The عرفة sermon is one of the most symbolically important events of the الحج, connecting modern الحجاج to النبي Muhammad's (صلى الله عليه وسلم) Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada') delivered in the same location in 10 AH (632 CE). In that historic address, النبي proclaimed the equality of all humans regardless of race, the sanctity of life and property, the abolition of pre-Islamic injustices, the rights of women, and the importance of holding fast to القرآن and السنة. He concluded by asking the gathering to bear witness that he had conveyed the message.
Today, the الحج sermon is delivered at Masjid al-Namirah by a senior Saudi scholar appointed by the government. It is given after the sun passes its zenith on the 9th of ذو الحجة, before the combined Dhuhr-Asr الصلاة. The sermon typically addresses contemporary Muslim concerns while echoing the timeless themes of the Farewell Sermon. It is broadcast via loudspeakers across the entire عرفة plain and televised globally.
While the sermon is a السنة and attending it is مستحب, الحجاج should note that the actual pillar (ركن) of الحج is the wuquf — standing anywhere within the boundaries of عرفة during the designated time period. A الحاج who misses the sermon but stands at عرفة has fulfilled the pillar. Conversely, someone who attends the sermon in the front portion of Masjid al-Namirah (which is technically in Uranah, outside عرفة boundaries) must ensure they move into عرفة proper after the الصلاة.