Grand Mosque imam condemns Houthi attacks on Islamic holy sites

Sheikh Dr. Bandar Baleelah, imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque, urged Muslims to fear God and to think well of one another, warning of the dangers of suspicion and its negative impact on individuals and society. He delivered these remarks during his Friday sermon today at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.

Sheikh Baleelah explained that harboring suspicion leads to spying, backbiting, and aggression, and is one of the ways Satan exploits weak faith, bringing anxiety and sorrow into hearts. He stressed that positive thinking brings tranquility, happiness, and well-being to both body and soul.

He emphasized the importance of avoiding situations that arouse suspicion and encouraged clarifying misunderstandings quickly to preserve social relationships and protect hearts from resentment.

The imam added that thinking well of others is a duty for Muslims toward their families, relatives, neighbors, colleagues, country, and leaders, noting that it is a key factor in fostering unity and strength within society.

Condemnation of attacks on Islamic holy sites

In a separate part of his sermon, Sheikh Baleelah condemned the Houthi militia's targeting of Islamic holy sites and peaceful cities, especially Makkah and Madinah, as well as attacks on mosques, schools, and property. He described these acts as criminal behavior that contradicts religious and human values.

He concluded by affirming that attacks on holy sites and religious and educational institutions are a blatant violation of the sanctity of Muslim lives, and that those who commit such acts demonstrate to the world that they have no connection to the teachings of Islam. He added that such groups use religious slogans as a cover for their corruption and spreading of disorder.