Pilgrims flocked to Namirah Mosque in the Holy Site of Arafat earlier today to perform Dhuhr (Noon) and Asr (Afternoon) prayers and listen to the Arafah sermon, amid health protocols, precautionary measures and integrated services being provided by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud so that the pilgrims perform their Hajj rituals in a safe and secure manner. The pilgrims took their places in the 110,000 square-meter mosque with commitment to distancing. Member of the Council of Senior Scholars and Advisor at the Royal Court Sheikh Abdullah bin Suleiman Al-Manea delivered, before the prayers, Arafh sermon. Following is Arafah sermon: All praise is due to Allaah, the Continually Pardoning, Continually Forgiving, and the Almighty who overpowers all else. He decrees events of many types so that the righteous may be distinguished from the impious. He bestows much goodness and innumerable blessings upon His servants, though there may be some occasions when difficulties occur based on Allaah's wisdom and in order to bring about major advantages for people. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah. He is completely unique, He knows all that is concealed, and He regulates all matters that occur throughout every night and day. I further testify that Muhammad is Allaah's worshipping servant and chosen Messenger. The Lord of all creation described him by telling mankind, ((There has indeed come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. He is grieved by any suffering you may experience. He is concerned about you, and is kind and merciful to the people of eemaan [i.e. those who have sound beliefs and perform righteous deeds])) [9:128]. May Allaah grant commendation to His Messenger, as well as to the Messenger's family, his righteous Companions, and his followers who set the greatest of precedents in extending goodness and spreading the truth. Dear Muslims, I counsel all of you - as well as myself - to observe taqwaa of Allaah [by fulfilling His commands and avoiding His prohibitions]. Observing taqwaa is the instruction that Allaah gave all former and latter generations. Allaah, who is perfect in every way, said, ((We most certainly commanded the people of the scriptures prior to you, as well as you yourselves, to observe taqwaa of Allaah. However, if you refuse to accept the truth from Allaah, you will not harm Him in any way. Rather, you will only be harming yourselves since everything in the heavens and everything in the Earth belongs to Allaah alone. Allaah is self-sufficient, free of all needs, and He is always worthy of all praise)) [4:131]. Observing taqwaa leads to blessings descending to us, and trials being averted from us. Allaah, the Most Exalted, said, ((When a person observes taqwaa, Allaah will facilitate matters for him)) [65:4]. Observing taqwaa entails obeying Allaah and abstaining from disobeying Him. --More 13:25 LOCAL TIME 10:25 GMT 0006 www.spa.gov.sa/2115830
