The عرفات sermon is one of the most symbolically important events of the حج, connecting modern حجاج to نبی کریم Muhammad's (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada') delivered in the same location in 10 AH (632 CE). In that historic address, نبی کریم 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 قرآن مجید and Sunnah. He concluded by asking the gathering to bear witness that he had conveyed the message.
Today, the حج 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 نماز. The sermon typically addresses contemporary Muslim concerns while echoing the timeless themes of the Farewell Sermon. It is broadcast via loudspeakers across the entire عرفات plain and televised globally.
While the sermon is a Sunnah and attending it is مستحب, حجاج should note that the actual pillar (rukn) of حج is the wuquf — standing anywhere within the boundaries of عرفات during the designated time period. A حاجی who misses the sermon but stands at عرفات has fulfilled the pillar. Conversely, someone who attends the sermon in the front portion of Masjid al-Namirah (which is technically in Uranah, outside عرفات boundaries) must ensure they move into عرفات proper after the نماز.