Makkah Al-Mukarramah, May 26,2026: Imam of the Prophet’s Mosque (Kabatullah) Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaifi on Tuesday called for unity among Muslims and prayed for improved conditions across the Muslim world while delivering the annual Haj sermon at Masjid-i-Namirah.
Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gathered at Mount Arafat under intense desert heat, with temperatures nearing 40°C, to perform the central rite of Haj.
Concluding his sermon with an emotional supplication, Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi prayed for acceptance of the pilgrims’ worship and for peace and unity in the Muslim world.
“Oh God, improve the conditions of Muslims, create unity among them, and set them on the path of the truth,” he said, according to a televised Urdu translation.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi stressed that Haj is a fundamental pillar of Islam founded on absolute monotheism and complete submission to Allah.
He said the pilgrimage serves as a powerful symbol of harmony, cooperation, and unity among Muslims regardless of nationality or background.
The imam also highlighted the importance of piety (taqwa), sincerity, and adherence to the core teachings of Islam, while warning against division, hatred, gossip, and sectarian or political slogans during pilgrimage rituals.
“Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi noted that a proper pilgrimage requires excellent conduct, truthful speech, and the avoidance of sins and disputes,” SPA reported.
The sermon further emphasized that true honour lies in righteousness and devotion to the oneness of Allah (Tawhid), while cautioning against shirk, or associating partners with Allah.
State-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported that the imam urged Muslims to strengthen brotherhood, patience, and mutual respect.
From early morning, pilgrims dressed in white garments gathered on the rocky plains of Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his farewell sermon nearly 1,400 years ago.
Following the sermon, pilgrims combined and shortened the Zuhr and Asr prayers in accordance with the Sunnah.
Several senior Saudi officials attended the congregation, including Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz and Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Al-Fawzan.
SPA described Masjid-i-Namirah as one of the most significant Islamic landmarks associated with the Prophet’s farewell sermon. Located north of Arafat, around 22 kilometres from the Grand Mosque, it is regarded as the second-largest mosque in the holy sites area.
Earlier, the Makkah General Transport Centre announced that the transfer of pilgrims to Arafat was completed at 7:56am — nearly two hours earlier than last year’s Haj operations.
After sunset, pilgrims will proceed to Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night and collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual at Mina beginning Wednesday.
