By Asha Elmi

SAUDI ARABIA – Somalia’s Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Mukhtaar Roobow Ali, has explained why the Somali language was added to the list of languages used to translate the Hajj sermon delivered on the Day of Arafah this year.

Minister Mukhtaar Roobow stated that Somali pilgrims have been assigned accommodation near the Namirah Mosque, where the Hajj Day of Arafah sermon is delivered, necessitating a direct translation for better understanding.

“Officials from the Saudi government informed us that since we are close to the Namirah Mosque, where the sermon is broadcast through loudspeakers, Somali language translation was included to ensure Somali pilgrims clearly understand the message,” said the Minister.

On May 31, 2025, the Saudi government announced that the 1446 Hijri (2025 Gregorian) Hajj sermon, scheduled for Thursday, 9th Dhul Hijjah 1446, would be translated into 34 languages, including Somali, to cater to the diverse linguistic needs of Muslims worldwide.