Abdul Rasood Syed
The last sermon delivered by Holy Prophet (SAW) is regarded as the first universal charter of human rights in human history. It is second to none in terms of its eloquence, comprehensiveness and scholarship. UN’s Charter of human rights is also believed to have been crafted under the inspiration of this very sermon. The Holy Prophet (SAW) through his last monologue, in fact, provided the mankind with socio-politico-economic recipe to lead a peaceful and balanced life. He, not only laid colossal emphasis on conferring due rights upon human beings but also emphatically admonished to his followers to discharge their duties and responsibilities that they owe to their fellows with sincerity and utmost devotion. The Holy Prophet (SAW) delivered his last sermon on the 9th of Zilhajj 10 AH. He (SAW) addressed the assembled multitude from the top of Jabal-ul Arafat also known as Jabl-e Rehmat, in words which should ever live in the hearts of all Muslims. He resumed his unprecedented sermon with the following heart-wrenching words: “O people! Listen to my words, for I know not whether another year will be vouchsafed to me after this year to find myself amongst you at this place.”
He (SAW) thereafter, addressed the issue of equality of human beings in the following words:” O, People! Allah says, “O mankind! We have created you from one man and one woman and have, then, divided you into tribes and nations so that you may be separately recognized. 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 does a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Further, regarding the sanctity of life and property, the holy Prophet (SAW) remarked:” your lives and property are sacred and inviolable amongst one another as this day and month is sacred for all”. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Guard yourself from committing injustice.” Holy Prophet (SAW) was also a stauch votary of women rights. He spoke of the rights of women in a society which deemed woman nothing but an inferior commodity to be bought and sold out, having no rights at all. In his last address to the people of faith, he (SAW) said:” O People, it is true that you have certain rights over your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under God’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. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. It is your right and they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste…”
In addition, Holy Prophet (SAW) was very kind and generous towards slaves. He, therefore, advised his followers to follow his footprints in this regard. He ordained: “And your slaves! See that you feed them with such food as you eat yourselves, and clothe them with the stuff that you wear; and if they commit a fault which you are not inclined to forgive, then part from them, for they are the servants of the Lord, and are not to be treated harshly”. Inter alia, he (SAW) put an end to the cruel practices of the period of paganism (Jahiliya). In this respect he (SAW) declared: “I have trampled under my foot all that belongs to the period of ignorance. All blood feuds of the days of ignorance are abolished. The first vendetta, which I declare abolished, is of my family. I forgive the blood of the infant son of Rabia bin Al- Haris whom Bani Hazeel had murdered.”
Furthermore, Holy Prophet (SAW) required his followers not to take usury (Riba) since, according to Quranic injunction; it is tantamount to launching a war against Allah, the omnipotent and his beloved Prophet. He (SAW) therefore, in his last sermon, strictly commanded his adherents not to take Riba under all circumstances. He (SAW) commanded:” God has forbidden you to take usury (riba), therefore all riba obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity. God has judged that there shall be no riba and that all the riba due to ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived.” Apart from this, Holy Prophet (SAW) also instilled the fear of Allah, the sublime among his followers. He warned them of accountability for their deeds before Allah, Almighty on the Day of Judgment. In this respect, He (SAW) said: “you shall have to appear before your lord, who shall demand from you an account of your actions”… Towards the conclusion of the sermon, the Prophet (SAW), overcome by the sight of intense enthusiasm of the people as they drank in his words, exclaimed, “O, Lord! I have delivered my message and accomplished my work.”
— The writer is a Legal practitioner-cum-columnist based in Quetta Balochistan.
