Pray for Palestinians, Grand Imam urges faithful

ARAFAT: Delivering the annual Haj sermon at Masjid-e-Nimrah here, the Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque Sheikh Dr Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid Thursday prayed for the people of Palestine and urged the Muslims around the world to uphold the true essence of Islam through faith, humility and sincere devotion to Allah.

Sheikh Humaid highlighted Islam’s core principles, underscoring the importance of monotheism, compassion, moral conduct and social justice, reports Geo News.

The Grand Mosque sheikh called on the believers to strengthen their connection with Allah through constant remembrance, heartfelt prayers and righteous deeds, especially on this sacred day known for divine mercy and acceptance of supplications.

“The Day of Arafah is not only a symbol of unity for the Ummah but also a reminder of our collective submission to the Creator. On this day, Allah Almighty’s mercy descends abundantly, and prayers are answered. Let us fill our hearts with gratitude and our tongues with His praise,” he said.

Senior Saudi officials attended the sermon, including Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and Deputy Chairman of the Central Haj Committee; Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and President of the Council of Senior Scholars; Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance; and Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Haj and Umrah.

The sermon marked a spiritual high point of Haj 2025, as pilgrims stood in prayer at the plains of Arafat -- a ritual that embodies both the physical and spiritual climax of the pilgrimage, reflecting the unity, equality, and humility of Muslims before their Creator.

The faithful prayed on Mount Arafat in the high point of pilgrimage as authorities urged them to avoid the hottest hours of the day after tragedy struck last year.

Thousands of pilgrims recited Quranic verses from dawn on the 70-metre (230 feet) rocky rise near Makkah, where Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) had given his last sermon. However, the numbers thinned by midday following official warnings for pilgrims to stay inside between 10am and 4pm, a year after 1,301 people died in temperatures that hit 51.8 degrees Celsius.