Saudi Gazette report

ARAFAT — Pilgrims gathered at Namira Mosque in Arafat on Thursday to perform Dhuhr and Asr prayers in congregation, following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), amid flawless security arrangements and integrated services.

Delivering the Arafat Day sermon, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid, imam of the Makkah Grand Mosque, called for piety and adherence to the religion that was perfected on this day. He emphasized the values of family ties, truthfulness, moral conduct, and the spiritual essence of prayer, noting that these are integral components of true faith.

He stressed that acknowledging Prophet Muhammad as the final messenger necessitates obedience to his teachings, alignment with his path, and rejection of religious innovations. He added that prayer not only connects the believer to Allah but also instills discipline, self-purification, and spiritual mindfulness.

The sermon also praised the efforts of the Saudi leadership in serving pilgrims, ensuring their safety, and enabling them to perform their rituals in peace. Sheikh Bin Humaid urged all pilgrims to adhere to Hajj regulations as a religious and moral duty that ensures cooperation, safety, and order.

Namira Mosque, one of the most prominent religious landmarks in Arafat, hosted tens of thousands of pilgrims. The mosque, originally built during the Abbasid era and massively expanded under Saudi rule, spans over 110,000 square meters and accommodates more than 350,000 worshippers. It features six minarets, three domes, and 10 main entrances with 64 doors.

This year, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs installed 19 new shades in the mosque’s rear courtyard to lower heat by up to 10°C, applied reflective coating on the ground, and activated 117 misting fans. A smart ventilation and air-conditioning system was also deployed, capable of renewing air at 100 percent capacity twice per hour, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for pilgrims.