Hajj sermon urges Muslims to remain patient, strengthen faith

Muslims were urged to remain patient during difficulties and strengthen their faith in Allah during the Hajj sermon delivered at Namirah Masjid in Arafat on Tuesday.

Sheikh Ali Al Hudaify delivered the Hajj Khutbah in front of millions of pilgrims gathered in the plains of Arafat. After the sermon, pilgrims performed the combined and shortened Zuhr and Asr prayers.

Addressing the large gathering, Sheikh Al Hudaify encouraged Muslims to adopt piety and fulfil their religious duties. He said, “O people, fear Allah, for by it the servant attains salvation in his Hereafter,” during the sermon.

He further explained that true success in the Hereafter comes through pure monotheism and sincere worship of Allah alone. He said, “The greatest preparation for the Hereafter is through monotheism and the worship of Allah alone, and abandoning the supplication to anyone other than Him,”.

The imam reminded the pilgrims that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the final messenger of Allah. He also urged Muslims to always speak the truth and avoid lies, backbiting, and religious innovations.

Highlighting the importance of Hajj, Sheikh Al Hudaify said the pilgrimage promotes unity and brotherhood among Muslims from all over the world. He said, “In Hajj, the manifestations of mutual acquaintance, harmony, cooperation, and solidarity among the people of Islam become evident,”.

He also instructed pilgrims to maintain discipline and avoid conflicts during Hajj. He said, “There should be no disobedience, no arguing during Hajj, and no political slogans or partisan calls,”.

The sermon stressed the importance of following official instructions during the pilgrimage. He said, “Follow and implement the instructions of the organising authorities to avoid chaos and to safeguard lives,”.

Special prayers were offered for forgiveness, acceptance of Hajj, and the well-being of Muslims around the world. He prayed, “O Allah, accept from the pilgrims their supplications and rituals, make their affairs easy for them, forgive their sins, and return them to their homelands safe, blessed, and successful,”.

After completing the Arafat rituals, pilgrims will now move to Mina for the next stage of Hajj.

Namirah Mosque is considered highly important in Islam as it is linked to the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon. It is located about 22 kilometres from Masjid al-Haram and is one of the largest mosques in the holy sites area.