ISLAMABAD: During the pinnacle of the Haj pilgrimage on Thursday, Sheikh Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Imam and Khateeb of the Grand Mosque, delivered a powerful sermon from Masjid-i-Nimrah on Mount Arafat, emphasizing the unity of the Muslim Ummah and making a heartfelt prayer for the people of Palestine.
Addressing over 1.6 million pilgrims, he called upon Muslims worldwide to embody the true values of Islam—faith, humility, and devotion to Allah.
In his supplication, the imam asked for divine mercy and protection for Palestinians, praying, “Oh Allah, take care of our brothers and sisters in Palestine. Feed the hungry among them, shelter the displaced.
Grant security to the fearful and protect them from their enemies.” His message resonated strongly as pilgrims stood in prayer on Mount Arafat, marking the most spiritually significant moment of the pilgrimage.
Braving the Heat for Spiritual Fulfillment
Despite temperatures soaring to 42°C, pilgrims stood for hours on the rocky plains of Arafat, reciting verses from the Quran in a scene of spiritual unity.
Saudi officials advised pilgrims to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours and distributed icepacks to help them cope with the extreme heat. Misting fans were installed at the base of the hill, and medical teams were on standby to assist those affected by the weather.
Journey Toward Muzdalifah
As the day progressed, pilgrims began moving toward Muzdalifah, where they would collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina.
Many expressed joy at being able to fulfill the lifelong dream of performing Haj. “Standing in Arafat is a beautiful experience,” said one pilgrim from Egypt. Another from Pakistan said he felt blessed to witness in person what he had only seen on television for years.
