Hajj sermon urges Muslims to seek ‘mercy’ for Palestinians

Makkah
The Imam-e-Kaaba has urged Muslims around the world to unite and uphold principles of Islam and offered special prayers for Palestinians of Gaza who are facing relentless deadly attacks by Israeli forces.
Imam of Masjid al-Haram and a member of the Saudi Council of Senior Scholars Sheikh Dr Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid in his Hajj 2025 sermon on Thursday urged Muslims to adopt “Taqwa” and keep fearing Allah.
Delivering the Hajj sermon from the pulpit of Masjid al-Namirah near Mount Arafat in Arafat Plain, the Imam called on Muslims to keep praying and paying Zakat to the needy people.
The Imam broke down into tears while offering prayers for the Palestinians, saying, “O the Almighty Allah, have mercy on Muslims who are facing oppression anywhere.”
The Imam urged Muslims to adopt piety, uphold unity, and distance themselves from the whispers of Satan.
The Imam called upon believers to fear Allah and live with taqwa (God-consciousness), reminding them that Shaytan (Satan) remains the eternal enemy of the faithful.
“Satan seeks to mislead Muslims. It is imperative that we resist his deception and stand firm in our faith,” he said.
Highlighting the beauty of Islam, the Imam stressed that Allah has chosen Islam as a religion for the benefit of all humanity, and it is upon Muslims to uphold harmony, brotherhood, and unity among themselves. “Islam calls for compassion, not division,” he emphasised.
In a poignant moment, the Imam said that forgiving one’s enemies is a path to getting closer to Allah. “When a believer forgives his enemy, Allah makes him His friend,” he declared, echoing the Islamic values of mercy and reconciliation.
He said, “O people! Modesty is a part of faith, and fulfilling promises is also a part of faith. Allah has forbidden all His creations from engaging in ‘Haram’ (prohibited) acts, and those nations that disobeyed the commands of the prophets were ultimately disgraced by Allah.”
The Imam said, “O believers, take care of the rights of your neighbours. Show kindness to orphans, the needy, and widows. Treat your parents with respect and goodness.”
He said, “Worship as commanded by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), follow the Shariah, keep the religion before you, worship Allah, and do not associate any partners with Him.”
The Imam said, “Remain steadfast in your faith in Allah and His religion, and complete Hajj and Umrah solely for the sake of Allah. Fasting teaches patience and endurance. Observe the fasts of Ramadan and perform Hajj.”
He said, “Whatever good deeds you do, Allah is fully aware of them. Believe in the Day of Judgement and the Hereafter, when decisions will be made regarding Paradise and Hell. The pleasure of Allah is greater than even Paradise.”
He said, “Every kind of hardship can only be removed by Allah. Good and evil can never be equal.”
Imam Sheikh Dr Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid said, “O believers! Remain connected with your Lord, feed the needy, establish prayer, and give zakat.”
Millions of pilgrims have gathered in Arafat to perform one of the main rituals of Hajj where the Imam delivered the annual Hajj sermon.
Imam-e-Kabba said Allah commands believers to cooperate in righteousness and to adopt piety. The sermon called upon Muslims to treat their parents with kindness and always speak the truth.