Imam of Mecca criticizes secularism

The Imam of Mecca on Thursday said secular parties try to stop the dissemination of Islamic values and the spread of Islam, warning the young generation against "poisons" broadcast by TV satellite stations.

In his Eid al-Fitr sermon, which was attended by King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, the Imam added that when Islam in certain Islamic states tries to upgrade its performance, it is stopped by the secular institution which prevents the implementation of Islam's legitimate rights. But he did not name any side, including the Turkish secular institution which has recently shut down the Turkish Islamic Welfare party.

The Imam warned Muslim youths that TV satellite stations broadcast poison and highlight anti-Islamic campaigns. He attacked Israel, accusing it of killing the Palestinians. He called for ending the bloodshed in Algeria and Afghanistan and described the extremists who carry out acts of violence against civilians as misinterpreters of Islam.