THROUGHOUT His life, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was a splendid example of noble conduct. He was sent as a mercy for mankind. His companions recorded his sayings and following the Prophetic Teaching is a requirement of Islam. Throughout His life, he demonstrated how Islam should be practiced and shared immense wisdom with the believing people. His final sermon was one of the greatest examples of how he devotedly preached Islam.
His last sermon took place a little while before he passed away. He delivered the iconic final sermon during the Hajj. It was both a reminder and a reprimand. Moreover, it signified the end of His mission. His farewell pilgrimage was in the year 10 A.H. It was at this time that he gave the last sermon. A massive number of believers witnessed His final sermon. It is essential for Muslims to ponder over the message the Holy Prophet conveyed in his historic final sermon. He glorified and thanked Allah and then asked the people to listen closely to what he said, as it could potentially be his parting address. He told them to absorb his speech and pass on what he said to those who were not present at the sermon. His order to the people to listen carefully to his words and share them with others who were not there shows us that the last sermon was an event of tremendous importance and all believers should take heed of the message it contains.
He declared that the life and property of believers should be considered sacred. One who is trusted with another’s property should return it to the correct owner. A person should not cause pain to another to avoid receiving pain in return. He urged the believers to be mindful of the fact that they will be accountable in front of Allah for their deeds. He reminded the Muslims of the prohibition of interest, which necessitates waiving all usurious obligations. However, believers get to retain their capital. Muslims should not carry out or suffer any injustice. And He urged the Muslims not to follow the accursed Satan, even in minor matters. He then reminded the believing men that although they have certain rights over women, women also have rights men need to fulfil. He mentioned that wives who fulfill their husbands’ rights are entitled to food and clothing.
He called on the believers in the last sermon to be good to their women and show them kindness. He reminded them that women are their partners and devoted helpers. Then, He also stated that women should not befriend anyone their spouse disapproves of, and they should never be unchaste. And He also instructed the believers to worship Allah, perform the five daily obligatory prayers, fast in Ramadan, give Zakat and perform Hajj if the Almighty bestows them with the means. Hence, he reminded the believers of the importance of the five pillars of Islam.
Although the world continues to be plagued by the sickness of racism in the 21st century, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) established the fact that all races are equal 14 centuries ago, another clear proof of Islam’s superiority over all other ideologies. He categorically stated that an Arab is no greater than a non-Arab. A white is no greater than a black. Neither is a black any greater than a white. The superiority of an individual over another is only determined by one’s piety and noble action. He said that every Muslim is a brother to all fellow Muslims, regardless of race, nationality, etc. Muslims are all united as a brotherhood. No Muslim has a right over something that belongs to another Muslim unless it was willingly granted to him. He thus sternly warned against injustice in his last sermon. He reminded the believers that they will eventually meet their Creator. When that happens, they will be answerable for their deeds. He then warned them not to stray from the straight path after his passing. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) clearly stated that he is the last of all Prophets. No Prophet will follow him, and no new faith will replace Islam. He told the believers in his last sermon to use their reasoning and comprehend everything he said to them. Furthermore, he said that he is leaving two things behind with the believers which are the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Teaching. As long as the Muslims adhere to the Quran and Hadith, they will never leave the straight path.
Finally, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) commanded the listening believers to convey all that he said to others. He acknowledged that those who were not present during his final sermon might comprehend his speech better than those who witnessed it. Then, He asked Allah to bear witness that he delivered His message to the people.
With the conclusion of the Holy Prophet’s last sermon, the verse in Quran was revealed, in which the Almighty declares that He has perfected our faith for us, finished His favour upon us and selected Islam for us as our faith. Indeed, 14 centuries later, the Last Sermon of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) is as relevant as ever. It is regularly covered in lectures and the importance of its message cannot be stressed enough, as it contains many lofty Islamic principles that benefit society which we are obligated to implement.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
Email: [email protected]
views expressed are writer’s own.
