Great read from the BBC

A top Saudi cleric gave his sermon at the annual Islamic Hajj on the stealing of moderate Islam by the radicals. It is a very facinating read, and its not unlike the hijacking of "Christianity" by some of the right wing wakkos who would have you believe that the killing of abortion doctors and gays is OK by God. To me it is culturally interesting when you get past the stereotypes and soundbytes how alike people really are inside.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4191015.stm

"A top Saudi cleric has urged Muslims to shun militant forms of Islam, as pilgrims carry out one of the final rituals of the Hajj.
Militants were using "misguided" interpretations to justify violence, Mecca's Imam Abdul Rahman Sudeis said.

About 2.5 million pilgrims are hurling stones at pillars in Mina, meant to symbolise the rejection of Satan.

Risks of a stampede are greatest at this stage of the ritual, so facilities have been improved by the authorities.

"Because Muslims strayed from moderation, we are now suffering this dangerous phenomenon of branding people infidels and inciting Muslims to rise against their leaders," said Sheikh Abdul Rahman.

His sermon at the Grand Mosque was dedicated to those Muslims performing the Hajj pilgrimage, many of whom were present.

Saudi Arabia has been at the forefront of a global campaign of violence waged by Islamic extremists inspired by al-Qaeda - with scores of deaths in a string of attacks since May 2003.

Pilgrims were able to began the stoning ceremony early after a special fatwa, or religious edict, was issued to prevent a human crush along the walkways past the pillars.

Thousands started arriving after midnight, rather than after dawn prayers, as used to be the case.

"We were worried about the crowds and we had heard some real horror stories, so we feel much better," said one early arrival, Ahmed Sodikin, from Bandung, Indonesia.

Sudanese pilgrim Jamal Adel praised the Saudi authorities for modifying the traditional rules.

"I'm sure God will accept this. It's in the best interest of all."

Last year, 251 pilgrims were trampled to death at Mina.

New foot bridges with emergency exits have been built and three new pillars have been erected that are wider and taller than ones used previously, so more pilgrims can pelt rocks at the same time.

Pebbles are gathered on the plane of Muzdalifa, between Arafat and Mina
About 10,000 police are expected to patrol the area to ensure the smooth flow of the ritual.

The main flow of pilgrims is expected on Thursday afternoon. They will then will then return to Mecca, about 1.5km (one mile) away, to perform more rituals in the Grand Mosque.

The stoning ceremony recalls the Prophet Abraham's throwing stones at Satan who had tried to dissuade him from sacrificing his son Ishmael, according to Islamic tradition.

The Hajj reached its zenith on Wednesday with pilgrims converging on Mount Arafat for an afternoon of prayer and contemplation of God.

Thursday is celebrated around the Muslim world as Eid al-Adha, the most important religious holiday of the year. Pilgrims will resume the stoning ceremony on Friday and Saturday.

Every able-bodied adult Muslim who can afford to make the trip is obliged to perform the Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, once in their lives."