The আরাফাত sermon is one of the most symbolically important events of the হজ্জ, connecting modern হাজীগণ to নবী করীম Muhammad's (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada') delivered in the same location in 10 AH (632 CE). In that historic address, নবী করীম 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 আল-কুরআন and Sunnah. He concluded by asking the gathering to bear witness that he had conveyed the message.
Today, the হজ্জ 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 Dhul Hijjah, before the combined Dhuhr-Asr সালাত. The sermon typically addresses contemporary Muslim concerns while echoing the timeless themes of the Farewell Sermon. It is broadcast via loudspeakers across the entire আরাফাত plain and televised globally.
While the sermon is a Sunnah and attending it is মুস্তাহাব, হাজীগণ should note that the actual pillar (rukn) of হজ্জ is the wuquf — standing anywhere within the boundaries of আরাফাত during the designated time period. A হাজী who misses the sermon but stands at আরাফাত has fulfilled the pillar. Conversely, someone who attends the sermon in the front portion of Masjid al-Namirah (which is technically in Uranah, outside আরাফাত boundaries) must ensure they move into আরাফাত proper after the সালাত.