A limited number of pilgrims are performing Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia under strict COVID-19 SOPs in Mecca and Medina – two of Islam’s holiest sites in Saudi Arabia.
As per details, this year Hajj has been limited to only 60,000 pilgrims and that too only Saudi citizens and residents who have been fully vaccinated or recovered from the virus and do not suffer from chronic diseases.
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Participants were chosen from more than 558,000 applicants through an online vetting system, with the event confined to adults from 18 to 65 years of age.
This year pilgrims, dressed in ihram, had to observe social distancing and wear face masks on Mount Arafat.
Thousands of face-masked pilgrims performing Islam’s annual hajj pilgrimage gathered on Mount Arafat on Monday to atone for their sins, expressing hopes for peace and an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mount Arafat is also where Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) gave his last sermon.
Hajj Sermon
Sheikh Bandar Bin Abdulaziz Balila delivered the Hajj sermon from Masjid-e-Nimra while leading the joint Zuhr and Asr prayers.
In his Hajj sermon, Sheikh Bandar Bin Abdulaziz Balila urged Muslims to purge their hearts of hatred and be kind towards others in their day to day dealings.
He said Muslims should show compassion toward everyone, including their parents, children, relatives, women, and servants as enshrined in Shariah.
The Imam called upon the Muslims to perform their social responsibilities and follow the prevalent laws to avert any mischief on the earth.
Sheikh Bandar bin Abdulaziz stressed upon the significance and need to religiously follow the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for their success in this life and the hereafter. He said all the Islamic teachings must be practiced in life.
The Imam said the faithful should always be polite in their talk even in spreading the message of Islam and persuading others to follow Islamic teachings.
Allah has also ordered people to be good with others, said Sheikh Baleela. Quran says be kind to others like Allah has been with you. Be kind to your parents, neighbours. In collective, family, economic affairs, be kind. “Men should be kind to their wives and wives should be kind to their husbands. Quran says treat your wives well. If you are kind, and fear Allah, He will be aware of your matters.”
Be good to your elders, and orphans. Don’t misappropriate orphans’ wealth. Allah has ordered us to be kind and faithful to orphans. Fulfil your promises.
Allah says, ‘O people of faith, fulfil your commitments and don’t make things difficult for people.
To make society prosper, it is very important to be fair in financial matters, Sheikh Baleela said. All the matters that involve safeguarding the rights of others are very important for a society.
Don’t do anything that would spark conflict and mutiny, he said. “Allah has strongly condemned people who spread mischief, become a hurdle in way of peace—-be it in the matters of Muslims or non-Muslims.”
Sheikh Baleela said Allah has ordered us to forgive. “Even if you have enmity with someone, forgive them, be merciful to them.” Allah says it is not necessary if some has done wrong with you, you respond in kind.
In financial matters, Allah has ordered to benefit people and save them from losses. Allah says even if you talk to people, talk politely.
“Satan will always try to create conflicts among people, he is your enemy. “ Invite people to the way of Allah with rationale. Be nice even when you have to debate with people. If someone says Salam, respond in even better way.
“The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said that people should not go out of the area where the plague has spread and people from other areas should not go there,” said Sheikh Bandar.
Changing of Ghilaf-e-Kaaba
Furthermore, the annual Ghilaf-e-Kaaba changing ceremony was held at Masjid-e-Al-Haram in Makkah early Monday morning (today).
The covering cloth for the Kaaba, known as Kiswah, is changed on the day of Arafat, the ninth of Zilhaj every year on the day of Arafat, a hilltop in Makkah which marks an important milestone of the Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims.
The cover, inscribed with verses from the Holy Quran, has been prepared by over 200 weaving experts at the Dar-ul-Kiswa factory and it costs 20 million Saudi riyals (nearly Rs540 million).
At least 120 kilogrammes of pure gold, 100 kilogrammes of silver, and 670 kilogrammes of silk has been used to make the cover.
The Hajj pilgrims will leave for Muzdalifah after sunset where they will offer Maghrib and Isha prayers together and spend the night under open sky.
They will also collect pebbles from Muzdalifah to throw at Satan (Jumra aqabah) the next morning.
After offering Fajr Prayer at Muzdalfa, they will leave for Mina for remaining Hajj rituals.