MAKKAH: The Mufti-e-Azam Saudi Arab Sheikh Abdul Aziz in his sermon said that Islam stresses respecting and helping each other and being kind to one another as Islam is a religion of compassion and respect.The Arafat sermon was delivered by the chief Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz in Masjid-e-Nimra at Arafat.In his sermon the chief Mufti said that Islam emphasizes on the rights of family and prevents to grab the properties of orphans illegally.He said that anti Muslim forces were hatching conspiracies against Islam and Muslims across the world, he urged unity among Muslims, adding that doubts were being created in the minds of Muslim youths though modern communications. He affirmed that the enemies of Islam would meet the same fate that met Kuffaar when battled against the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).Chanting, “I am at your service, Allah, I am at Your service.” They will stand at Arafat till sunset in the most spiritual moment of the Hajj. They will pray, supplicate and recite Quran till sunset. There they will also combine Zhur and Asru prayes after listening to the Hajj sermon delivered by one of the chief Imams of Makah in Masjid Namira.He said: “There is no place for terrorism in Islam… The Muslim intellectuals should address this menace and should take measures to root out this hazard besides eradicating misunderstandings about Islam and its teachings.”The Imam stressed the importance of respecting and helping and being kind to one another saying “Islam is a religion of compassion and respect.” The sermon also focused on education and learning as a means for human development and advancement. The role of youth and women as well as brining up children also dominated the sermon.The Hajj sermon advocates these virtues and severely condemns violence, terrorism and inhuman actions. It also expressed grave concern and sorrow over the sufferings of innocent peoples and communities whose rights and freedom are deprived and calls for the restoration of rights and freedom of such people. The sufferings and inhuman treatment caused to the Palestinian people is severely deplored in the sermon.Nearly 3 million Muslims from different parts of the world have converged in Mt Arafat, a rocky desert outside the Holy city of Macca to perform “Wuquf” (standing) at Mount Arafat, one of the most important rituals of Hajj pilgrimage. Saudi authorities have made their best arrangements for the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
Sunday, February 28, 2010 HAVANA: Hundreds of wealthy merchants and cigar aficionados from all parts of the world gathered in Havana this week to bid high stakes for humidors full of premium cigars. Cuba's annual Habanos festival ended on Friday night with an auction of ornate humidors of cedar and mahogany stacked with hand-rolled stogies that raised 800,000 euros ($1.09 million dollars). Habanos S.A. executives this month said cigar sales fell 8 percent to $360 million in 2009, so they have created the Julieta, a smaller, milder version of the Romeo y Julieta cigar, aimed specifically at female smokers. Women now make up only 5 to 10 percent of customers for Habanos. But even with the creation of the Julieta, Garcia said Habanos has only modest hopes for 2010 sales, due largely to a weak economy in Spain, the biggest market for Cuban cigars. The flavor of premium tobacco relies on the soil and climate in which it is grown. The western province of Pinar Del Rio, famous fo...
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