Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, delivered the 2025 Hajj sermon at Masjid Namirah in the plains of Arafat, addressing millions of pilgrims gathered for the sacred ritual.
In his powerful and wide-ranging sermon, Sheikh Dr. Humaid emphasized the foundational principles of Islam—faith, worship, ethics, and social conduct—urging Muslims to embody taqwa (God-consciousness), patience, gratitude, and unwavering devotion to Allah.
He warned against religious innovations (bid’ah), gossip (gheebah), and succumbing to the whispers of Satan, reminding the faithful to hold fast to the original teachings of Islam.
Highlighting the core pillars of Islam—prayer (salah), fasting (sawm), charity (zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj)—he explained their deeper spiritual and communal significance. Prayer, he noted, connects believers directly to Allah and strengthens unity in society, while zakat supports the vulnerable and fosters compassion.
The sermon also underscored Islamic social values, as Sheikh Humaid called on Muslims to show kindness to parents, orphans, the poor, and neighbors. He urged honesty, modesty, and faithfulness in word and deed, stressing that confronting evil with good can turn foes into friends.
He firmly declared that worship is reserved for Allah alone—neither prophets nor saints are worthy of divine worship. He affirmed that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent as a mercy to the world, and belief in all prophets remains a key tenet of Islam.
Calling for taqwa, Sheikh Humaid encouraged Muslims to fear Allah, remain patient in trials, and seek His help through prayer and supplication. He said success in this life and the Hereafter is rooted in faith and God-consciousness, which leads to blessings in both realms.
In a moving dua (supplication), he prayed:
“O Allah, guide our leaders and grant them strength against their enemies and Yours. Provide food for the hungry, and protect the vulnerable. Support our oppressed brothers in Palestine. Grant us patience, gratitude, and sincerity in worship.”
He also thanked the Saudi leadership for their continued efforts to serve pilgrims and facilitate the Hajj experience, acknowledging the enormous logistical undertaking required to manage such a gathering.
Reminding pilgrims of the spiritual magnitude of the occasion, Sheikh Humaid said that Hajj is a powerful reflection of the Day of Judgment and a reminder of life’s ultimate purpose. He concluded by affirming that Allah had perfected the religion on this day and chosen Islam as the final divine path for humanity.
Hajj 2025 Commences with Over 2 Million Pilgrims
The annual Hajj pilgrimage is now underway, with nearly two million Muslims converging in Mina’s expansive tent city to begin the sacred rites.
Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are physically and financially able. The city of Makkah echoes with the unified chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” as pilgrims begin their journey of faith.
This year, 88,301 Pakistanis are performing Hajj under the government scheme, while another 27,012 are participating through private operators. Pilgrims have been transported to Mina from accommodations in Aziziyah, Naseem, and Batha Quraish.
As the pilgrimage unfolds, the Hajj sermon serves as a spiritual anchor, reminding Muslims of their faith, responsibilities, and the unity of the Ummah.
