ISLAMABAD, Oct 25: Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh has called upon the Muslim community to follow the teachings of Islam about promoting peace and brotherhood.

In his Haj sermon delivered at Masjid-i-Namra in the plains of Arafat on Thursday, he said Islam taught patience and tolerance and abhorred all types of violence in society.

He said it was the prime responsibility of Muslims not to harm anyone on the basis of caste, creed and religion.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheikh said Islam was the only religion which would stay and every Muslim should preach and spread its teachings.

He said Islam could be implemented by following the Sunnah of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

“We want the call of the faithful, not a factional one. Avoid raising national and factional slogans,” the Grand Mufti said.

He said Muslim leaders were responsible for the wellbeing of their people and should resolve problems through religious teaching, not violence.

He urged the Muslims to ensure that their children became good Muslims and played their due role in establishing a peaceful society.

He said Muslim countries would have to work to improve their economies to overcome socio-economic and political problems.

Nearly three million pilgrims from 189 countries flocked to Arafat on Thursday to perform the main Haj rites, with those from Arab Spring states praying fervently for freedom and stability.

Men, women, and children streamed from dawn to the site in western Saudi Arabia, some setting up small colourful tents in which they slept and prayed.

Many pilgrims made themselves comfortable between the huge rocks, tears streaming down their faces as they prayed.

After sunset, the pilgrims headed to Muzdalifah, between Mina and Arafat, to collect stones to throw at the devil, one of the last rites which would take place on Friday and mark the first day of Eidul Azha.

The symbolic “stoning of the devil” is followed by the sacrifice of an animal.

“It’s impressive to see the amount of people from all backgrounds asking Allah for forgiveness,” said Babacar Diagne, 47, a Canadian originally from Senegal in West Africa.—Agencies