Imam and Khateeb of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, Sheikh Dr Ali Al-Hudhaify, delivered the Hajj sermon on Tuesday, urging Muslims to adopt piety, uphold faith, and remain steadfast in fulfilling their commitments.
During the Hajj sermon broadcast live from Masjid-e-Namirah, Sheikh Dr Ali Al-Hudhaify said that adopting Taqwa is the hallmark of true believers. Addressing the faithful, he urged Muslims to fear Allah, practise righteousness, and honour their promises and obligations.
He sought Allah’s mercy on the state of Muslims and stressed that no partners should be associated with Allah and that worship should be devoted solely to the Almighty. He said adherence to monotheism is a defining characteristic of believers and added that the hearts of the faithful soften when the verses of Holy Quran are recited before them.
He further stated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the final Messenger of Allah and Khatamun Nabiyeen (the seal of the prophets). He also advised Muslims to remain patient and steadfast during times of hardship and difficulty.
Imam Al-Hudhaifi emphasized that believers should never abandon patience in difficult times, reminding worshippers that Allah has promised a great reward for those who remain patient and steadfast in faith.
He further said that the earthquake of the Day of Judgment will be extremely severe, while the greatest success in the Hereafter lies in Tawheed — the belief in the oneness of Allah. Those who commit shirk and disbelief call upon beings that have no power to benefit or harm anyone.
The Sheikh added that Allah has prepared a double reward in Paradise for those who fear Him, and that Allah loves those who remain patient and steadfast.
He said that Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to proclaim the call for Hajj, and Allah Himself would ensure that the message reached people far and wide. People have come from distant lands for Hajj so they may attain success in both this world and the Hereafter.
He reminded pilgrims that they must avoid arguments and sinful acts during Hajj and fulfil all the commands and promises ordained by Allah. Respecting the symbols and sacred rites of Allah, he said, is a sign of true piety. He also noted that people of different colours and backgrounds from across the world had gathered together, calling it a great manifestation of Allah’s power and unity.
Allah Almighty, he said, takes pride before the angels in the pilgrims who assembled today and devoted themselves to worship.
He reaffirmed that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the final messenger of Allah and urged Muslims to remain grateful for Allah’s countless blessings. He warned that nations that embraced oppression and ingratitude in the past were deprived of divine blessings.
The imam also advised Muslims to always speak the truth and avoid falsehood. He encouraged pilgrims to establish regular prayers, stay engaged in remembrance of Allah, and continuously seek forgiveness throughout the sacred pilgrimage.
Calling the bond between Allah and His servants the true path to salvation, Imam Al-Hudhaifi urged believers to stay spiritually connected to their Creator. He also stressed the importance of unity among Muslims, advising pilgrims to avoid arguments, conflicts, and any actions that could damage Muslim solidarity during Hajj.
“Pilgrims should perform the rituals of Hajj in the best possible manner, as Allah alone accepts prayers and forgives sins,” he said, praying for the acceptance of prayers and guidance for Muslims around the world.
The Sheikh further explained that Hajj pilgrims would stay in Arafat before proceeding to Muzdalifah the following day, and then travel to Mina. In Mina, pilgrims should engage abundantly in the remembrance of Allah.
He added that pilgrims would spend the nights of the 11th and 12th in Mina before performing the farewell Tawaf prior to returning to their homes.
Concluding the sermon with a heartfelt prayer, he said: “O Allah, return all pilgrims safely and securely to their homes, unite their hearts upon truth, and accept all their Hajj rituals and acts of worship.”
Millions of Hajj pilgrims listened to the sermon in the plains of Arafat, where special prayers were offered for the Muslim world, peace, and relief from ongoing hardships facing many Islamic countries.
Following the sermon, pilgrims offered combined Zuhr and Asr prayers at Masjid Namirah in accordance with Hajj traditions.
Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat as Hajj reaches peak
Huge numbers of Muslims prayed on Mount Arafat on Tuesday at the climax of the hajj pilgrimage, as a punishing desert sun sent temperatures soaring.
From daybreak, thousands of white-robed worshippers recited Quranic verses on the 70-metre (230 feet) rocky hill near Makkah, where the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) had delivered his last sermon.
Volunteers handed out bottles of water, parasols and food packages to the tens of thousands of pilgrims as they made their way toward Mount Arafat.
“It is an indescribable feeling,” said Ahmoud Abou Elezz, a 35-year-old Egyptian engineer, as he approached Mount Arafat for the first time.
More than 1.6 million people have joined the Hajj this year despite the shadow of war across the Middle East from the US and Israeli war with Iran.
During the fighting, Tehran retaliated with waves of drone and ballistic missile strikes, hitting major infrastructure and energy installations across the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia.
More than 30,000 Iranians have made the journey, about a third of the 86,000 originally expected. Iran’s IRNA state news agency said the “wartime situation” explained the drop.
Despite the war, Saudi officials said over the weekend that more pilgrims had travelled from abroad this year than in 2025.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means to do so.
With temperatures hitting 44 degrees in Makkah in recent days, Saudi authorities have urged pilgrims to drink plenty of water and protect themselves from the sun during the mostly outdoor rituals, which can take five days or more to complete.
Since men are prohibited from wearing hats, many carry umbrellas to try to keep the blistering sun at bay.
After Mount Arafat, pilgrims will spend the night at Muzdalifah, where they will collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina, starting on Wednesday.
The Hajj is said to follow the path of the Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) final pilgrimage, about 1,400 years ago.
It has long been an important source of legitimacy for the Al Saud dynasty, whose monarch has the title “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques”, in Makkah and Madinah.
