Prophet
Muhammad’s SAW Farewell Sermon / خطبة الودا, Khutbatu l-Wada
9
DhulHijjah 10 AH (9 March 632) at Mount Arafat
Prophet
Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) undertook his farewell pilgrimage in the year 10
AH. This pilgrimage is a significant historical event for Muslims; it was both the
first and last pilgrimage made by Prophet Muhammad SAW and it has become the model
for performing the fifth pillar of Islam, the Hajj.
The
Prophet SAW delivered his final sermon during the Hajj of the year 632 C.E., on
the most blessed day of the year: the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah and he did so at
Arafat.
Many Muslims
accompanied the Prophet SAW during his last pilgrimage and it was at Arafat
that he delivered his last Sermon.
Even
today the Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad SAW is repeated by Muslims in every
corner of the word through all possible means of communication. Muslims are
reminded about it in mosques and in lectures. The sermon is astounding; it
touches upon the most important rights Allah has over humanity, and humanity
has over each other. Though the Prophet SAW’s soul has departed from this
world, his words live in our hearts.
After
praising and thanking Allah, Prophet Muhammad SAW 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. ALLAH 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. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the
interest due to Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib (Prophet’s uncle) 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 Allah’s trust 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 Allah, say your five
daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth
in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority
over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white
has no superiority over black, nor a black has any superiority over white
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 Allah and answer 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 may the last ones understand my words better than
those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed
your message to your people”.
The
final sermon resonates in our hearts. For us at Ansar Finance, we are striving
to implement the vision and the words of the Prophet SAW and rekindling the
Sunnah.
credit: Hadith of the Day
