Saudi Arabia's grand cleric on Sunday indicated that militants do not have any connection with Islam and called for the Muslim world to unite in the face of terrorism to preserve stability."Islam does not support terrorism in any form and strictly prohibits shedding blood of innocents," Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al Sheikh said in his haj sermon at Nimra Mosque addressed to about three million pilgrims in Arafat.
"The world must criminalise terrorism... we must be cautious of terrorism and fight hostile criminal gangs that destroy countries and people," the grand mufti said, adding the family of Islam must "form a barrier in front of anyone who threatens its security and stability."
Sheikh said the global financial crisis stemmed from ignoring God's rules and allowing 'riba' or usury, prohibited in Islam.
"Today we watch as this financial crisis enfolds and some companies and banks go bankrupt. This is the result of ignoring God's rules," he said, adding, "Muslims must abide by God's rules, and build their economies accordingly."
Banks operating under Islamic rules avoid charging interest on loans and instead prefer shared ownership and splitting of profits.
Urging Muslim youth to strengthen their relationship with Islam, the grand mufti warned that 'some forces' were trying to change their thoughts.
"These forces are trying their best to unveil Muslim women, promote drugs in Muslim societies and misinterpret Islam's teachings to distance Muslims from their religion," he said, adding that practicing Islamic teachings was the only way for Muslims to succeed in this world and the hereafter.