Al-Sudais's sermon at the Haram sparks controversy.. Prelude to normalization? (Watch)

Agencies: Excerpts from the Friday sermon delivered by the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Ali Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, sparked wide controversy due to what tweeters said contained hints of normalization, and the existence of precedents from the time of the Prophet, peace be upon him, for dealing with the Jews.

Al-Sudais said in his sermon: "Among the useful indications in the correct understanding of the doctrine of loyalty and disavowal, individual dealings, and international relations," then referred to stories related to the Prophet's dealings with the Jews.

He pointed out that the Prophet's shield was pawned with a Jew, and that he shared the crops of Khaybar with the Jews, and tweeters said that Al-Sudais "ignored that the Prophet destroyed the forts of Khaybar and expelled them from Medina because of their betrayal."