Makkah al-Mukarramah, June 5, 2025 — In a deeply moving Hajj sermon delivered at Mount Arafat, Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, the Imam of Makkah’s Grand Mosque, offered heartfelt prayers for the people of Palestine, calling upon the global Muslim community to stand in solidarity with the oppressed and to uphold justice through faith and compassion.
Addressing around 1.5 million pilgrims gathered for Waqoof-e-Arafah, the central rite of Hajj, the Imam prayed for peace in conflict-torn regions and specifically highlighted the suffering of Palestinians, invoking divine mercy and protection for them.
“The faithful must continue to remember their brothers and sisters in Palestine, and all those facing hardship,” he said. “Support them through prayers, zakat, and unwavering unity.”
The Day of Arafat, considered the most sacred day in the Islamic calendar, saw pilgrims standing in prayer and reflection on the plains of Arafat, seeking forgiveness and closeness to Allah. Sheikh Humaid’s sermon emphasized core Islamic values: compassion for orphans and the poor, kindness to parents, honesty, modesty, and fulfilling promises. He reminded worshippers that good and evil are not equal, urging believers to respond to wrongdoing with righteousness.
The Imam also commended the Saudi government for its extensive efforts in ensuring the safety and comfort of pilgrims, particularly in light of the extreme heat. “May Allah reward those who serve His guests with sincerity,” he added.
Saudi authorities, mindful of last year’s tragedy when over 1,300 pilgrims succumbed to heat, implemented major safety measures this year. Pilgrims were urged to stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with shaded areas expanded, misting fans deployed, and ice packs distributed. More than 400 cooling units and thousands of additional medics were stationed across the holy sites.
Despite the soaring temperatures — reaching 42°C — the spirit among pilgrims remained undeterred. Worshippers from across the world recited Quranic verses, raised their hands in prayer, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform the pilgrimage.
“I don’t think about the heat,” said Ahmed, a 44-year-old pilgrim from Egypt. “Standing in Arafat is a great blessing and a beautiful day.”
Ali, a 33-year-old Pakistani pilgrim, shared similar sentiments: “This is something I dreamed of for years. I feel truly blessed to be here.”
Following sunset, pilgrims proceeded to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil, a ritual to be performed in Mina on Friday.
Saudi Arabia has also bolstered security and crowd management through advanced surveillance systems. Over 15,000 AI-enabled cameras are monitoring movement across the holy sites, while unregistered pilgrim entries have been curbed through rigorous enforcement.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, remains a deeply spiritual experience for Muslims worldwide — and this year, it became a powerful platform for collective prayers for Palestine and a call for unity and compassion among the Ummah.
