LAHORE (Staff Report) – Imam-e-Kaaba, Shaikh Khalid al-Ghamidi has reached Jamia Ashrafia to lead Zuhr prayers.
Earlier on Saturday, the Imam-e-Kaaba led Fajr prayers at Jamia Mosque Mansoora. Ameer Jamaat-e-Isalmi (JI) Sirajul Haq warmly welcomed Shaikh Khalid al-Ghamidi on his arrival in Mansoora.
Addressing on the occasion, Imam-e-Kaaba Shaikh Khalid al-Ghamidi said the Saudi Arabia government and its citizens are proud of people of Pakistan, adding he came Pakistan to meet his Muslim brethrens.
Sirajul Haq said, “Our hearts beat with the people of Saudi Arabia. It should not consider itself alone in difficult times.” He added, “Pakistan will fight with those whoever put evil eyes on the kingdom.”
Imam-e-Kaaba arrived in Pakistan on Thursday on special invitation of the government and is scheduled to stay in the country for the next five to six days.
Thousands, including women and children, gathered at Bahria Town mosque on Friday as Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Khalidul Ghamidi led Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque in provincial capital.
Sheikh Ghamidi gave a sermon after leading the call for prayer (Azaan).
“Islam is a clear and open religion which teaches peace,” the Imam said in his sermon.
“Enemies are propagating against Islam,” he said adding that Islam never allowed extremism or terrorism.
“Islam cannot be imposed by force, the Prophet (PBUH) treated non-believers with respect and gave them their rights,” he said, urging Muslims to give minorities their rights.
Before the Azaan, the Imam-e-Kaaba was introduced to the gathering.
“Sheikh Ghamidi hails from the family of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He is offering prayers and sermon in Kaaba for the past 8 years. He was born in Makkah and is a PhD doctor,” the announcement said.
The Imam-e-Kaaba was previously the Imam of Masjid-e-Quba and Masjid-e-Nabvi. He is also a professor at Jamiatul Qura in Saudi Arabia.
Strict security measures were taken at the Grand Jamia Masjid. Bahria Town chairman Malik Riaz was also present at the mosque.
A local news channel quoted highly-placed sources in the Saudi government as saying the Imam-e-Kaaba will visit the country to defuse tensions between the traditional allies, which developed following the Parliament’s resolution rejecting the Saudi request of personnel support in Yemen recently.
