Hajj sermon calls for unity, patience and avoidance of conflict

MINA, Saudi Arabia: Millions of Muslims from around the world gathered in Mecca on Tuesday as they listened to the annual Hajj sermon delivered in the plains of Arafat, the spiritual climax of the pilgrimage.

According to official arrangements, worshippers gathered in vast numbers at Mount Arafat, where Sheikh Dr Ali bin Abdulrahman Al-Hudaifi delivered the Khutbah-e-Hajj.

The sermon began with praise of Allah and blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), after which the preacher said Hajj had been ordained as an obligation by Allah for believers.

He said that the earthquake of the Day of Judgement would be severe and that the greatest success in the hereafter was Tawheed (the oneness of God).

He said that those who commit “shirk” or disbelief call upon entities that have no power to bring benefit or harm.

The preacher said that those who fear God would be granted double rewards in paradise, adding that God loves those who remain patient.

He said that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was commanded by Allah to proclaim the Hajj, and that the call had reached believers across distant lands, bringing them together for worship and unity.

The sermon stressed that pilgrims had come from across the world in different colours and backgrounds, describing it as a manifestation of God’s signs, with angels said to take pride in the gathering of believers performing worship.

He said pilgrims would remain in Arafat before moving to Muzdalifah the following day and then proceeding to Mina, where they would continue in remembrance of God.

He outlined the sequence of rituals, including the days spent in Mina and the concluding Tawaf before departure.

The preacher urged pilgrims to avoid disputes, sins and any actions that could undermine unity, saying that respect for the “symbols of God” reflected true piety.

He said pilgrims should remain engaged in prayer, remembrance and worship throughout the rites, repeatedly seeking forgiveness and performing Hajj in the best possible manner.

In his concluding prayer, he asked God to protect all pilgrims and return them safely to their homes, to accept their Hajj, and to unite their hearts upon truth.

He also prayed for the forgiveness of sins, improved conditions for Muslims worldwide, and guidance for the faithful.

“The greatest success is Tawheed,” the sermon said, adding that gratitude for God’s blessings and adherence to faith were essential for spiritual success.