Details of Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi's Arafat sermon: No political slogans during Hajj
His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Ali Al-Hudhaifi, Imam and Khateeb of the Prophet's Mosque, delivered Arafat sermon from the Namira Mosque in the sacred plain of Arafat. He conveyed profound messages of faith to the pilgrims, emphasizing the true essence of Hajj, which lies in complete submission to God Almighty. He stressed that there is no place in this great ritual for any political slogans or partisan calls that divide the ranks of Muslims.
The themes of the Arafat sermon: Piety and monotheism are the foundation of salvation
During his sermon at Arafat, Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi urged the pilgrims and all Muslims to adhere to piety, explaining that it is the path to salvation in this life and the hereafter. He added that true preparation for the Day of Judgment is achieved through performing acts of obedience and abstaining from sins and wrongdoings. He emphasized that the greatest form of preparation for the hereafter is to worship and dedicate worship solely to God, and to refrain from supplicating to anyone else. He noted that the pilgrims had come from every distant corner of the earth, leaving their homes and families, with one goal: to perform the rituals of Hajj to please God Almighty and seek His reward and forgiveness, thereby honoring the Ancient House (the Kaaba) and the sacred sites.
The significance of the Day of Arafah in Islamic history
Standing at Arafat is considered the most important pillar of Hajj, continuing the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who delivered his Farewell Sermon at this awe-inspiring site, establishing the principles of equality, justice, and the sanctity of life and property. Since then, the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah has been a pivotal moment, when the eyes of the Muslim world turn towards the plains of Arafat. The sermon on this day serves to renew the covenant with God and remind Muslims of the fundamental principles of their faith, where the highest ideals of unity and equality among humankind are manifested. There is no distinction between Arab and non-Arab except in piety, as they stand together on the same plain, dressed in the same attire, hoping for the mercy of their Lord.
The impact of the Hajj message at the regional and international levels
The continued emphasis by the Saudi leadership and Islamic scholars on keeping Hajj free from political slogans is of paramount importance and far-reaching impact. Locally and regionally, this approach ensures the safety and security of pilgrims, providing a tranquil and spiritually uplifting environment that allows them to perform their rituals with peace and serenity. Internationally, this message reflects the true image of Islam as a religion that calls for peace and unity, rejecting division and conflict. The gathering of millions of people from diverse nationalities and ethnicities under the banner of monotheism sends a powerful global message: tolerance and coexistence are fundamental, and holy sites are places of pure worship, not platforms for settling scores or promoting ideologies.
Smooth flow of people to Namira Mosque
From the early hours of the Day of Arafah, crowds of pilgrims flocked to Namirah Mosque to listen to the sermon and perform the combined and shortened prayers of Dhuhr and Asr. The mosque and its surrounding courtyards witnessed a smooth flow of crowds, thanks to meticulous field monitoring and the tremendous efforts exerted by the relevant authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom mobilized all its organizational and service resources to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims, through well-structured crowd management plans and the provision of a comprehensive system of guidance, cooling, water distribution, and intensive healthcare and ambulance services. This followed the announcement by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques of the appointment of Sheikh Dr. Ali Al-Hudhaifi to deliver the sermon for this year, 1445 AH, continuing the Kingdom's practice of selecting senior scholars to deliver this great message to the Muslim Ummah.
