Imam-e-Kaaba Prays for Palestine & Urges Unity in Hajj 2025 Sermon

On the holiest day of the year, the Day of Arafat, approximately 1.5 million pilgrims from across the globe converged on Mount Arafat to perform Waqoof-e-Arafah, the central rite of Hajj. At this pivotal moment of spiritual reflection and divine forgiveness, Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, the revered Imam of Makkah’s Grand Mosque, delivered the momentous Hajj sermon, offering a poignant prayer for the people of Palestine.

From the sacred plains, the Imam-e-Kaaba’s sermon resonated with profound themes of Islamic teachings. He passionately emphasized the paramount importance of neighborly care, extending compassion to orphans, widows, and the underprivileged. He urged kindness toward parents, reminded Muslims to consistently pray and give zakat (alms) to support those in need, and called for the cultivation of piety, gratitude, and unwavering worship of Allah. Sheikh Humaid meticulously underscored the fundamental pillars of Islam and reminded the faithful to honor their promises, speak the truth, and uphold modesty, describing these virtues as integral components of true faith. He also highlighted that good and evil are not equal, stressing that responding to wrongs with good can remarkably transform adversaries into close companions. The Imam concluded by expressing deep gratitude to the Saudi government for its immense efforts in facilitating the pilgrimage and diligently caring for the pilgrims.

As the sun blazed with temperatures reaching 42°C (107.6°F), pilgrims bravely engaged in their prayers, largely adhering to official warnings to avoid direct sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM, a crucial measure following last year’s tragic heat-related fatalities. Saudi authorities have implemented extensive measures to mitigate heat risks, expanding shaded areas by 50,000 square meters, deploying thousands of medics, and installing over 400 cooling units. Icepacks were distributed, and mist-spraying fans cooled the foot of Mount Arafat, with officials guiding pilgrims away if they lingered too long in unshaded spots. Despite the challenging conditions, pilgrims expressed overwhelming joy and a profound sense of blessing at being able to fulfill this sacred pillar of Islam.

After sunset, the spiritual journey continued as pilgrims began their movement towards Muzdalifah, located halfway between Arafat and Mina’s vast tent city. Here, they will gather pebbles for Friday’s symbolic “stoning of the devil,” marking the next significant ritual of Hajj.

Beyond heat management, Saudi Arabia has deployed an arsenal of high-tech tools to ensure pilgrim safety and smooth crowd management. Over 15,000 AI-powered cameras monitor the holy sites and walkways, providing real-time data to prevent overcrowding and address potential incidents. Officials have also rigorously cracked down on unregistered pilgrims, utilizing raids, drone surveillance, and widespread text alerts, successfully preventing overcrowding at holy sites thus far. While Hajj permits are quota-based, the high costs often lead some to attempt the pilgrimage without authorization, risking arrest and deportation. Saudi Arabia generates billions annually from Hajj and Umrah, underscoring the immense logistical and economic scale of this annual event.