Sheikh Maher Al-Muaiqly, imam and preacher of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, delivered the Arafat sermon at the grand Namira Mosque. The sermon resembles the famous farewell sermon of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) when he performed his only Hajj.
In the sermon, Sheikh Al-Muaiqly urged all Muslims to obey what God has commanded and avoid what He prohibited in order to attain victory, salvation, and happiness in both this world and the hereafter. “Hajj is a manifestation of showing sincerity in worshiping God and it is not a place for political slogans,” he emphasized.
Sheikh Al-Muaiqly underlined the need for holding fast to five necessities, represented by safeguarding of religion, self, mind, money, and honor, saying that this would lead to stability of life, the spread of security, the ability for people to achieve their religious and worldly interests, apart from winning the pleasure of God.
He also prayed for the Palestinians who have suffered from the harm of their enemy caused by bloodshed, unrest in the country, and prevention of access to the essentials of food, medicine, and clothing. The SaudiArafat sermon translation initiative is projected to reach a staggering one billion listeners worldwide, translated into 20 languages.
After the sermon, Sheikh Al-Muaiqly led the prayers. Retracing the noble tradition of the Prophet (peace be upon him), he performed noon (Dhuhr) and evening (Asr) prayers, combined and shortened, with one adhan and two iqamas. Pilgrims joined the prayers at and around Namira Mosque, and then started performing the Standing (wuqoof) at Arafat.
Wuqoof Arafat, one of the four pillars of Hajj, begins after noon prayers. Pilgrims would engage in prayers and supplications until after sunset. They will seek forgiveness and pleasures of Allah.
