Every year, millions of Muslims from all corners of the globe gather on the plain of Arafat for the most significant day of Hajj. At the heart of this vast, open space stands Masjid Nimrah, a mosque that holds immense historical and spiritual importance. On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, this mosque becomes the focal point for pilgrims, echoing the final teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Masjid Nimrah is more than just a building; it is a symbol of unity, guidance, and the culmination of a pilgrim's spiritual journey. It is here that the annual Hajj sermon is delivered, uniting millions in prayer and reflection. This guide will explore the history, significance, and acts of worship associated with Masjid Nimrah, providing pilgrims with a deeper understanding of its role in Hajj.

The story of Masjid Nimrah is deeply rooted in the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the history of Islam. Its origins trace back to the Farewell Pilgrimage, and its structure has evolved over centuries.

The mosque was first constructed in the 2nd century Hijri, during the Abbasid Caliphate, to mark the exact spot where the Prophet ﷺ camped and delivered his Farewell Sermon. The name "Nimrah" is believed to have come from a small hillock near where the Prophet's tent was pitched. This location in the valley of Uranah, adjacent to the plain of Arafat, became a sacred landmark.

Over the centuries, various Islamic rulers recognized the mosque's importance and contributed to its expansion and renovation. However, its most significant modernization has been undertaken by the Saudi government. To accommodate the ever-increasing number of Hajj pilgrims, the mosque has been massively expanded and equipped with modern facilities, transforming it into one of the largest mosques in the world by area.

The profound significance of Masjid Nimrah is inseparable from the Farewell Sermon delivered by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the year 10 AH (632 CE). Standing on the very grounds where the mosque now stands, the Prophet addressed over 100,000 companions in what would be his last major public address. This sermon is considered the most important speech in Islamic history, serving as a comprehensive charter for humanity.

The Farewell Sermon encapsulates the core principles of Islam and provides a timeless guide for all Muslims. Its key messages include:

1. Sanctity of Life and Property: The Prophet ﷺ declared that the lives, property, and honor of every Muslim are sacred.

2. Equality and Unity: He abolished the tribal hierarchies and racism of the pre-Islamic era, stating, "An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over a white except by piety and good action."

3. Justice and Fairness: He emphasized the importance of returning trusts to their owners and warned against oppression and injustice.

4. Rights of Women: The Prophet ﷺ dedicated a significant portion of the sermon to the rights and treatment of women, instructing men to be kind and just to their wives.

5. Economic Principles: He forbade usury (interest) and established ethical economic practices.

6. Holding Fast to the Qur’an and Sunnah: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ left his followers with two guiding lights, promising that they would never go astray if they held fast to them: the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) and his Sunnah (his practices and teachings).

This sermon was a final testament and a powerful reminder of the universal values of Islam. Its delivery at this location consecrates Masjid Nimrah as a place of immense spiritual and historical weight.

Masjid Nimrah is one of the most sacred and unique mosques in Islam. Its importance is tied exclusively to the rituals of Hajj, as it is only used by pilgrims on one day of the year: the Day of Arafat.

On this day, the Imam of the Hajj delivers the sermon (khutbah) from the pulpit of Masjid Nimrah, following the tradition of the Prophet ﷺ. This sermon reaffirms the core messages of the Farewell Sermon, addressing contemporary issues and calling the Muslim world to unity, piety, and justice. After the sermon, pilgrims perform the Dhuhr (noon) and Asr (afternoon) prayers combined and shortened (known as Jam' bayn as-Salatayn), a practice established by the Prophet ﷺ during his Hajj.

The mosque serves as a powerful symbol of equality. As millions of pilgrims stand shoulder to shoulder, dressed in simple white Ihram garments, all worldly distinctions of wealth, status, and race dissolve. They are all equal in the eyes of Allah, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.

Masjid Nimrah is an impressive architectural feat designed to accommodate the massive crowds of Hajj. It can hold hundreds of thousands of worshippers within its walls and surrounding courtyards. The mosque is distinguished by its multiple minarets and expansive prayer halls.

The mosque is divided into separate sections for men and women to ensure comfort and privacy during worship. While the front portion of the mosque lies within the boundaries of Arafat, a larger part of it is located just outside, in the valley of Uranah. It is important for pilgrims to ensure they are within the designated boundaries of Arafat for the Wuquf (the standing at Arafat), as this is the central pillar of Hajj.

The atmosphere around Masjid Nimrah on the Day of Arafat is spiritually electric. Despite the immense crowds and the intense heat, a profound sense of peace and devotion prevails. The air is filled with the sounds of pilgrims reciting the Qur’an, making dua (supplication), and chanting the Talbiyah (Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk). It is a day of tears, repentance, and sincere hope, where every heart is turned towards Allah.

Located near Jabal al-Rahmah (the Mount of Mercy), another significant landmark in Arafat, Masjid Nimrah is easily accessible to pilgrims from all parts of the plain.

For a pilgrim, the Day of Arafat is the climax of their Hajj journey. The rituals performed at and around Masjid Nimrah are central to this experience.

1. Listening to the Hajj Sermon: Pilgrims strive to listen to the Hajj sermon, which is broadcast throughout the plain of Arafat via powerful sound systems. This sermon connects them directly to the legacy of the Prophet ﷺ.

2. Performing Dhuhr and Asr Prayers: Following the sermon, pilgrims offer the Dhuhr and Asr prayers combined and shortened, with one adhan (call to prayer) and two iqamahs (calls to commence prayer).

3. Making Dua: The period after the prayers until sunset is the most crucial time for supplication. Pilgrims engage in earnest dua, seeking forgiveness for their sins, praying for their families, and asking for their needs in this life and the hereafter. The Prophet ﷺ said, "The best of supplication is the supplication of the Day of Arafah."

4. Reflecting and Seeking Forgiveness: The entire day is spent in a state of worship and reflection. Pilgrims contemplate their lives, renew their faith, and feel an overwhelming sense of unity with the millions of others standing alongside them.

Accessing Masjid Nimrah on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah requires patience and planning. The Saudi authorities implement meticulous security and crowd management measures to ensure the safety of all pilgrims.

1. Arrive Early: The mosque and its surroundings fill up quickly. If you wish to pray inside or near the mosque, it is advisable to arrive early.

2. Stay Hydrated: The heat can be intense. Carry plenty of water and stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

3. Be Patient: The crowds are immense. Maintain patience and show kindness to fellow pilgrims. Avoid pushing or shoving.

4. Know Your Location: Be aware of your camp's location and the boundaries of Arafat. It is essential to spend the required time within Arafat's limits.

Today, Masjid Nimrah is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including powerful air-conditioning systems, modern sound systems, and screens to help manage the flow of pilgrims. The Hajj sermon delivered from its pulpit is broadcast live across the globe, allowing Muslims everywhere to share in the blessings of the Day of Arafat.

The mosque stands as a testament to how Islam’s message remains timeless. Each year, the sermon from Masjid Nimrah addresses the challenges and opportunities facing the Muslim Ummah, providing guidance rooted in the unchanging principles of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Masjid Nimrah is a place of profound spiritual lessons. It is a reminder of:

1. The Prophet’s Universal Message: The Farewell Sermon’s emphasis on justice, equality, and compassion is a message for all of humanity.

2. The Importance of Arafat: Standing in Arafat is the cornerstone of Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said, "Hajj is Arafat." Without completing the Wuquf at Arafat, one's Hajj is incomplete.

3. Spiritual Renewal: The Day of Arafat offers a unique opportunity for spiritual cleansing and renewal of faith. It is a day when Allah’s mercy descends in abundance.

Masjid Nimrah is more than a historical site; it is a living, breathing symbol of the Islamic faith. It connects billions of Muslims worldwide through the sacred rituals of Hajj and stands as a timeless reminder of the Prophet's ﷺ final guidance. For every pilgrim who stands on the plain of Arafat, the mosque represents a link to the very foundations of their faith—a place where history, spirituality, and unity converge in the most powerful way.