Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi, the preacher on the Day of Arafah: A scholarly journey and a humble recitation
Introduction: A historical assignment on the day of the Greater Pilgrimage
On the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, the eyes of millions of Muslims around the world turn towards the sacred plains of Arafat, where His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Ali bin Abdul Rahman Al-Hudhaifi will ascend the pulpit of the Namira Mosque during the Hajj season of 1447 AH. This honorable appointment to deliver the Arafat sermon crowns a career rich in scholarly and da'wah contributions, and reflects the keenness of the wise leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to select prominent scholars to convey the tolerant message of Islam. The Arafat sermon holds immense importance both regionally and internationally, as it is translated into multiple languages and broadcast through various media outlets, reaching all corners of the earth and carrying the meanings of monotheism, peace, and moderation.
Origins and beginnings: An authentic Quranic environment
Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi was born in 1366 AH in the village of Al-Qarn Al-Mustaqim, in the Baljurashi Governorate, south of the Makkah region. He grew up in a devout family with a long tradition of scholarship. His father played a prominent and influential role in instilling in him a love for the Holy Quran and Islamic sciences from a young age. He memorized the entire Quran at an early age, which paved the way for him to embark on a journey of seeking knowledge with passion and dedication, as documented by the General Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque.
Scientific journey: combining tradition and modernity
Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi did not merely memorize the Quran; he also pursued formal education with unwavering determination. He began his studies at the Salafiyya Private School in Baljurashi, then enrolled in the Scientific Institute in the same province. He continued his academic excellence until he graduated from the College of Sharia at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh. To deepen his understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, he traveled to Egypt, where he earned his master's and doctoral degrees from Al-Azhar University, specializing in Islamic jurisprudence and political science. This diversity of academic backgrounds contributed to the formation of a distinguished academic personality, combining rigorous grounding in Islamic law with contemporary methodological study.
Imams of the Two Holy Mosques: A voice that touches hearts
Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi held many prestigious religious positions. He began his career as the imam of Quba Mosque, the first mosque founded on piety. In 1399 AH, he was appointed imam and preacher of the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, and his reverent voice became an integral part of the memories of visitors to the city of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). He also had the honor of leading prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca for a period before returning to the Prophet's Mosque in Medina for many decades, serving as a teacher, guide, and imam.
The impact of advocacy and global standing
Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi is one of the most renowned reciters of the Holy Quran in the Islamic world. He is distinguished by his dignified recitation, his calm voice, and his mastery of the rules of Tajweed and the various readings of the Quran. In addition to leading prayers, he has played a prominent academic role through his teaching at the Islamic University of Madinah, where he imparted his knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, Hadith, and Quranic readings to generations of students. He was also selected as a member of the Scientific Committee for reviewing the Madinah Mushaf at the King Fahd Complex for Printing the Holy Quran, reflecting the absolute confidence in his accuracy and mastery.
Conclusion: Arafah's message to the world
The selection of Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi to deliver the sermon on the Day of Arafah is not merely an honorary appointment, but rather an extension of his profound spiritual influence on Muslims. His presence on the pulpit of the Namira Mosque represents a historic moment embodying the meaning of Islamic unity, as all eyes turn to listen attentively to his guidance, which draws its light from the Quran and Sunnah, reinforcing the values of tolerance and moderation that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia champions in its leadership of the Muslim world.
