The Arafat sermon is one of the most symbolically important events of the Hac, connecting modern hacilar to Hz. Peygamber Muhammad's (sallallahu aleyhi ve sellem) Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada') delivered in the same location in 10 AH (632 CE). In that historic address, Hz. Peygamber 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 Kur'an-i Kerim and Sunnah. He concluded by asking the gathering to bear witness that he had conveyed the message.
Today, the Hac 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 namaz. The sermon typically addresses contemporary Muslim concerns while echoing the timeless themes of the Farewell Sermon. It is broadcast via loudspeakers across the entire Arafat plain and televised globally.
While the sermon is a Sunnah and attending it is sunnet, hacilar should note that the actual pillar (rukn) of Hac is the wuquf — standing anywhere within the boundaries of Arafat during the designated time period. A haci who misses the sermon but stands at Arafat has fulfilled the pillar. Conversely, someone who attends the sermon in the front portion of Masjid al-Namirah (which is technically in Uranah, outside Arafat boundaries) must ensure they move into Arafat proper after the namaz.