Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Last 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 theHajj, 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.
Edited- Abdul Matin Wasim
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