The Farewell Sermon (Arabic: خطبة الوداع, Khuṭbatu l-Wadā), also known as the Prophet's Final Sermon or The Last Sermon, was delivered by the Islamic prophet Muhammad on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah, 10 AH (632) in the Uranah valley of Mount Arafat (in Mecca, seventy-two days before his death, at the end of his final pilgrimage.[1]
The Farewell Sermon[2] is mentioned in almost all books of Hadith. Sahih Al-Bukhari refers to the sermon and quotes part of it. Ahmad ibn Hanbal gave the longest version of this sermon in his Musnad.
Sermon
"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully 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 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. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib shall henceforth be waived...
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakah. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
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 black nor a black has any superiority over 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 appear before Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray 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 which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my example, 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. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people".
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 as never to be unchaste.[3]
Death of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم
After the Qur'an was completed, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم died on 8 June 632. Just before the death, there was a group of companions of Muhammad near him when Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم asks that he wants to write a will and hence requires a pen and paper. Umar said that Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم is seriously ill and his brain is not working fully. Abu Bakr also agreed on that. When Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم heard that, he ordered both to leave the room. Umar was full of grief upon hearing the news of demise of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. Umar, the devoted disciple, could not accept the reality that the Messenger of God has died.[4] According to the Qur'an, "Muhammad is but a messenger; messengers have passed away before", i.e. died or killed. It is said that Umar promised to strike the head of any man who would say that Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم died. At this point Abu Bakr is reported to have come out to the Muslim community and gave his famous speech which included:
"Whoever worshipped Muhammad, let them know that Muhammad is dead, and whoever worshipped Allah, let them know that Allah is alive and never dies."
Abū Bakr then recited these verses from the Qur'an:
"Muhammad is but a messenger; messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. If, then, he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heel?".
Hearing this from Abu Bakr, the most senior disciple of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, Umar then fell down on his knees in great sense of sorrow and acceptance of the reality. Sunni Muslims say that this denial of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم death was occasioned by his deep love for him.[4]
