Pilgrims pray for stability, security
ARAFAH: Malaysian pilgrims, gathered here for the most auspicious day in Islam and the highlight of the haj, yesterday prayed for Malaysia’s continued stability, security and progress.
This year’s wukuf on 9 Zulhij jah coincides with National Day on Aug 31.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who delivered the Arafah sermon at one of the pilgrim tents here, led the pilgrims in the doa.
“O Allah, we ask that you keep our nation blessed with stability, prosperity and security. Glorify us, our families and relations, and our leaders, with praiseworthy values. We are grateful for the progress we have attained as a result of our independence and the wisdom of the leaders you graced us with.”
The congregation also prayed to Allah to forgive their sins, to protect the ummah and for continued unity, peace and harmony among Malaysians.
In Asyraf’s sermon, he said haj was the ultimate expression of equality before God, where pilgrims dressed in the same white pieces of cloth, regardless of their background, race, nationality or wealth.
“There is no other gathering of Muslims, or any other religion in the world, as large as the haj pilgrimage and wukuf in Arafah. This unity of the ummah should be translated into our society, that Islam is above tribal boundaries, political affiliations and narrow ideologies.”
Wukuf, or being present in Arafah on 9 Zulhij jah, is an obligatory part of the haj pilgrimage. Pilgrims who repent and supplicate to God on this day will be forgiven for their sins.
After the sermon, pilgrims withdrew by themselves or in groups and recited prayers and doa until sundown.
They leave here after sundown and head for Muzdalifah, where they will spend the night under the open sky before heading for Mina.