Saudi King demands UN resolution to stop insulting prophets

Makkah - King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has demanded a United Nations resolution "that condemns any country or group that insults religions and prophets."

As millions of Muslims congregated in Saudi Arabia to perform the Haj pilgrimage, Saudi King Abudllah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud urged Muslims to unite in defence of Islam. Al Arabiya reported King Abudllah said: "From the vicinity of Grand Mosque in Makkah, I demand a UN resolution that condemns any country or group that insults religions and prophets. It is our duty and that of every Muslim to protect Islam and defend the Prophets.” King Abdullah's demands follow calls by Saudi's Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al al-Sheikh, for insults against prophets to be criminalized by governments. The Saudi King went on to stress the importance of dialogue between Muslims "in order to strengthen moderation and end reasons of conflict and extremism" Arab News reported. He urged Muslims to unify their ranks and get rid of divisions. He called for an "end to dissent, ignorance, extremism and injustice which threaten the aspirations of Muslims." Figures cited by Arab News showed that the number of pilgrims participating in this year's Haj increased by eight percent to 3.16 million. Almost 65 percent of pilgrims were male.