Throughout His life, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) exemplified noble conduct and was sent as a mercy for mankind.
His companions recorded His sayings and following the Prophetic teachings is a fundamental requirement of Islam. He demonstrated how Islam should be practiced and imparted immense wisdom to the believers. His final sermon stands as one of the greatest examples of His devoted preaching and guidance. The last sermon was delivered during Hajj, shortly before His passing, in the year 10 AH. It was both a reminder and a reprimand, marking the completion of His mission. A massive number of believers witnessed this historic address. He glorified and thanked Allah, urging the people to listen closely and share His words with those absent, emphasizing its tremendous importance.
The Prophet (PBUH) declared that the life and property of believers are sacred. Anyone entrusted with another’s property must return it to the rightful owner. One should not harm others to avoid receiving harm in return. Believers were reminded that they are accountable before Allah for their deeds. He reinforced the prohibition of interest, requiring the waiving of all usurious obligations while allowing retention of capital. Muslims were warned against injustice and against following Satan, even in minor matters. He emphasized that while men have certain rights over women, women also have rights that must be fulfilled, including proper provision of food and clothing.
He called upon believers to treat women kindly, recognizing them as partners and devoted helpers. Women were instructed not to associate with anyone disapproved of by their husbands and to maintain chastity. The Prophet (PBUH) also reminded the believers of the five pillars of Islam: worshiping Allah, performing the five daily prayers, fasting in Ramadan, giving Zakat and performing Hajj if able. This sermon reinforced the central Islamic principles guiding personal and social conduct. Remarkably, the Prophet (PBUH) established racial equality over 1,400 years ago. He declared that an Arab is no greater than a non-Arab, a white person is no greater than a black and vice versa. Individual superiority is determined solely by piety and noble action. Every Muslim is a brother to all other Muslims, irrespective of race, nationality or status, forming a united brotherhood. He sternly warned against injustice, emphasizing that no one has a right over another’s property unless willingly granted.
The sermon also addressed spiritual and ethical accountability. Believers were reminded that they will eventually meet Allah and be answerable for their deeds. He warned against straying from the straight path after His passing. Importantly, the Prophet (PBUH) declared that He is the last of all Prophets and no new faith or prophet will follow Him. He advised the believers to use reason and understanding to comprehend His teachings and highlighted that adherence to the Quran and Hadith ensures remaining on the straight path. Finally, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) instructed that His message should be conveyed to others, recognizing that those absent might comprehend the sermon better than those present. He asked Allah to bear witness that He had delivered His message faithfully.
The significance of the Last Sermon is further reinforced by a Quranic revelation at its conclusion, in which Allah declares that He has perfected the faith, completed His favour and chosen Islam as humanity’s guidance. Fourteen centuries later, the sermon remains highly relevant, regularly studied in lectures and serves as a guiding document on human rights, ethics and social justice. The Last Sermon emphasizes respect for life, property and justice, setting a framework for societal harmony. It upholds gender equity, emphasizing the rights of women as integral partners in society. It denounces exploitation, usury and oppression, insisting on moral accountability before Allah. Moreover, it champions racial equality and unity among Muslims, rejecting discrimination based on ethnicity, nationality or social status.
The teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) in this sermon provide a timeless model for ethical leadership, governance and personal conduct. By adhering to these principles, Muslims are guided not only toward spiritual fulfillment but also toward establishing a just and compassionate society. The sermon bridges spiritual, moral and social dimensions, illustrating the holistic nature of Islam as a way of life. In essence, the Last Sermon of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is a comprehensive blueprint for human rights, social justice and moral conduct. It calls for kindness, accountability, equality and adherence to divine guidance. Its teachings remain as relevant today as they were four-teen centuries ago, offering solutions to injustice, discrimination and social discord. Implementing these principles benefits society, promoting peace, harmony and ethical living.
In conclusion, the final sermon serves as a timeless reminder of human dignity, equality and the sacredness of justice. Its moral, social and spiritual guidance continues to inspire Muslims worldwide, reminding them of their responsibilities toward Allah, fellow humans and society. The Last Sermon embodies the core principles of Islam, emphasizing piety, noble action, justice and respect for human rights. By following its guidance, believers ensure not only personal salvation but also the creation of a fair and ethical society, fulfilling the Prophet’s enduring mission of mercy, wisdom and guidance for all humanity.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
