Confront global economic crisis with reason

Sheikh Dr. Saleh Bin Humaid, Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, called upon Muslims to confront the global financial crisis with sound reason.

In his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque, Bin Humaid said among the benefits of Haj is contemplating the rules of the Islamic Shariah and the great principles of finance, its system and organization as outlined by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his farewell pilgrimage. He said the economy should not be based on greed and disregarding the rights of others. It was wrong, he said, to lay off workers and increase unemployment.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi, Imam and Khateeb of the Prophet's Mosque in Madina, called on Muslims to reflect on the alteration of day and night, the passing of years and sudden death. If people do some soul-searching and contemplate these matters, they will do good deeds and keep away from committing sins while preparing themselves for the Hereafter.

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims performed Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.

Both mosques were crowded and worshipers could be seen in courtyards and basements, on the roofs and on all the pathways leading to the Harams.

In Makkah, where about a million people performed prayers, integrated services in different fields were mobilized for the service and comfort of the pilgrims.

In Madina, about half million pilgrims offered Friday prayers in the Prophet's Mosque.