New Delhi, May 26: The principal ritual of Hajj, Wuquf-e-Arafah, was performed by lakhs of believers on the plains of Mount Arafat, where Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaify, Chief Imam and Khateeb of Masjid an-Nabawi in Madina, delivered the Hajj sermon and called upon the Muslim Ummah to demonstrate solidarity, uphold unity, and stand together against evil and discord.
Sheikh Hudaify also appealed to pilgrims to embody the values of compassion, patience, humility, and brotherhood, reminding them that Hajj symbolises equality, unity, and complete submission to Allah.
The Imam also led the combined and shortened Dhur and Asr prayers.
In his sermon, the Sheikh emphasised the importance of Muslim unity, the sanctity of human life, and the need for God-consciousness (Taqwa).
He urged believers to hold firmly to the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), describing them as the guiding principles for leading a righteous and balanced life.
The Sheikh called upon Muslims to faithfully observe the five pillars of Islam, avoid disputes and divisions, and remain mindful even of minor sins, warning that small wrongdoings, if ignored, can gradually weaken faith and moral character.
Stressing the universal message of Islam, he declared that no race, nationality, or ethnicity holds superiority over another except through piety, righteousness, and good deeds.
He also appealed to pilgrims to embody the values of compassion, patience, humility, and brotherhood, saying that Hajj symbolises equality, unity, and complete submission to Allah.
He delivered the historic sermon from the pulpit of Masjid Al-Namirah on Mount Arafat, marking a significant moment of worship for millions of Muslim pilgrims
Pilgrims streamed into Arafat, where they spent the day in worship, recitation of Quranic verses, remembrance of Allah, and supplication.
Soon after the day break, the pilgrims started moving toward Mount Arafat for performing another important ritual of the Hajj.
Widely regarded in Islamic tradition as the pinnacle and heart of Hajj, the standing at Arafat — known as Wuquf Arafah — is considered the pilgrimage’s central rite. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Hajj is Arafah,” emphasising the essential nature of the gathering.
Islamic scholars describe the day as one of the holiest in the Islamic calendar and a moment associated with mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.
It also coincides with the Farewell Pilgrimage of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in 632 CE, during which he delivered his final sermon at Mount Arafat, outlining principles of justice, equality, and the sanctity of life and property.
Arafat, located about 20 km southeast of Makkah, is an open plain dominated by Jabal Al-Rahmah, or the Mount of Mercy, where many pilgrims gather for prayer and contemplation.
Islamic tradition holds that the site is linked to the reunion of Prophet Adam (SAW) and his spouse and remains deeply symbolic for Muslims worldwide.
Security forces deployed along routes and walkways closely monitored pilgrim convoys to manage crowds.
Waqoof-e-Arafah is considered the heart of Hajj, and completing it is essential for the pilgrimage to be valid.
The pilgrims will remain in Arafat until sunset, offering prayers, repentance, and supplications.
Immediately after sunset, they departed for Muzdalifah, where they spent the night under the open sky, combining Maghrib and Isha prayers, and collecting pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the Satan.
