Arafat sermon: Al-Hudhaifi emphasizes the prohibition of political slogans during Hajj
In a solemn and spiritually uplifting atmosphere, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Abdul Rahman Al-Hudhaifi, Imam and Khateeb of the Prophet's Mosque, delivered the Arafat Day sermon for the year 1445 AH from the Namira Mosque in Arafat. This sermon emphasized the great principles of Islam and outlined a clear path for the pilgrims to perform their rituals with complete peace and tranquility, free from any worldly distractions.
No political slogans during Hajj: a call for unity and submission to God
One of the most prominent themes emphasized by His Eminence in his historic sermon was the need to purify the Hajj from any impurities. Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi affirmed this decisively, stating: “During Hajj, there are no political slogans or partisan calls, but rather submission to God, following His Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and purity in both outward appearance and inner devotion.” This message holds immense importance on both regional and international levels, as the Hajj represents the largest annual human gathering in the world. Keeping the Hajj rituals free from political rivalries and partisan conflicts ensures the safety and security of millions of pilgrims and strengthens the unity of the Muslim Ummah, which unites under the banner of monotheism, transcending all ethnic, political, and geographical differences.
The historical and religious context of the Arafat sermon and the Namira Mosque
The Day of Arafah holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims, as it is the most important pillar of Hajj, in accordance with the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Hajj is Arafah.” On this momentous day, pilgrims stand on the sacred plain of Arafat, following the example of the Prophet, who delivered his Farewell Sermon at this very spot, establishing the principles of equality and human rights in Islam. In this context, the Namira Mosque acquires its historical significance, as it was built on the site where the Prophet delivered his sermon. Every year, it witnesses the arrival of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims to listen to the sermon and perform the combined and shortened prayers of Dhuhr and Asr.
Piety and monotheism: the essence of preparing for the Hereafter
In offering guidance and advice, Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi addressed the Muslim community, saying, “O people, adhere to piety, for in it lies the salvation of the servant in the Hereafter.” He continued, explaining the path to salvation: “Part of piety is preparing for the Day of Judgment by performing acts of obedience and abstaining from sins and wrongdoings… The greatest preparation for the Hereafter is through monotheism, worshipping God alone, and refraining from supplicating to anyone else.” He added that the pilgrims have come from every distant corner of the earth to perform the rituals of Hajj, seeking God’s pleasure and reward, and venerating the Ancient House (the Kaaba) and the sacred sites.
The Kingdom's efforts in facilitating the movement of pilgrims and managing crowds
From the early morning hours, crowds of pilgrims flocked to Namira Mosque in Arafat, amidst an atmosphere of tranquility. The mosque and its courtyards witnessed a smooth flow of pilgrims, reflecting the great success of the well-devised plans implemented by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Thanks to the on-site monitoring by the relevant authorities, all organizational and service resources were mobilized to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims. These efforts included providing guidance services, advanced cooling systems to prevent heat exhaustion, water distribution, and widespread healthcare and ambulance services throughout the area. It is worth noting that the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques had previously announced the appointment of Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi to deliver this blessed sermon.
