The last sermon of Prophet Muhammad, known as the Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada’), was delivered during the Hajj pilgrimage in the year 10 AH (632 CE). It is considered one of the most significant addresses in Islamic history, as it encapsulated the core teachings of Islam and provided guidance for Muslims. Here’s a brief background:
- The sermon was delivered on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, at Mount Arafat, a sacred site near Mecca.
- This was the only Hajj pilgrimage performed by Prophet Muhammad after the conquest of Mecca in 8 AH (630 CE), making it particularly significant.
- Over 100,000 companions are reported to have been present to witness the sermon.
Key Themes of the Sermon:
- Oneness of Allah (Tawhid):
- The Prophet emphasized the fundamental Islamic belief in the oneness of God and the rejection of idolatry.
- Equality of All Humans:
- He declared that no race or ethnicity is superior to another, and all humans are equal in the sight of Allah. The only measure of superiority is piety and good deeds.
- Rights of Women:
- The Prophet reminded the people to treat women with kindness and fairness, emphasizing their rights in marriage, inheritance, and society.
- Prohibition of Usury (Riba):
- He condemned the practice of charging interest on loans, which was prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabia.
- Sanctity of Life and Property:
- The Prophet stressed that the lives, property, and honor of all Muslims are sacred and must be respected.
- Unity of the Muslim Ummah:
- He urged Muslims to remain united and avoid division, emphasizing the importance of brotherhood among believers.
- Finality of Prophethood:
- The Prophet declared that he was the final messenger of Allah, and no prophet would come after him.
- Adherence to the Quran and Sunnah:
- He instructed Muslims to follow the teachings of the Quran and his example (Sunnah) as a guide for their lives.
Conclusion of the Sermon:
- The Prophet concluded by asking the people to convey his message to those who were not present.
- He ended with a powerful statement: “O people, no prophet or messenger will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand the words that I convey to you.”
