Hajj 2026: Imam Al-Huzaifi calls for patience, piety in Arafah Sermon

Story by  ATV | Posted by  Vidushi Gaur | Date 26-05-2026
A great reward is promised to those who are patient: Hajj sermon
A great reward is promised to those who are patient: Hajj sermon

 

New Delhi

In the sermon (Khutba-e-Hajj) delivered at Masjid-e-Namira on the most important day of Hajj 2026, Youm-e-Arafa, the Imam of Masjid-e-Nabawi, Sheikh Abdur Rahman Al-Huzaifi, asked Muslims to show patience, piety and monotheism. He said, “Allah has promised infinite reward for those who show patience." Addressing millions of pilgrims from all over the world, he said that man should worship only Allah and fear only Him.

During this historic sermon, delivered in the presence of millions of devotees at the Masjid-e-Namira, the entire Maidan-e-Arafa resounded with chants of "Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik." Imam al-Huzaifi stated that the Hajj is not merely a religious journey but the greatest means of spiritual purification, repentance, and closeness to Allah.

He said, “The pilgrims have come here from faraway lands and difficult paths to please Allah and seek His mercy and forgiveness.” Citing verses from the Quran, he said that Allah Almighty rewards the patient with immeasurable rewards, and that those who follow His path with a true heart have the good news of Paradise.

In his sermon, the Imam emphasised the importance of monotheism, saying that the greatest way to prepare for the Hereafter is to worship Allah alone and not associate anyone with Him. He said, "Man should give the highest priority to the worship of Allah in both his heart and actions."

The Day of Arafah is considered one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar. On this day, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered a historic sermon at the Maidan of Arafah during his final pilgrimage, the Hajj al-Wida, in 632 CE. This sermon emphasized principles such as justice, equality, the protection of human life and property, and social justice. This is why, every year, on the Day of Arafah, Muslims around the world emotionally connect with this historic moment.

This time too, millions of pilgrims were seen engaged in prayer, recitation, supplication, and seeking forgiveness at Maidan-e-Arafa from early morning. It is estimated that from sunrise to noon, more than 1.6 million pilgrims were present at Maidan-e-Arafa. Everywhere, people were seen raising their hands, begging forgiveness for their sins and praying for peace and brotherhood in the world.

Huge crowds gathered at Jabal-e-Rahma and its surrounding area early in the morning. This hill holds special significance in Islamic history. It is believed that this is where the Prophet Adam and Prophet Eve met. Pilgrims arrive here to offer special prayers and seek a new beginning in their lives.

The process of transporting pilgrims from Wadi Mina to Maidan Arafat began overnight. Using Mashaer trains, special buses, and other transportation systems, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims were transported safely to Arafat in a phased manner. The Saudi administration ensured this entire system was highly organized and technically robust to avoid any chaos or congestion.

The routes to and from Masjid-e-Namira, Jabal-e-Rahma, and other major sites were separated to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims. Traffic police, security agencies, and scout teams were deployed on all major routes. Volunteers were seen at various locations providing directions and assistance to pilgrims.

In response to this year's intense heat, the Saudi administration has made several special arrangements using modern technology. Ground-based air-conditioning units were installed around Jabal al-Rahma, significantly controlling the temperature throughout the area. Despite the scorching sun and hot winds, these arrangements provided significant relief to pilgrims.

In addition, a continuous water supply, medical facilities, ambulance services, and mobile health units were deployed at Maidan-e-Arafa. Hilal-e-Ahmar (Red Crescent) teams were fully operational to deal with any emergency.

READ MORE: Gurugram’s ‘Bulldozer Man’ RS Batth joins Muslims in Eid cleanliness drive

After sunset, pilgrims will depart in convoys for the Maidan of Muzdalifah, where they will offer Maghrib and Isha prayers together. They will also collect pebbles for the ritual of stoning the devil.