On the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah each year, the plains of Arafat become the spiritual epicenter of the Muslim world, drawing millions of pilgrims in a profound moment of submission, unity, and reflection. For the pilgrim, standing on the sacred ground of Arafat is not merely a rite — it is the very essence of Hajj. And for Muslims around the world, it is a day of unmatched spiritual significance, hearkening back to the historic sermon delivered by the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W (peace be upon him) over 1,400 years ago
It was on this day — at this very location — that the Prophet (S.A.W) delivered his Farewell Sermon, a powerful and timeless declaration that still resonates in the hearts of believers. His words, charged with moral gravity and compassion, laid down the foundation of human rights, gender equity, economic justice, and social harmony. He reminded the Ummah of the sanctity of life and property, the danger of minor sins influenced by Shaytan, and the shared human origin from Adam and Eve — dismantling the roots of racism and classism in one breath.
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve… a white has no superiority over a black nor a black over a white except by piety and good action,” he declared.
This message, spoken under the searing Arabian sun, remains a guiding light — one that calls for self-accountability, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to the tenets of Islam.
In preserving the sanctity and serenity of this monumental day, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) under the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has gone above and beyond to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims not only observe the day in accordance with Sunnah but do so in dignity, safety, and comfort.
Recognizing the physically demanding nature of the Hajj rites — especially on the Day of Arafat — NAHCON implemented several welfare innovations and logistical support measures to enhance the experience of pilgrims, including:
• Fully air-conditioned tents to shield pilgrims from the intense desert heat
• Cold drinks, bottled water, and ice cream served throughout the day to keep pilgrims hydrated and refreshed
• Delicious, well-prepared meals provided in a timely and hygienic manner
• Comfortable, carpeted tent interiors, offering a peaceful environment for worship and rest
• Onsite medical services, with qualified medical professionals and emergency responders stationed nearby to provide prompt medical attention when needed
• Deployment of Ulamas across tent clusters to educate pilgrims on the correct Hajj rites, offer spiritual guidance, and maintain the sacred atmosphere of the day
One of the most spiritually uplifting highlights of the day was the National Prayer Session, organized by NAHCON in conjunction with the National Ulama Team. This year’s prayer gathering stood out not only for its solemnity and unity but for its linguistic inclusiveness. Ulamas from various regions of Nigeria led the prayer sessions not only in Arabic, but also in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanuri, Fulfulde, and other Nigerian dialects, ensuring that every pilgrim could connect deeply with the supplications and reflections.
Prayers were offered for the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria, divine protection for pilgrims, and guidance for the nation’s leaders. Ulamas also emphasized the Islamic injunction against insulting or abusing leaders, reminding pilgrims of the prophetic principle of offering counsel and correction with wisdom, not slander.
To Muslims, the Day of Arafat is a reminder that the faith is not inherited passively — it is chosen, renewed, and affirmed. It is a moment to recommit to righteousness, to shed past transgressions, and to envision a better self, a better Ummah, and a better world.
It is also the day Allah boasts to His angels about the pilgrims, forgiving them in multitudes. For those not present in Arafat, fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous and coming year — an unmatched blessing.
In the legacy of Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W) final sermon and through the thoughtful, comprehensive arrangements by NAHCON, this year’s Day of Arafat was more than a religious obligation. It was a renewal of faith, a celebration of unity in diversity, and a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the spiritual dignity of her pilgrims.
May Allah accept the Hajj of all pilgrims, grant them Hajj Mabrur, and continue to guide our nation and its leaders on the path of peace, justice, and righteousness. Ameen.
Shafii Sani Mohammed writes from NAHCON in Saudi Arabia.
