Mecca: Around 1.5 million pilgrims from across the globe performed Waqoof-e-Arafah, the Rukn-e-Azam of Hajj at Mount Arafat on Thursday. The Day of Arafat is regarded as the most sacred day of the year, where devout participants seek forgiveness for their sins.

According to Radio Pakistan, Imam of Masjid al-Haram Sheikh Dr Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid delivered the Hajj sermon at Arafat. He highlighted the importance of caring for neighbors, showing compassion towards orphans, widows, and the underprivileged, and maintaining kindness toward parents. The Imam encouraged continuous prayer and giving of zakat to support those in need.

Sheikh Dr Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid called upon Muslims to embrace taqwa, patience, gratitude, and consistent worship of Allah. He reinforced the significance of Islam’s fundamental pillars: namaz, fasting, zakat, and Hajj.

The Imam urged Muslims to honor their promises, speak truthfully, and uphold modesty, describing these as essential elements of faith. He stated that good and evil are not equivalent and that responding to wrongs with good could transform adversaries into allies.

Additionally, the Imam prayed for the people of Palestine and expressed gratitude to the Saudi government for facilitating the pilgrimage and ensuring the well-being of the pilgrims. It is important to note that after sunset, pilgrims will proceed to Muzdalifah, located between Arafat and Mina, where they will collect pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil on Friday.