The Royal Court announced the appointment today, designating Sheikh Hudhaify to deliver the pivotal sermon on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (June 29, 2026), during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Sheikh Ali Hudhaify currently serves as Imam and Khateeb of Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque).
The Arafat Sermon is a Sunnah of Hajj that follows the example of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). It is delivered from the pulpit of Masjid al-Namirah on Mount Arafat on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
The sermon reminds pilgrims of the day’s significance, the value of seeking forgiveness, and the mercy that descends upon Arafat.
The Imam references the Farewell Sermon of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who stood on these same plains over 1,400 years ago. After the Khutbah, Dhuhr and Asr prayers are combined and shortened, then pilgrims disperse across the plains to stand in supplication until sunset.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Hajj is Arafah,” marking this day as the core of the pilgrimage.
Sheikh Ali Bin Abdur Rahman Al Hudhaify was born on 22 May 1947 in Al-Qarn Al-Mustaqim, Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia.
He earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University in 1972. He later completed a master’s degree and doctorate in Islamic law from Al-Azhar University in 1975.
Sheikh Ali Hudhaify became an Imam at Masjid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s Mosque) in 1979. During Ramadan 1981, he led Tarawih prayers at Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) before returning to Medina, where he continues to serve. He also briefly served as Imam and Khateeb at Quba Mosque in 1987.
The sermon is broadcast worldwide in multiple languages, reaching hundreds of millions of listeners.
