ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia: In the holiest day of the Islamic calendar, standing before a sea of over 1.5 million white-robed pilgrims on the plains of Arafat, the Imam of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi delivered a sermon that transcended language, colour, and nationality.
Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaify did not speak of worldly matters. Instead, from Masjid al-Namirah, he carved a timeless message into the hearts of the faithful: remember your Creator, uphold His oneness, and let this Hajj be a rehearsal for the ultimate gathering, the Day of Judgment.
Full Hajj Khutbah 1447/2026: Khateeb Sheikh Ali Al Hudaify pic.twitter.com/rZ304q3GcG
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With verses that made mothers tremble and sinners weep, he reminded the Muslim ummah that piety alone is their salvation.
The core message: Piety, Oneness, and the Hereafter
Sheikh Al-Hudhaify began with praise for Allah and salutations upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), then anchored his sermon in three unshakable pillars: taqwa (piety), Tawheed (oneness of God), and preparation for the Day of Judgment.
Reciting from Surah Al-Hajj, he described that terrifying moment when “every nursing mother will be distracted from what she was nursing” and “every pregnant woman will drop her load.”
“Observe Taqwa of Allah, for therein lies the salvation of the servant in his Hereafter,” the imam declared.
He stressed that righteous deeds, patience, gratitude, and abandoning sins are the only provisions for the journey ahead, while Tawheed remains Islam’s unbreakable foundation, worshipping Allah alone without partners.
مکمل خطبۂ حج Full Hajj Khutbah 1447/2026: Khateeb Sheikh Ali Al Hudaify pic.twitter.com/BNh0dMoLEB
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A warning against division and slogans
In a pointed and notable passage, Sheikh Al-Hudhaify urged pilgrims to avoid disputes, crowding, pushing, political slogans, and partisan calls. He declared that Hajj is a place of humility and remembrance, not protest or division.
“There is no wrongdoing in Hajj, no disputing, no political slogans or partisan calls, but rather submission to Allah,” he said.
He also reminded worshippers to follow regulations from organizing authorities, especially during movements between Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, and while stoning the Jamarat, to protect lives and ensure smooth rituals.
Unity, brotherhood, and special prayers
The sermon celebrated the extraordinary unity of Hajj: pilgrims from every race and nation gathered in mutual support and harmony. The imam reflected on the farewell pilgrimage of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), including the standing at Arafat, proceeding to Muzdalifah, sacrifice, stoning, and Tawaf.
لبيك اللهم لبيك!
In a majestic scene, the Hajj pilgrims on Jabal Al Rahma in Arafat.#Hajj #Hajj2026 #يوم_عرفة pic.twitter.com/xT5TpbYP9r
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Special prayers were offered for the pilgrims’ acceptance, forgiveness, safety, and for the well-being and unity of Muslims worldwide. The imam also prayed for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, acknowledging their services to pilgrims and the holy sites.
Following the sermon, pilgrims began their journey to Muzdalifah, the open plain between Arafat and Mina, where they will spend the night collecting pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil, scheduled for Wednesday as Hajj continues.
