Words hold great power, touching hearts and shaping the course of history. Over time, many powerful speeches have come from leaders of justice movements and wise scholars, leaving a lasting impact. Among these, the Khutbatul Wada or Farewell Sermon delivered by the greatest man to ever walk the earth, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), stands out. It is a timeless message, filled with profound beauty and wisdom.
When and where did the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) deliver His Last Sermon?
The Farewell Sermon خطبہءِ حجۃ الوداع , also known as the Last Sermon, was delivered by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It took place on Friday, the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, 10 AH (6 March 632). The sermon was given by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his first and last Hajj pilgrimage in the Uranah valley of Mount Arafat.
Summary of Muhammad’s Last Sermon خطبہءِ حجۃ الوداع
Following are the teachings and lessons from the last sermon of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
After praising and thanking Allah, the Prophet (PBUH) began by saying:
“O People! Listen to me attentively, for I do not know if I will be among you again after this year. Therefore, pay close attention to my words and convey them to those who are not here today.”
The Sanctity of Life, Property, and honour
“O People! Just as you consider this month, this day, and this city (Kabaa Makkah) as sacred, so must you regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return what has been entrusted to you to its rightful owners. Do not harm others, so that no one may harm you. Remember, you will surely meet your Lord, and He will hold you accountable for your actions.”
The Prohibition of Interest and the Call for Justice
“Allah has forbidden you from taking interest, so all obligations related to interest are now abolished. You are entitled to your principal amount, but you should neither cause nor endure any injustice. Allah has decreed that there shall be no interest, and all interest owed to Abbas Ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib is hereby canceled.”
Abandonment of Pre-Islamic Retaliatory Rights
“All rights related to murders committed before the Islam are now waived. The first such right I am waiving is the one related to the murder of Rabiah ibn al-Harithia.”
Determining Sacred Months
“O people! The disbelievers alter the calendar to make what Allah has forbidden permissible and to forbid what Allah has allowed. Allah has established twelve months in a year. Four of these are sacred: they occur consecutively and one occurs alone between the months of Jumada and Shaban.”
Vigilance Against Satan’s Small Temptations
“Beware of Satan to protect your faith. He has given up hope of leading you astray in major matters, so be cautious of following him in minor things.”
Rights of men and women, including spouses
“O People, you have rights over your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember, you have taken them as your wives with Allah’s trust and permission. If they fulfill their rights, then they deserve to be treated with kindness, including being provided with food and clothing. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and dedicated supporters. It is also your right that they do not associate with anyone you disapprove of and remain chaste.”
Pillars of Islam
“O People, listen carefully: worship Allah, perform your five daily prayers, fast during Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. If you are able, perform Hajj.”
Equality
“All humanity descends from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab; likewise, a White has no superiority over a Black, nor does a Black have superiority over a White, except through piety and good deeds. Know that every Muslim is a brother to every other Muslim, and that all Muslims form one brotherhood. Nothing belonging to one Muslim is lawful for another unless it is given freely and willingly.”
Self accountability
“Do not wrong yourselves. Remember that one day you will meet Allah and be accountable for your actions. So be cautious and do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.”
Inheritance rights for both male and female
“O,People, Allah has given his right to every rightful person. No one should make a will for an heir.”
Rights of slaves
“Take care of your slaves, yes, take care of your slaves. Feed them what you eat, dress them what you wear.”
The Final Message and Guidance for All Time
“O People, no Prophet or messenger will come after me, and no new religion or faith will emerge. Therefore, think carefully and understand the message I am conveying. I leave you with two things: the Quran and the Sunnah. If you adhere to these, you will never go astray.”
The duty of propagating Islam
“Beware those who are here convey my these commandments and messages to those who are not here. Maybe someone absent is more understanding and protective than you.”
You will be questioned before Allah about me. Tell me what will you answer?
The people replied that ”we will testify that you have delivered the trust (religion) and you have fulfilled the right of Prophethood.”
The Prophet raised his forefinger towards the sky and said, “O Allah, bear witness that I have delivered Your message to Your people.”
Completion of the religion of Islam
After delivering the final sermon, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) recited the following verse that had just been revealed to him:
اَلْیَوْمَ یَىٕسَ الَّذِیْنَ كَفَرُوْا مِنْ دِیْنِكُمْ فَلَا تَخْشَوْهُمْ وَ اخْشَوْنِؕ-اَلْیَوْمَ اَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِیْنَكُمْ وَ اَتْمَمْتُ عَلَیْكُمْ نِعْمَتِیْ وَ رَضِیْتُ لَكُمُ الْاِسْلَامَ دِیْنًاؕ
“Today, the disbelievers have lost all hope regarding your religion, so do not fear them, but fear Me. Today, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.”
Importance of the Prophet Muhammad Farewell Sermon
The Farewell Sermon, delivered during Hajj, is a key part of the annual pilgrimage and serves as a timeless reminder to Muslims around the world. It emphasizes the core teachings of Islam: performing daily prayers, helping one another, giving zakat and charity, fasting in Ramadan, and treating everyone with kindness.
This last sermon underscores that Allah is the Creator of the universe, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the final messenger, and the Quran and Sunnah provide guidance for leading a righteous and fulfilling life.