Sheikh Dr. Mahir bin Hamad stated that Allah is unique. The first pillar of Islam is the belief in one God and that Muhammad (PBUH) is His Prophet. One must invoke Allah sincerely, serving Him alone without associating with any partners. During the Hajj sermon, the message stressed holiness as the key to well-being and encouraged following Islamic principles for spiritual and worldly success.
Tawakkul and Establishing Prayer
Sheikh Dr. Mahir bin Hamad stressed that everything belongs to Allah, and He controls it all. The Quran guides us to the straight path. Those who trust in Allah are successful both in this world and the hereafter. Prayers are frequently mentioned in the Quran as being important; establishing them is commanded by Allah, upon whom He bestows His mercy on those who pray at home.
Paying Zakat and Fulfilling the Rights of Others
In his sermon, he stated that those with the means must perform Hajj. He urged Muslims to pay Zakat and to be mindful of the rights of others. The Quran guides humanity and Islam’s foundation success. Islam does not advocate harming anyone; people should walk the path of goodness.
Maintaining Family Ties
The Imam of the Kaaba stated that a person with good character will succeed in this world and the hereafter. Those who honor their parents will thrive, while those who defy them will struggle in life. Breaking family ties distances one from Allah’s mercy. Such individuals will not receive Allah’s blessings.
He advised that decisions should always be made with justice, and the Hajj Sermon should not be an opportunity for oppression or injustice.
Avoiding Immoral Acts
Sheikh Dr. Mahir bin Hamad urged Muslims to avoid immoral acts and to uphold modesty. Allah has forbidden alcohol, gambling, and polytheism. He warned against approaching these, stating that all deeds of a person who drinks alcohol are void.
Good Treatment of Family Members
He said that the best person is the one who treats his wife and children well. People should avoid suspicion and backbiting. Just as one would not like to eat the flesh of a dead brother, they should not backbite.
The Day of Accepted Prayers
Sheikh Dr. Mahir bin Hamad noted that those who adhere to Allah’s commands have the doors of mercy opened for them. All sins of those performing the Hajj Sermon are forgiven. The Prophet (PBUH) went to the plain of Arafat, combined two prayers, and made long supplications. Today is a highly virtuous day for making supplications, and Allah forgives many people on this day.
Appeal for Prayers for Oppressed Muslims in Palestine
Sheikh Mahir bin Hamad prayed for the Muslims in Palestine, highlighting the severe oppression they face. He appealed to the Muslim Ummah to help free Palestinian Muslims from Jewish oppression.
He prayed for the safe return of pilgrims to their homes.
After the sermon, Sheikh Dr. Mahir bin Hamad led the shortened Dhuhr prayer in the Masjid Namira. Per tradition, pilgrims performed the Dhuhr and Asr prayers combined and shortened.
Arafat Day Pilgrims’ Activities
Pilgrims spent the entire day in the plain of Arafat, engaged in worship and supplication.
Hajj 2024: Arrival at Arafat and the Rites of Wuquf
Pilgrims will move towards Muzdalifah after sunset, combining the Maghrib and Isha prayers and collecting pebbles for the ritual stoning.
Pilgrims worldwide journeyed from Mina to Arafat by buses and the Mashair train service after midnight on Friday.
Special paths were designated for ascending and descending Mount Rahma to ensure smooth movement.
Pilgrims gathered at Jabal Rahma for supplications, whereas others assembled at Masjid Namira, open only on the Day of Arafat. After the sermon, they combined the Dhuhr and Asr prayers, according to the Prophet’s tradition (PBUH).
The plain of Arafat is located approximately 21 kilometers east of Makkah on the road to Taif and is the only Hajj site outside the Haram boundary.
Special Arrangements for Palestinian Pilgrims
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz has invited over 2,000 Palestinians to perform the Hajj this year.
Hajj Arrangements
The Saudi authorities have intensified measures to ensure the smooth entry of pilgrims holding Hajj permits and Nusk cards into the holy sites this year. According to the Saudi Press Agency report, effective traffic and security planning has facilitated worshippers’ ease. The Ministry of Health has mobilized over 34,000 doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and administrative staff to ensure the well-being of Hajj pilgrims.
Additionally, 730 ambulances and seven air ambulances are available for medical help. These vehicles can take patients to any of the 189 hospitals, clinics, or medical centers designated by the ministry. Since June 7th, 180 heart operations have been performed, and dialysis has been provided for over 470 pilgrims. The ministry’s medical services have benefited over 70,000 people to date.
Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, announced on social media that all preparations at the holy sites are complete, and pilgrims will receive warm hospitality. Over 160,000 Pakistani pilgrims have arrived for Hajj this year. In Islam, every adult Muslim who is financially and physically suitable must perform Hajj, as it is one of the five pillars.
