Militants were using "misguided and void" interpretations to justify their acts, said Sheikh Abdulrahman al-Sudeis. "Because Muslims have strayed from moderation, we are now suffering from this dangerous phenomenon of branding people infidels and inciting Muslims to rise against their leaders to cause instability.
"The reason for this is the delinquent and void interpretation of Islam based on ignorance. Faith does not mean killing Muslims or non-Muslims who live among us, nor does it mean shedding blood, terrorising or sending body parts flying."
King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah issued a message to mark the climax of the religious calendar calling on Muslims to embark "on a course that disavows terrorism, which spreads mayhem and seeks destruction and was forbidden by Islam".
By Robin Gedye, Foreign Affairs Writer
Air Force 1 High