Delivered by Shaykh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid – Imam of Masjid al-Haram
Makkah al-Mukarramah – 9 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH
All praise is due to Allah
The Almighty, the All-Knowing, the Sovereign, the One free from imperfections and faults.
We praise Him for guiding us to the religion of Islam, a religion built upon five mighty pillars.
I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Owner of Majesty and Honour.
And I bear witness that Muhammad ﷺ is His servant and messenger.
May Allah send His finest blessings and peace upon him, his family, his noble companions, and all who follow him.
O People of Iman
Have taqwa of Allah by obeying His commands and avoiding His prohibitions. Indeed, Allah loves the people of taqwa and has promised them a favourable outcome.
Taqwa is the key to all goodness in this world and the hereafter.
Those who have taqwa will be admitted into Paradise, beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein eternally, with purified spouses and Allah’s pleasure.
“And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is taqwa.” (Qur’an 2:197)
Taqwa: Holding Firm to the Religion of Allah
To have taqwa is to cling to Allah’s religion, act upon His law, fear His punishment, and hope for His reward.
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion.” (Qur’an 5:3)
Islam comprises three levels:
1. Islam – outward submission
2. Iman – inner belief
3. Ihsan – excellence in worship
The Prophet ﷺ defined Ihsan as:
“To worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not see Him, know that He sees you.” (Muslim)
The Levels and Branches of Iman
Iman consists of belief in the heart, speech of the tongue, and actions of the limbs. It increases with obedience and decreases with disobedience.
It has over 70 branches. The highest is:
“La ilaha illallah” – None has the right to be worshipped except Allah.
The lowest is removing harm from the path.
Among its branches are truthfulness, honouring contracts, maintaining family ties, good character, dutifulness to parents, and modesty.
Fulfil All Obligations to Others
“Tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Shaytan sows discord among them.” (Qur’an 17:53)
Do good in return for wrongs; it may transform enmity into friendship. But only those with patience and a great reward will attain this.
The Six Pillars of Iman
1. Belief in Allah – Lord, Creator, Sustainer, and Disposer of affairs.
“Indeed, your Lord is Allah who created the heavens and the earth in six days…” (Qur’an 7:54)
2. Belief in the Angels – who glorify their Lord and seek forgiveness for the believers.
3. Belief in the Divine Books – including the Tawrah, Injil, and the Qur’an, which confirms and supersedes them.
4. Belief in the Messengers – all of whom were sent with clear proofs.
5. Belief in the Last Day – Day of Resurrection, Reckoning, Paradise, and Hellfire.
6. Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar) – the good and what is perceived as evil, all written in the Preserved Tablet.
“Indeed, all things We created with Qadar.” (Qur’an 54:49)
The Five Pillars of Islam
1. Testimony of Faith
“There is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger.”
2. Establishment of Salah
“Indeed, prayer prevents immorality and wrongdoing.” (Qur’an 29:45)
3. Giving of Zakah
Purifies wealth, addresses poverty, builds social cohesion, and spreads generosity.
4. Fasting in Ramadan
“Fasting has been prescribed for you… that you may attain taqwa.” (Qur’an 2:183)
5. Hajj to the Sacred House
“Complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for Allah.” (Qur’an 2:196)
Comply with Hajj Guidelines
The leadership of Saudi Arabia offers great service to the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims. Pilgrims must cooperate and respect regulations for their own benefit and the ease of others.
The Practice of the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Arafah
After delivering the khutbah, the Prophet ﷺ prayed Dhuhr and Asr combined and shortened, remained at Arafah until sunset, then proceeded to Muzdalifah, where he combined Maghrib and Isha, stayed until Fajr, and remembered Allah until the sky brightened.
Arafah: A Day of Du‘a and Divine Mercy
“Call upon Me and I will respond to you.” (Qur’an 40:60)
Today is the day when Allah frees many souls from the Hellfire, draws near, and boasts of His servants to the angels.
So increase in remembrance and du‘a:
Supplication
O Allah, forgive our sins, ease our affairs, rectify our offspring, admit us into Paradise, and protect us from Hellfire.
Accept our Hajj, increase us in gratitude and obedience. Unite the hearts of the Muslims. Aid the oppressed and feed the hungry, especially in Palestine.
Grant success to Muslim leaders. Bless King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their service to Islam.
“Exalted is your Lord, the Lord of Might, above what they describe. Peace be upon the Messengers. And all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.” (Qur’an 37:180–182)
