Arafat: Delivering the annual Hajj sermon from Masjid Namirah in the plains of Arafat, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, made a heartfelt plea for the oppressed Palestinians, invoking divine help and justice against their oppressors.
"O Allah, help our brothers in Palestine, destroy those who kill women and children, uproot their forces and sow division among them," the Imam prayed during an emotional segment of the sermon that drew attention from across the Muslim world.
Addressing millions of pilgrims gathered for the most sacred rite of Hajj — the Day of Arafah, Sheikh bin Humaid emphasized humility, sincerity in worship, and moral integrity. He urged Muslims not to belittle even the smallest acts of goodness, highlighting that Allah does not favor arrogance and pride.
"Have Taqwa (God-consciousness),” he advised, adding that it is the hallmark of true believers and a source of blessings both in this world and the Hereafter. Quoting Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Imam said, “Worship Allah as though you see Him, and if you cannot, then know that He sees you.”
Sheikh bin Humaid also stressed the importance of unity, obedience, and staying away from evil practices such as backbiting and innovation (bid’ah). “Satan is a clear enemy to mankind,” he warned, urging believers to guard their souls from spiritual diseases and engage in purification through fasting and righteous deeds.
He described Islam’s three levels: Islam, Iman (faith), and Ihsan (welfare), and noted that Iman includes both internal conviction and outward action. He reminded the faithful that the branches of faith exceed seventy, with the highest being the declaration of monotheism and the lowest being removing harm from pathways.
During his address, he praised the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their significant services to pilgrims and the holy sites, urging Hajj pilgrims to follow discipline and unity for the smooth performance of rituals.
He meticulously outlined the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Hajj rituals, explaining the sequence from standing at Arafat, moving to Muzdalifah, stoning the Jamarat, offering sacrifice, shaving the head, and performing Tawaf and Sa’i.
At the conclusion of the sermon, Sheikh bin Humaid once again turned to the plight of the Palestinian people, praying:
"O Allah, forgive their martyrs, heal their wounded, destroy the oppressors of women and children, and grant guidance to the Muslim Ummah."
He also prayed for the health of King Salman and ease for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, concluding with a call for gratitude and remembrance:
“Praise Allah for granting us this sacred day. Ask forgiveness, remember Him often, and stay united in His obedience.”
After the sermon, pilgrims performed combined and shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers (known as Salat al-Zuhrain) under the leadership of Sheikh bin Humaid. They will remain at Arafat until sunset before proceeding to Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night under the open sky, gather pebbles, and prepare for the symbolic stoning of the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat).
The Hajj pilgrimage will continue with the rituals of sacrifice, hair removal, Tawaf al-Ziyarah, and the final stoning rituals on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah, concluding the sacred journey.
