PROPHET FAREWELL SERMON

Beloved Prophet Muhammad, may the
mercy and blessings of God be upon
him, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
circa 570 C.E. He is an example for all
of humanity. He was a remarkable man
at all times. He excelled in all walks of
life by being a prophet, ruler, orator,
soldier, husband, friend, father, uncle,
nephew, and a grandfather. He was a
man of love, patience, courage, wisdom,
generosity, intelligence and magnitude
who inspired millions of lives throughout the world.
God says in the Quran that he was sent as a mercy for the people of the world.
"We sent thee not save as a mercy for the peoples." (Quran 21:107)
His Prophetic Mission began at the age of forty, circa 610 C.E., and continued until 632 C.E.
From the path of ignorance, mankind was lead to the straight path and was blessed with the
guidance of God.
Shortly before his death, Prophet Muhammad delivered a sermon during the Hajj , which came
to be known as his "Final Sermon". This final sermon was not only a reminder to his
followers, but also an important admonition. The final sermon confirms the end of his
Prophetic Mission.
Year 10 A.H. of the Islamic Calendar is considered to be one of the most significant years for
three reasons. Firstly, this was the year when the Prophet delivered his Last Sermon during
his farewell pilgrimage to Mecca. Secondly, this was the year where a number of deputations
came to the Prophet to announce their Islam as well as their tribes. Thirdly, it was the golden
period of Islam when multitudes of people embraced the faith by accepting the message of the
Prophet.
Prophet Muhammad undertook his farewell pilgrimage in the year 10 A.H. His farewell
pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the most significant historical events in the minds of Muslims,
for it was the first and last pilgrimage made by Prophet Muhammad, as well as being the
model for performing the fifth pillar of Islam, the Hajj .
Prophet Muhammad’s final sermon was delivered during the Hajj of the year 632 C.E., the
ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the lunar year, at Arafat, the most blessed day of
the year. There were countless Muslims present with the Prophet during his last pilgrimage
when he delivered his last Sermon.
The Final Sermon:
After praising, and thanking God, the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon
him, said "O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever
be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take
these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the
life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you
to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that
you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has
forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth
be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer
any inequity. God has Judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest
due to Al-Abbas ibn Abd’el Muttalib shall henceforth be waived...
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will
ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small
things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but
they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives
only under a trust from God and with His permission. If they abide by your right then
to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well
and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your
right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well
as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers,
fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat. Perform Hajj if you have the
means.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab,
nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority
over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; [none have
superiority over another] except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is
a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing
shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given
freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer for your deeds. So
beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born.
Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I
leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow
these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others
again; and it may be that the last ones understand my words better than those who
listen to me directly. Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to
your people."
Thus the beloved Prophet completed his Final Sermon, and upon it, near the summit of Arafat,
the revelation came down:
"…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My Grace upon you, and have
chosen Islam for you as your religion…" (Quran 5:3)
Even today the Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad is passed to every Muslim in every corner
of the world through all possible means of communication. Muslims are reminded about it in
mosques and in lectures. Indeed the meanings found in this sermon are indeed astounding,
touching upon some of the most important rights God has over humanity, and humanity has
over each other. Though the Prophet’s soul has left this world, his words are still living in our
hearts.