Mount Arafat, June 5, 2025— During the annual pilgrimage at Mount Arafat, the Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, delivered a moving and spiritually charged Hajj sermon from Masjid-i-Nimrah on Thursday. Addressing millions of white-robed pilgrims, he opened with heartfelt prayers for the oppressed, particularly the Palestinians. With deep compassion, he said, “O Allah! Forgive the martyrs of Palestine and destroy their enemies.” He also prayed for the safety and sustenance of the displaced, urging Allah to grant peace, shelter, and protection to the victims of aggression. The Hajj sermon immediately connected with the global Muslim audience by calling for justice, compassion, and unity.
Sheikh Saleh called on believers to embrace taqwa (piety), explaining that it is the foundation of true faith and the key to Paradise. Throughout the sermon, he quoted the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), reminding pilgrims to worship Allah alone and to avoid arrogance and sin. He emphasized that even the smallest good deed counts and must never be looked down upon. According to him, prayer forms the strongest link between a believer and the Creator. He particularly urged everyone to protect the middle prayer and avoid spreading corruption on Earth.
Spiritual Guidance and Core Teachings Emphasized at Arafat
In addition to prayers for Palestine, the Imam strongly urged Muslims to remain steadfast in their beliefs. He warned them about the traps of Satan, who aims to sow division and hatred among people. Sheikh Saleh highlighted that Allah tests every believer, and all events in the world are preordained. He reminded the congregation that good deeds erase bad ones and that good and evil can never be equal. He elaborated that Allah created the heavens and the earth in six days, reinforcing divine power and order.
Furthermore, he instructed Muslims to avoid religious innovations and backbiting. Sheikh Saleh emphasized that belief in Allah, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, Hell, and Paradise are essential tenets of faith. He reminded listeners that seeking Allah’s pleasure is greater than entering Paradise itself. The Imam described the three levels of Islam, noting that Ihsan (spiritual excellence) is the highest. He urged kindness to parents, fulfilling promises, and practicing modesty, calling it an inseparable part of faith. The sermon reflected the true essence of Islam by emphasizing worship, moral integrity, and accountability.
Pilgrims Brave Intense Heat as Haj Reaches Its Pinnacle
Meanwhile, over 1.6 million pilgrims gathered on the 70-meter rocky rise of Mount Arafat in the intense summer heat, reciting verses from the Holy Quran and reflecting deeply on their faith. Although temperatures soared to 42°C, worshippers remained spiritually committed. Saudi officials handed out icepacks and mist sprays to help pilgrims cope with the heat. By midday, due to official advisories, many moved into shaded tents to avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Later in the day, pilgrims proceeded toward Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina. Despite the exhausting conditions, the atmosphere remained filled with gratitude and joy. “Standing in Arafat is a great thing and a beautiful day,” said Ahmed from Egypt, while Ali from Pakistan added, “This is something I used to watch on TV, and today I feel blessed to be here.”
The Hajj sermon 2025 served as a powerful reminder of faith, sacrifice, and unity, as Muslims from around the globe stood shoulder to shoulder in prayer and submission before Allah.
