed to the earth as well as the day of judgement.
Sheikh Al-Sheikh who stated that on Arafat day, Allah comes closer to the earth to accept prayers, prayed for unity of the Muslim ummah and for good leaders that will protect its members.
At the end of the sermon, Al-Sheikh led the pilgrims in the combined and shortened prayers of Zuhr and Asr. .