ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi has announced a nationwide “Day of Condemnation” against Houthi attacks and reported attempts to target Makkah.
Ashrafi said the day would be observed across Pakistan during the upcoming Friday prayers.
He urged scholars, religious leaders, prayer leaders and preachers from all schools of thought to take part in the observance.
He said Friday sermons should highlight the sanctity and security of Makkah and Madinah.
Ashrafi Urges Condemnation During Friday Sermons
Speaking at a press conference, Ashrafi called on religious leaders to condemn attempts to target Makkah.
He said attacks against the holy sites in Saudi Arabia cannot be accepted.
Ashrafi also urged imams and preachers to explain the importance of protecting the Two Holy Mosques.
He said scholars from all schools of thought should make their position clear on the issue.
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According to Ashrafi, the protection of Makkah and Madinah remains a shared concern for Muslims around the world.
Makkah and Madinah Are Central to Muslim Faith
Ashrafi described Makkah and Madinah as central to the faith of Muslims.
He called the security and protection of the holy sites a “red line” for the Muslim world.
Ashrafi said no compromise could take place on the sanctity and safety of the Two Holy Mosques.
He also said that Muslims around the world remain highly sensitive to any threat against the holy sites.
According to Ashrafi, around two billion Muslims stand with the Saudi leadership and people.
Ashrafi Refers to the Story of Abraha and the People of the Elephant
Ashrafi also referred to the Islamic account of Abraha and the People of the Elephant while discussing the reported attacks against Makkah.
He recalled the Quranic account in which Allah sent birds against Abraha’s army.
Ashrafi said the army was destroyed after the birds dropped stones upon it.
He drew a comparison between that historical account and the Houthi actions.
Ashrafi said the Houthis would face a fate similar to that of the army of the People of the Elephant.
His comments came as he stressed the religious importance of Makkah and the need to protect its sanctity.
Ashrafi Criticizes Houthi Actions
Ashrafi also criticized the Houthis for calling themselves “Ansar Allah.”
He said their actions did not match the meaning of that name.
Ashrafi accused the Houthis of supporting actions that he said harm Muslims.
He alleged that the group has killed Muslims and has attempted to target Makkah with missiles and drones.
He again compared the reported attacks with the story of Abraha and the People of the Elephant.
These statements represented Ashrafi’s own characterization of the Houthi group and its actions.
Claims of a Wider External Conspiracy
The Pakistan Ulema Council chairman also alleged that attacks against Saudi Arabia form part of a wider external conspiracy.
According to Ashrafi, the alleged plan seeks to weaken and divide the Muslim world.
He said the alleged conspiracy aims to damage unity among Arab and Muslim countries.
Ashrafi further alleged that outside forces seek to create divisions within Muslim societies and gain control over their resources and wealth.
He said such developments could threaten the security and stability of Arab and Muslim countries.
Ashrafi Questions US and Israel Contacts
Ashrafi also referred to the Houthis’ previous slogans against the United States and Israel.
He said the group had previously used the slogan “Death to America, Death to Israel.”
However, Ashrafi said the group is now holding talks with the United States and Israel.
He questioned the contrast between such contacts and the reported attempts to target Muslim holy sites.
Ashrafi said the situation required Muslims to reflect on the group’s actions and its reported contacts with the United States and Israel.
Call for Muslim Unity
Ashrafi stressed the importance of unity among Muslims over the protection of the Two Holy Mosques.
He said Makkah and Madinah hold a special place for the entire Muslim community.
He urged religious leaders to use Friday sermons to explain the importance of the holy sites.
Ashrafi also called on Muslims to express solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people.
He said the upcoming nationwide Day of Condemnation would highlight this position.
