The Member of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Prof. Yusuf bin Mo?ammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saeed, delivered today Arafah sermon at Namirah Mosque in the Holy Site of Arafat.
Following is the full text of Arafah sermon:
In the name of Allah, the Immensely Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy
All praise belongs to Allaah, the Almighty, the One who bestows abundantly. He made unity a cause for salvation, and division a cause for punishment. He, the Absolutely Perfect, commanded that our ranks be united, and our word be one, as a cohesive alliance, and made forbidden everything that leads to discords and divisions.
I testify that none deserves to be worshipped in truth except Allaah alone, in whom we place our hopes and whom we fear. He, the Exalted stated, "And your deity is One Deity, none deserves to be worshipped but He, the Immensely Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy." [al-Baqarah:163]
I further testify that Muhammad is Allaah's worshipping servant and messenger, who commanded his followers to be united and cooperative, and prohibited them from discords and conflicts. Thus, through him, Allaah has united his followers' hearts, and rectified their affairs and ordered him to convey His message and fulfil the trust. He stated, "Say, 'O people! I am indeed the Messenger of Allaah sent to you all. He is the owner of the heavens and the Earth. None deserves to be worshipped but Him alone, the One who grants life and death." [al-A'raaf: 158]. May Allaah send his salaat and salaam upon him, his family, his companions and his followers.
To proceed, O Muslims,
Observe taqwaa of Allaah by obeying Him and adhering to His legislation and being mindful of His boundaries so that you may become among the righteous, rectifying servants who attain victory in this world and the hereafter. Allaah, the Exalted stated, "Those are the boundaries set by Allaah. And whoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger, He will admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding eternally therein. And that is the great attainment. [an-Nisaa':13]
Among the features of being mindful of Allaah's boundaries is to not divert any aspect of worship to other than Allaah. He, the Exalted stated, "Verily, the judgment is for none but Allaah, He has commanded that you worship none but Him. That is the upright religion, but most people do not know. [Yoosuf:40]
Thus, it is only the people of tawheed [those who worship Allaah alone] that are rightly guided, who attain salvation and a praiseworthy end. He, the Exalted stated, "We have certainly sent to every nation a messenger, [who proclaimed to them] worship Allaah alone, and shun every taaghoot [false deity]. Some among them Allaah guided, and others deserved to be left in misguidance. Thus, travel throughout Earth and see what was the outcome of those who disbelieved and rejected [their messengers]. Also, Allaah stated, while affirming the testimony of tawheed, that none deserves to be worshipped in truth except Allaah, "Do not invoke another deity with Allaah. None deserves to be worshipped but He. Everything shall perish except His face. To Him belongs the judgment and to Him you will all be returned." [al-Qasas:88].
Likewise, He affirmed the testimony of messengership for His prophet Muhammad (may Allaah's salaat and salaam be upon him) in His saying, "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah." [al-Fath:29] and His saying, "Muhammad is not the father of any man among you; however, he is the Messenger of Allaah and the seal of all prophets. Indeed, Allaah is well-acquainted with everything." [al-Ahzaab:40]
This testimony necessitates that we believe in what he informs us of, obey his commands, avoid his prohibitions and that we do not worship Allaah except through what he came with. Among the matters that he came with is the five daily prayers that are to be performed throughout the day and night. Likewise, giving the obligatory Zakaat, where the wealthy contribute a small portion of their wealth as a means of support and solidarity with their less fortunate brothers and sisters, and as a contribution to the general welfare. Allaah, the Exalted, stated, "And establish prayer and give Zakaat." [al-Baqarah:43]
Also, among the matters that Allaah commanded with is fasting the month of Ramadaan. Allaah, the Exalted, stated, "Whoever among you witnesses the month, they are to fast it." [al-Baqarah:185] Likewise, performing Hajj to the Sacred House of Allaah. Allaah, the Exalted, stated, ""And Hajj to the House (Ka'bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, obligated upon those who have the ability to undertake its journey." [Aal-'Imraan:97]
The aforementioned are the pillars of Islam, as the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah's salaat and salaam be upon him) said, "Islam is to testify that none deserves to be worshipped in truth except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; to establish prayer, to give Zakaat, to fast Ramadaan, and to perform Hajj to the Sacred House if one has the ability." Likewise, he said, "Eemaan is to believe in Allaah, His angels, His books, His messengers; to believe in the Last Day, and the Qadr (His divine decree), the good of it and the bad. As for Ihsaan, it is to worship Allaah as though you see Him, and even though you cannot see Him, He certainly sees you."
O people of Eemaan, O Hajj pilgrims to the Sacred House of Allaah,
The sermon of the Prophet (may Allaah's salaat and salaam be upon him) comprised the following words, "O people! Indeed, your Lord is One. Your father (Aadam) is one. No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab. Similarly, no white person is superior to a black person, nor is a black person superior to a white person, except by taqwaa. I have certainly conveyed the message. Indeed, Allaah has made inviolable between yourselves your blood, your wealth, your honour just as He has made this day of yours inviolable, in this inviolable land of yours and in this inviolable month of yours." (Collected by Ahmad with an authentic chain).
Therefore, the difference in languages, colours and ethnicities does not justify falling into discords and divisions. Rather, it is a sign from the signs of Allaah in this universe, as Allaah, the Exalted stated, "Among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the Earth, and the diversity of your languages and your colours. Indeed, in that are signs for those who possess knowledge." [ar-Roum:22]
Additionally, the Islamic texts emphasise the command for unity, love, harmony, and prohibit disputes, divisions, and differing. Allaah, the Exalted stated, "And hold firmly to the rope of Allaah all together and do not become be divided. And remember the favour of Allaah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favour, brothers." [Aal-'Imraan:103]
Moreover, the Prophet (may Allaah's salaat and salaam be upon him) said, "Allaah is pleased for you to worship Him alone and not ascribe any partners to Him; and that you hold firmly to the rope of Allaah all together and do not become divided."
For this reason, Allaah reminds His prophet (may Allaah's salaat and salaam be upon him) of His favour upon him when He made his companions unite around him. Allaah stated, "Then indeed, Allaah is sufficient for you. He is the one who aided you with His support and through the people of eemaan. He has united their hearts. If you had spent all that is on Earth, you could not have united their hearts; however, Allaah has united them. Indeed, He is the Almighty, the Most Wise." [al-Anfaal:62-63]
Furthermore, Allaah forbade us from becoming divided in His statement, "Do not be like those who became divided and differed after clear proofs had come to them. For them is a great punishment." [Aal 'Imraan:105] That is because religious and worldly affairs can only function if our word is unified, leading to mutual interests being realised and harm eliminated. Through this unity, cooperation is established based on piety and taqwaa. Likewise, through it, truth triumphs and falsehood is defeated, enemies are infuriated, and the efforts of the envious and malicious schemers are thwarted.
However, when unity is broken, personal whims and animosities prevail, and intentions become conflicting, resulting in the shedding of forbidden blood. Moreover, inviolable wealth becomes unlawfully permissible, and sanctities are violated, making it difficult for nations to progress in life or to adhere to acts of obedience. Hence, the Prophet (may Allaah's salaat and salaam be upon him), said, "The example of people of eemaan in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a single body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever." He also said, "A person of eemaan to his fellow person of eemaan is like a building whose different parts enforce each other."
Additionally, the Hand of Allaah is with the Jamaa'ah [main body of Muslims], and the shaytaan is with those who separate themselves from the Jamaa'ah. The significance of unity becomes apparent through the negative consequences of division and differing, affecting individuals, families, and societies. Allaah, the Exalted, affirms in the Qur'an, "Verily, those who dispute concerning the Scripture are in extreme dissension, far from the truth." [al-Baqarah:176]
From this standpoint, Islam has implemented appropriate preventative measures and robust defensive strategies to halt the influence of destructive intentions and acts of sabotage - that aim to tear apart communities - by erecting a resilient barrier that inhibits the disintegration of its structure and the destabilisation of its pillars, at the individual, familial, societal, national, and even global levels.
Also from this standpoint, Allaah commanded the Muslims, in times of dispute, to return back to the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Allaah, the Exalted, stated, "If you differ in anything among yourselves, refer it back to Allaah and His Messenger, if you have eemaan in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination." [an-Nisaa:59]. Likewise, He stated, "Any matter you disagree in, its ruling is [to be referred] back to Allaah. That is Allaah, my Lord, upon Him alone I have relied, and to Him I repent." [ash-Shooraa:10]. Similarly, He stated, "We have not revealed to you the Book, [O Muhammad], except for you to make clear to them what they have differed in, and as guidance and mercy for people who have eemaan." [an-Nahl:64]
In addition, Allaah has commanded them to maintain good conduct, interact with one another in an exemplary manner, and demonstrate compassion and mercy towards one another. Allaah, the Exalted, stated, "Thus, by mercy from Allaah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And had you been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have certainly dispersed from around you. Therefore, pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter." [Aal-'Imraan:159]
Allaah also encourages them to embody the virtues of patience and forgiveness when it comes to people's mistakes. He, the Exalted, stated, "Obey Allaah and His Messenger and do not dispute, lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient. Indeed, Allaah is with the patient." [al-Anfaal:46]. Furthermore, He stated, "Hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden that is as wide as the heavens and the Earth, prepared for the people of taqwaa. Those who spend from their wealth during times of prosperity and hardship, and those who restrain their anger and those who pardon people - and Allaah loves the people of ihsaan." [Aal-'Imraan:133-134].
In order to achieve the objective of unifying our word, Islam has emphasised the importance of strengthening social, familial, and spiritual bonds. It commanded us to uphold ties of kinship, and clarified the rights of spouses, parents, children, and daughters.
Likewise, it commanded us to show kindness and goodness to relatives, neighbours, and the needy. Allaah, the Exalted stated, "Worship Allaah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbour, the neighbour farther away, the companion at your side, the traveller, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allaah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful." [an-Nisaa:36]. Similarly, the hadeeth says, "None of you has complete eemaan until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."
Islam also commands us to cooperate with each other in righteousness and taqwaa, as Allaah, the Exalted, stated, "Cooperate in righteousness and taqwaa, and do not cooperate in sin and transgression." [al-Maa'idah:2]. It also forbids us from engaging in evil and offensive speech, Allaah stated, "Tell My worshipping servants to say that which is best. Indeed, shaytaan encourages dissension among them. Indeed, shaytaan is ever, to mankind, a clear enemy. [al-Israa:35]
Moreover, Islam forbade us from following rumours and disinformation that aim to divide our ranks. Allaah, the Exalted, stated, "O people of eemaan, if there comes to you a disobedient person with information, verify it, lest you harm anyone out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful." [al-Hujuraat:6]
From this standpoint, people of eemaan are cautioned against malicious campaigns in all their forms and methods, aimed at dividing their ranks and inciting one group against another. Allaah has prescribed several collective acts of obedience, such as your gathering today on the plains of Arafaat and your congregational prayers on Fridays. One of the means to foster unity is the social solidarity mandated by Islam, which includes the payment of Zakaat and other charitable contributions, establishment of trusts, and giving of voluntary alms. In support of this, Allaah, the Exalted, stated, "O people of eemaan, spend from that which We have provided for you before a day arrives where there will be no buying or selling, nor companionship or intercession. Indeed, the disbelievers, they are the wrongdoers." [al-Baqarah:254].
For this reason, Islam came to remind those who are in conflict with their brothers to reconcile and encourage them towards rectification in times of disputes. Allaah, the Exalted stated, "The people of eemaan are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and observe taqwaa of Allaah so that you may receive mercy." [al-Hujuraat:10]. It is obligatory upon Muslims to raise their children with a serious upbringing that fosters unity. Allaah the Exalted, stated, "Indeed, this is your Ummah, and it is one Ummah, and I am your Lord, so worship Me alone." [al-Anbiyaa:92] And He stated, "Indeed, this is My straight path, so follow it and do not follow other ways, for they will lead you away from His way. This is what He has enjoined upon you so that you may attain taqwaa." [al-An'aam:153]
Additionally, an emphasis was placed on the obligation of hearing and obeying the rulers and those in authority in order to achieve the unity of our word. Allaah, the Exalted, stated, "O people of eemaan, obey Allaah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you." [an-Nisaa:59]. It is authentically reported that the Prophet (may Allaah's salaat and salaam be upon him) said, "It is obligatory upon Muslims to listen and obey their rulers in matters that they love or dislike, as long as they are not commanded to commit a sin." Included in this is the unification of hearts upon them (the rulers), encouraging people to obey them, and cooperating with them to improve the conditions of the people and their lands. It also involves supplicating for them. Undoubtedly, we are commanded to be united and prohibited from being divided in all circumstances, which is more emphasised during the season of Hajj and the places of rituals. Thus, Hajj pilgrims are to avoid any matter or action that distracts them from performing their rites. Instead, they are to dedicate themselves to worshipping their Lord and avoid anything that may disturb the tranquillity of their fellow guests of ar-Rahmaan.
Thus, O Muslims and those who have influence, fear Allaah regarding the Ummah by striving to unite their word, extinguishing strife, and silencing its callers. Remember the saying of the Prophet (may Allaah's salaat and salaam be upon him), "Make things easy and do not make them difficult; give glad tidings and do not drive people away." Likewise, he said, "Cooperate you two and do not dispute with one another." Thus, let those who are in conflict with each other fear Allaah by preserving lives and striving for reconciliation, acting upon the verse, "If two factions among the people of eemaan should fight, then reconcile between them." [al-Hujuraat:9]. It is better for you to be a follower of truth than to be a leader of falsehood. Certainly, whoever leaves something for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will replace it for him with something better.
O Hajj pilgrims to the Sacred House of Allaah,
After the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah's salaat and salaam be upon him), delivered his sermon in Arafah, he commanded Bilaal to call out the adhaan and then the iqaamah for the prayer. He performed the Dhuhr prayer, shortened to two units, then he prayed the 'Asr prayer, also shortened to two units. Then, he remained in 'Arafah on his camel, remembering Allaah and supplicating Him until the sun set. Then, he proceeded to Muzdalifah, where he advised his companions to be gentle by saying, "O people, observe tranqulity and serenity, for righteousness is not achieved through haste." When he arrived at Muzdalifah, he performed the Maghrib prayer as three units, and the 'Ishaa prayer as two units, combined and shortened. He spent the night in Muzdalifah and performed the Fajr prayer at its earliest time. Then, he supplicated Allaah until it became bright. He then went to Minaa, where he stoned Jamaratul-'Aqabah with seven pebbles after sunrise. He slaughtered his sacrificial animal and shaved his head. He then performed Tawaaf al-Ifaadah and stayed in Minaa during the days of Tashreeq, performing dhikr of Allaah and stoning the three Jamaraat after midday. He supplicated at the Small Jamarah and the Middle Jamarah, and he granted permission for those with valid excuses to leave Minaa before spending the night there. The Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (may Allaah's salaat and salaam be upon him) was to stay in Minaa until the thirteenth day, which is preferred, and he allowed hastening the departure on the twelfth day. When he completed his Hajj and intended to travel, he performed Tawaaf al-Widaa' around the Ka'bah before leaving.
O Hajj pilgrims to the Sacred House of Allaah,
Indeed, you are in a noble place during a virtuous time, where forgiveness of sins and acceptance of supplications are hoped for. That is why the Prophet (may Allaah's salaat and salaam be upon him) did not fast on the day of 'Arafah during his Hajj, in order to devote himself to performing dhikr of Allaah and supplicating Him. Therefore, increase in invoking your Lord for yourselves, for your loved ones, for those who have rights over you, and for Muslims in general, that Allaah rectifies their affairs and unifies their word upon truth. Also, do not forget to supplicate for those who have extended kindness to you, as mentioned in the hadeeth: "Whoever does for you a good deed, repay him. If you cannot, then supplicate for him."
Indeed, among those who have extended kindness to Muslims are the people that are devotedly serving the Two Holy Mosques, ensuring the comfort of the guests of ar-Rahmaan. At the foremost among them being the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, his deputy, and those who work with them. Thus, supplicate Allaah for them.
O Allaah, the Ever-Living, the Self-Sufficient Sustainer of all, the Owner of all majesty and honour, we ask You to grant Your special assistance to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin 'Abdil-'Azeez.
O Allaah, be with him as a supporter, helper, and facilitator in every good endeavor. O Allaah, reward him with the best of rewards for his efforts in uniting the ranks of the Muslims.
O Allaah, bless his deputy, the Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.
O Allaah, strengthen his resolve, and make him a means for uniting the ranks of the Muslims.
O Allaah, accept the Hajj of those who came to perform it, make their affairs easy for them, and protect them from any harm or evil.
O Allaah, grant them a safe and sound return back to their countries, having their sins forgiven and their needs fulfilled.
O Allaah, forgive the Muslim men and women, and forgive the people of eemaan, both men and women, unite their ranks, rectify their hearts, take care of their affairs, grant them security in their lands, unify their word, protect their lives, bless their provisions, and guide them to the best of speech, actions, and manners.
“Perfect is your Lord, the Almighty, who is Exalted above every falsehood they ascribe to Him. He grants His salaam to all of His Messengers, and all praise is due to Allaah, the Lord of all creation.” [as-Saaffaat:180-182].
Source: Saudi Press Agency