* Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi preaches unity, mutual support in Arafat sermon
Nigerian pilgrims joined over 1.7 million Muslims from across the world on Tuesday as they gathered on the plains of Arafat, marking the spiritual peak of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
The moment of wuqoof (standing at Arafat), one of the core pillars of Hajj, began in the afternoon after pilgrims, including over 50,000 from Nigeria, ascended the sacred plains earlier in the day from Mina.
Sheikh Ali bin Abdulrahman Al-Hudhaifi, Imam and Khateeb of the Prophet’s Mosque, delivered the Arafat sermon at Masjid Namira, describing Hajj as a divine institution that erases divisions of race, language, and nationality while strengthening unity, compassion, and mutual support among Muslims.
“As the pilgrims perform rites of Hajj, distinctions of language, race, and nationality fade away, and they stand together as loving brothers in faith,” he said, noting that Hajj embodies sincerity, righteousness, and moral excellence.
Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi emphasized that Hajj is a fundamental pillar of Islam rooted in absolute monotheism and submission to Allah. “A proper pilgrimage requires excellent conduct, truthful speech, and the avoidance of sins, disputes, and partisan or political slogans,” he said.
Nigerian pilgrims, alongside others from around the world, listened to the sermon and joined the combined Dhuhr and Asr prayers led by Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi, following the prophetic tradition of shortening and combining the prayers with one adhan and two iqamas.
Muslim News gathered that the Arafat sermon translation initiative reportedly reached a global audience of up to one billion people through live broadcasts in 35 languages, including Hausa and Yoruba, enabling Nigerian pilgrims to better understand the Khutbah in their mother tongues.
The General Authority for Statistics announced that the total number of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj reached 1,707,301 male and female pilgrim
Following the sermon, pilgrims moved into the main phase of wuqoof, spending the day in prayer, supplication, and Qur’anic recitation under intense heat, while many remained under their tents in devotion as the spiritual observance continued at the time of filing this report.
Many were seen sheltering under umbrellas as they ascended Jabal Al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), chanting Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik in unison.
The vast plain of Arafat, spanning about 10.4 square kilometres, became a sea of white garments as male pilgrims donned ihram while female pilgrims in modest attire stood shoulder to shoulder in devotion and humility.
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), under the leadership of Amb. Yusuf Abba Ismaila, is currently organizing prayers for Nigerian pilgrims at the Arafat Tent, with Ulamah and other key stakeholders in attendance, as part of coordinated spiritual support for the contingent.
After a night in Mina during Yaum Al-Tarwiyah (Monday), pilgrims, including Nigerians, had earlier moved in large numbers to Arafat using buses, the Mashair train, and other transport systems, as Saudi authorities coordinated a smooth and tightly managed movement operation.
Security, medical, and logistical teams were deployed along all routes, while cooling stations and water distribution points helped ease the impact of soaring temperatures.
Saudi authorities said the operation from Mina to Arafat was successfully executed under multi-agency coordination, ensuring safety and comfort for all pilgrims.
Pilgrims will remain in Arafat until sunset in continuous remembrance of Allah before proceeding to Muzdalifah for the next stage of the pilgrimage, where they will perform Maghrib and Isha prayers and spend the night in worship.
Meanwhile, Muslims in different parts of the world, including Nigeria, are observing voluntary fasting on Arafat Day as an act of devotion and solidarity with pilgrims performing Hajj in the Holy Land.
The celebration of Eid al-Adha will follow on Wednesday, when Muslims are expected to observe the Eid prayers and carry out the sacrificial offering, while pilgrims in Makkah proceed with the remaining stages of the Hajj pilgrimage.
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