The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon him)

 

THE LAST SERMON OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD

(Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)

 

The Great Charter of Human Rights

 

The last sermon of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is known as Khutbat Al-Wada’a. It is mentioned in almost all books of Hadith. Following Ahadith in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361), Sahih of Imam Muslim also refers to this sermon in Hadith number 98. Imam Al-Tirmidhi has mentioned this sermon in Hadith nos. 1628, 2046, 2085. Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal has given us the longest and perhaps the most complete version of this sermon in his Masnud, Hadith no. 19774.

 

This Khutbah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was long and it contained much guidance and instructions on many issues. The Prophet (PBUH) gave this sermon in front of a large gathering of people during Hajj. This sermon was delivered on the Ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, 10 A.H. (623 AD) in the Uranah valley of Mount Arafat in Makkah. It was the occasion of Annual Rites of Hajj. It is also known as the Farewell Pilgrimage.

 

Farewell Pilgrimage

Whoever heard whatever part of the sermon reported it and later some scholars put it together. It is a great Khutbah and we should all pay attention to its message and guidance.

 

After praising and thanking Allah the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) began with the words:

"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen very carefully to what I am saying 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 obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital 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 Abd ul Muttalib [the Prophet's uncle] be waived.”

“Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of son of Rabiah Ibni al-Harithiah.”.

“O People, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to prohibit that which Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban.” 

“Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope of that he will 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 anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.”

 

“O People! listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, offer your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford it.”

“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a nonArab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a 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 meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware: do not astray 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 my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my 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.”

 

 O Allah, Be my witness, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people." 

 

 

References: 

(1)  Muslim, vol:2, Hadith:456,  

(2)  Bukhari, vol:1,Hadith:69,1670,1672,1673, vol:3,Hadith:1723