Today, on this blessed Saturday, June 15, 2024, millions of Muslims from around the world have gathered in the sacred land of Arafah, Saudi Arabia, for the most important day of the Hajj pilgrimage. Arafah, also known as the Mount of Mercy, is the site where the Messenger of Allah(peace be upon him) delivered his farewell sermon over 1,400 years ago.
As the sun rises over Arafah, the atmosphere is filled with the sound of “Allahumo labbaik- My Lord, here I am”- the chant of the pilgrims, echoing through the valleys and hills. The air is thick with devotion, hope, and gratitude. Muslims from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities have come together, united in their quest for forgiveness, mercy, and spiritual growth.
The experience of being in Arafah is like no other. The sheer scale of the gathering is awe-inspiring, with white-clad pilgrims stretching as far as the eye can see. The sense of unity and brotherhood is palpable, as strangers become friends and neighbours in the pursuit of a shared goal.
As the day progresses, pilgrims will perform the Dhuhr and Asr prayers, followed by the Khutbah. The Khutbah is expected to be delivered by His Eminence Dr. Maher bin Hamad Al Muaiqly at the Namirah Mosque in Arafat, which is the second largest in the Makkah region, after the Grand Mosque. The mosque was built on the same spot where Prophet Muhammad delivered the Arafat sermon during his farewell pilgrimage. Dr. Maher is one of the Imams at the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The sermon today is expected to remind pilgrims of the importance of their faith, the value of sacrifice, and the mercy of Allah. The rest of the day will be spent in supplication, prayer, and reflection, seeking forgiveness and guidance.
In Arafah, Muslims are reminded of the power of faith, the importance of compassion, and the boundless mercy of Allah. It is a day of rebirth, renewal, and redemption. As the sun sets on Arafah, pilgrims will depart, carrying with them the blessings and lessons of this sacred land, to be cherished and shared with the world.
Pilgrims will continue their hajj, as they depart Arafah by sunset to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles that will be used for symbolic stoning of the devil back in Mina.