AI-Powered Translation and Live Streaming Bring Arafah Sermon to Global Audiences

Advancements in technology are transforming one of Hajj’s most significant spiritual moments, as the sermon from the plain of Arafah is now reaching millions of people worldwide through live streaming and real-time language translation technologies. Pilgrims and viewers across the globe are now able to listen to the Hajj sermon live in their own languages through digital platforms.

On May 26, Tuesday, live broadcasting began through three streaming channels on the Makkah Live website. During the live coverage, pilgrims dressed in the traditional two-piece white Ihram garments were seen departing for the plain of Arafah after performing Fajr prayers in Mina.

Gathering under umbrellas in the intense heat at Arafah, pilgrims repeatedly chanted, “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik.” The formal rituals of Hajj are completed through Tawaf and Sa’i centered around the holy Kaaba.

This year, Saudi Arabia’s General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques significantly expanded the use of technology for the sermon’s global broadcast. Arrangements were made to translate and stream the main Hajj sermon of 2026 live in 35 different languages.

People speaking Bangla, English, French, Urdu, Turkish, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, Malay, Tamil, Pashto, and several other languages are now able to listen to the sermon in their native languages through digital platforms.

The sermon began at 3:20 pm Bangladesh time at Namirah Mosque, located on the plain of Arafah approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Mecca. The sermon was delivered by Ali bin Abdul Rahman Al-Hudhaifi.

This year’s Bangla translation team included Muhammad Khalilur Rahman, A F M Wahidur Rahman, Mubinur Rahman Faruq, and Najmus Sakib. All of them studied at Umm Al-Qura University at different times.

DBTech/SI/EK/OR