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The Farewell Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ): A Message for All Humanity
The farewell sermon of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is one of the most profound speeches in the history of humanity. Delivered during his last pilgrimage, this sermon encapsulates the essence of Islamic teachings, emphasizing justice, equality, and the sanctity of life. It is a timeless message that holds relevance for all people, regardless of their background, religion, or ethnicity. Below is a detailed exploration of the key points of his sermon.
An Urgent Call for Attention
“O People! Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen carefully to what I am saying and take these words to those who could not be present here today.”
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) began his sermon with an urgent plea for attention. He was aware that this might be his last opportunity to address his followers, and he wanted to ensure that his message would be heard and remembered by all, including those who were not present. The Prophet’s foresight and concern for future generations highlight the significance of the teachings he was about to impart.
Also Read: The Story of Prophet Adam (AS)
The Sanctity of Life and Property
“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.”
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the sanctity of life and property, comparing it to the sanctity of the holy city of Mecca, the holy month of Dhul-Hijjah, and the sacred day of Arafah. The Prophet stressed that just as these things are considered inviolable, so too should the life and property of every Muslim be respected and protected. He urged the faithful to return any goods entrusted to them and to refrain from causing harm to others, reminding them of the Day of Judgment when they would be held accountable for their deeds. This point underscores the importance of justice and integrity in Islam.
The Abolition of Usury
“Allah has forbidden you to take usury; therefore, all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequality. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest, and that all interest due to Abbas Ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib be waived.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) announced the abolition of usury, a practice that had been deeply entrenched in pre-Islamic Arabian society. Usury, or the charging of interest on loans, often led to the exploitation and impoverishment of the poor. By forbidding usury, Islam sought to promote economic justice and fairness. The Prophet’s (ﷺ) decision to waive all interest obligations, including those owed to his own uncle, Abbas Ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib, demonstrated his commitment to this principle.
The End of Pre-Islamic Retaliation
“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 Rabiah ibn al-Harith.”
In pre-Islamic Arabia, the cycle of vengeance and retaliation often led to endless blood feuds. The Prophet (ﷺ) declared an end to this practice, waiving all rights to revenge for past murders, beginning with the case of Rabiah ibn al-Harith, a relative of his own family. This act was a powerful statement against the destructive cycle of violence and emphasized the need for forgiveness and reconciliation.
The Sanctity of the Islamic Calendar
“O men! The unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to prohibit what Allah has made permissible. With Allah, the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy; three are successive, and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) addressed the issue of tampering with the Islamic calendar, a practice used by some to manipulate the observance of religious obligations. He reaffirmed the sanctity of the twelve months as ordained by Allah, with four of them—Dhul-Qi’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab—being particularly sacred. By emphasizing the importance of adhering to the divinely ordained calendar, the Prophet (ﷺ) sought to preserve the integrity of Islamic practices.
The Warning Against Satan
“Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.”
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned his followers about the subtle dangers posed by Satan. While Satan may no longer be able to lead believers astray in major matters of faith, he continues to try to influence them in smaller, seemingly insignificant ways. The Prophet (ﷺ) urged the faithful to remain vigilant against even the smallest temptations, as these could lead to greater deviations from the path of righteousness.
The Rights of Women
“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.”
In a society where women were often treated as property, the Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized the rights of women and the responsibilities of men towards them. He reminded the men that their wives were entrusted to them by Allah and that they were to be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity. The Prophet (ﷺ) also highlighted the mutual rights and obligations between husbands and wives, stressing the importance of fairness and compassion in marital relationships.
The Pillars of Islam
“O People! Listen to me in earnest: worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford it.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) reiterated the importance of the five pillars of Islam, which form the foundation of a Muslim’s faith and practice. These pillars—Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), Zakat (charity), and Hajj (pilgrimage)—are essential acts of worship that every Muslim is obligated to observe. By emphasizing these pillars, the Prophet (ﷺ) reminded his followers of their core religious duties.
The Unity of Mankind
“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; also, a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have any superiority over a white person—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.”
In his sermon, the Prophet (ﷺ) delivered a powerful message of equality and brotherhood. He emphasized that all human beings are equal in the eyes of Allah, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status. The only criterion for superiority is piety and righteousness. The Prophet (ﷺ) also reminded the Muslims of their duty to treat one another with respect and fairness, as they are all part of a single brotherhood.
The Accountability Before Allah
“Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves. Remember that one day you will meet Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) warned his followers against committing injustice, whether against others or themselves. He reminded them that they would be held accountable before Allah on the Day of Judgment and that they should, therefore, strive to remain on the path of righteousness. This reminder serves as a powerful motivation for Muslims to live their lives in accordance with Islamic teachings, knowing that they will one day have to answer for their actions.
The Finality of Prophethood and the Preservation of Islam
“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 that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah, and if you follow these, you will never go astray.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) declared the finality of his prophethood and the completion of the divine message. He made it clear that no prophet or messenger would come after him, and no new religion would be revealed. The Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet) are the only sources of guidance that Muslims need. By adhering to these two sources, the Prophet (ﷺ) assured his followers that they would remain on the right path.
The Duty to Convey the Message
“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.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) entrusted his followers with the responsibility of conveying his message to future generations. He recognized that the understanding of his teachings might grow over time and that those who came later might grasp the full significance of his words even better than those who heard them directly. This point underscores the enduring relevance of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) message and the duty of every Muslim to ensure its preservation and transmission.
The Witness Before Allah
“Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.”
In the final words of his sermon, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) called upon Allah as his witness that he had fulfilled his mission of conveying the divine message to humanity. This declaration marked the completion of his prophetic duty and affirmed that the message of Islam had been delivered in its entirety.
Conclusion: The Everlasting Legacy
The final sermon of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is a timeless message that continues to resonate with people across the world. Its themes of justice, equality, human rights, and the importance of following the path of righteousness are as relevant today as they were over fourteen centuries ago. The sermon serves as a guiding light for Muslims, reminding them of their duties and responsibilities towards Allah, themselves, and their fellow human beings. It is a message that calls for reflection, action, and a commitment to the principles of Islam, ensuring that the legacy of the Prophet (ﷺ) endures for all time.
Farewell Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
- O People! Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen 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 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, therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequality. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas Ibn ‘Aal-Muttalib 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 Rabiah ibni al-Harithiah.”
- “O men! the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to prohibit what Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, there are sucessive 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 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 any one of whom you do not approve, as well never to be unchaste.”
- “O People! listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat .Perform Haj if you can afford it.”
- “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 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 words that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and 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.”
- “O Allah, be my witness, that I have conveyed your message to Your people.”
