In a significant development ahead of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has officially named Sheikh Dr. Salih bin Abdullah bin Humaid to lead the annual Day of Arafah sermon. The revered Islamic scholar is expected to address millions of worshippers at the historic Masjid Al-Namirah in the plains of Arafat on Thursday, June 5, 2025, corresponding to 9 Dhuʻl-Hijjah 1446 AH, as per the Umm al-Qura calendar.
Dr. Salih bin Humaid is no stranger to the pulpit. A distinguished figure within Saudi Arabia’s religious hierarchy, he is a senior member of the Kingdom’s Council of Senior Scholars and previously served as an Imam at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. His selection to deliver the sermon underscores both his deep-rooted authority in Islamic jurisprudence and his longstanding service in the spiritual and judicial realms of the Kingdom. Known for his eloquence, scholarship, and balanced religious insight, Dr. Humaid commands widespread respect across the Muslim world.
The Day of Arafah sermon, referred to as Khutbah Arafah, is considered one of the most spiritually profound events in Islam. Delivered on the second day of Hajj, it serves as a moment of intense reflection, divine guidance, and unity for the Muslim ummah. It echoes the farewell sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which was delivered in the same sacred location over 1,400 years ago. This annual address not only sets the spiritual tone for pilgrims gathered in Arafat but also reaches a vast global audience.
In line with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enhance access to religious knowledge and enrich the Hajj experience for Muslims worldwide, this year’s sermon will be broadcast live and translated into 20 different languages. This initiative is part of the Kingdom’s broader vision to ensure inclusivity and spiritual enrichment for the millions who may not be physically present but wish to partake in the experience remotely.
Masjid Al-Namirah, where the sermon will be delivered, holds special importance in Islamic history. Located at the edge of Mount Arafat, the mosque becomes a focal point of devotion on this day, drawing pilgrims who stand in supplication from noon until sunset. The khutbah serves not only as a sermon but as a collective reminder of the values of faith, patience, humility, and unity.
As the Hajj season approaches, anticipation is building within the global Muslim community. The selection of Sheikh Dr. Salih bin Humaid, a scholar with a reputation for clarity, wisdom, and spiritual depth, is seen as a strong affirmation of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to upholding the sanctity and significance of the pilgrimage. For many, the Day of Arafah remains the heart of the Hajj journey, and with Dr. Humaid at the helm, the 2025 sermon promises to be both spiritually enriching and historically resonant.
