Hajj sermon calls for patience, unity and adherence to guidance

MAKKAH: Muslims were urged during the Hajj sermon at Namirah Mosque on Tuesday to remain steadfast in hardship, strengthen their devotion to Allah and uphold discipline during the pilgrimage as millions of worshippers gathered on the plains of Arafat.

Sheikh Ali Al Hudaify delivered the Hajj Khutbah before pilgrims offered combined and shortened Zuhr and Asr prayers. In his address, he called on Muslims to adopt piety and honour their commitments, stressing the importance of faith and obedience in preparing for the Hereafter.

During the sermon, Sheikh Al Hudaify said salvation in the Hereafter lay in fearing Allah and emphasised that the foundation of preparation for the next life was monotheism and worship devoted solely to Allah. He also reminded worshippers that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the final messenger of Allah and urged Muslims to remain truthful while avoiding falsehood, backbiting and religious innovations.

Attributing special significance to the pilgrimage, he said Hajj demonstrated the unity, harmony and solidarity of Muslims arriving from around the world. He also instructed pilgrims to avoid disputes and political expression during the rites, while maintaining order throughout the journey.

At one point in the sermon, Sheikh Al Hudaify said:

O people, fear Allah, for by it the servant attains salvation in his Hereafter

He further 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

On the collective spirit of the pilgrimage, he said:

In Hajj, the manifestations of mutual acquaintance, harmony, cooperation, and solidarity among the people of Islam become evident

He also urged pilgrims to avoid disorder and political activity, saying:

There should be no disobedience, no arguing during Hajj, and no political slogans or partisan calls

Calling for compliance with official arrangements, Sheikh Al Hudaify said:

Follow and implement the instructions of the organising authorities to avoid chaos and to safeguard lives

Special prayers were also offered for the forgiveness of sins, acceptance of worship and improvement in the condition of Muslims across the world. In his supplication, 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 rituals at Arafat, pilgrims are due to move to Mina for the next stage of Hajj. Namirah Mosque holds historic importance in Islam because of its association with the place where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon. Situated about 22 kilometres from Masjid al Haram, it is regarded as the second-largest mosque in the holy sites area.