Masjid an-Nabawi Imam Sheikh Ali Al-Hudhaify will officially deliver the historic 2026 Hajj sermon at Arafat. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a royal decree on Monday approving the prominent scholar`s appointment. According to the official announcement, Sheikh Al-Hudhaify will preach at Masjid Namirah on May 26, 2026, corresponding to 9 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH.
The Arafat sermon represents a vital spiritual Sunnah of the annual pilgrimage.
Following the foundational traditions established by Prophet Muhammad during his historic farewell pilgrimage, the sermon serves as a guiding light for millions of gathered believers. The upcoming address will focus primarily on the true meaning of Hajj, divine mercy, personal repentance, and the ultimate solidarity of the global Muslim Ummah. Following the conclusion of the sermon, pilgrims will combine the Dhuhr and Asr prayers in a shortened format, remaining on the plains of Arafat until sunset to engage in deep supplications. As has become custom over recent years, the sermon will be translated and broadcast live globally in multiple languages to reach hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.
The prominent Imam is widely respected across the Islamic world for his scholarly contributions.
Born on May 22, 1947, in the Mecca province of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Al-Hudhaify graduated with a bachelor`s degree in Shariah from Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University before completing his master`s and PhD in Islamic Law at the historic Al-Azhar University in Egypt. He has served continuously as an Imam and Khatib at Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina since late 1979, demonstrating decades of spiritual leadership. He also briefly led Taraweeh prayers at Masjid al-Haram in 1981 and served as a Khatib at the Quba Mosque in 1987. His distinctly melodic and emotionally resonant Quranic recitations remain deeply celebrated by millions of Muslims globally.
Source: Saudi Royal Court
