Grand Mosque Imam urges compassion and solidarity with Palestine in Hajj sermon
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Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, the Imam of Makkah's Grand Mosque, delivered a spiritually charged sermon on Thursday during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, calling for unity, piety, and compassion—while offering heartfelt prayers for the people of Palestine.
The sermon took place at Masjid Namirah in Arafat, where approximately 1.5 million pilgrims from across the globe gathered to perform Waqoof-e-Arafah, the central rite of Hajj. The Day of Arafat is considered the holiest day in the Islamic calendar, a time when believers seek divine forgiveness and draw spiritually closer to God.
In his address, Sheikh Humaid focused on the core themes of Tawheed (the oneness of God), sincere worship, and moral conduct. He reminded Muslims that worship is due to Allah alone and that no prophet or righteous person should be venerated in place of the Creator.
The Imam emphasised Islam's fundamental pillars—prayer (salah), fasting (sawm), almsgiving (zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj)—urging believers to uphold virtues such as patience, modesty, truthfulness, and gratitude. He called for kindness toward parents, neighbours, orphans, widows, and the underprivileged, warning against spiritual and moral dangers including gossip (gheebah), religious innovation (bid'ah), and Satan's deception.
'Good and evil are not the same,' he said. 'Responding to harm with goodness can turn enemies into friends.'
The Imam also reaffirmed belief in all prophets, emphasising that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent as a mercy to all of humanity, with his coming foretold in earlier scriptures.
In a poignant moment, Sheikh Humaid prayed for the suffering people of Palestine, calling on Muslims to support the oppressed, feed the hungry, and give generously in alms. His words come amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the region.
Expressing deep appreciation to the Saudi leadership, the Imam commended the Kingdom's efforts in organising and facilitating the pilgrimage for millions of worshippers.
Following the sermon, pilgrims began their journey to Muzdalifah, situated between Arafat and Mina, where they will spend the night collecting pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil—scheduled for Friday, as the Hajj continues.
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