Book Review: al-Jaami' li-Khutabi 'Arafah

Al-Jaami’ li-Khutabi ‘Arafah
By al-Mufti ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin ‘Abdillah Aali ash-Shaykh
Printed by Madaar al-Watan
Pages: 284

This is a hardcover book containing all of the sermons given by the current Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the day of ‘Arafah during Hajj. It covers each sermon he gave from 1402 to 1411 A.H. Every quranic verse and prophetic narration is verified and its source listed with additional notes of benefit from the verifier Baadr bin Muhammad al-Wuhaybee. This book is given out free by the Kingdom, but from time to time people sell these books to the used store outlets where they in turn are sold, as is the case with my copy which I purchased for 11 Saudi Riyals. The book is very nice and of high quality, in addition to side notes of each sermon that appear on the sides for easy reference.

The Mufti, may Allah bless him and reward him, wrote a very beneficial introduction in which he explains the importance of the sermon of ‘Arafah and how the Prophet, peace be upon him addressed his companions, may Allah be pleased with them. He also points out that the Prophet, peace be upon him, is the leader of those who give the 'Arafah sermons, and his Sunnah will always be emulated in preaching to the pilgrims during Hajj.