The Farewell Sermon (Arabic: خطبة الوداع, Khutbatu l-Wada), also known as the (Final and Seal of the Prophets) Prophet Muhammad [S.A.W.S]‘s Final Sermon or the Last Sermon, was delivered on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah, 10 AH (632) Friday, in the Uranah valley of Mount Arafat (in Mecca, seventy-two days before his death, at the end of his final pilgrimage).
After praising, and thanking ALLAH [S.W.T], he said:
“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 today.
O People, just as you regard this month (Dhu al-Hijjah), this day (Day of Nahr, Friday), and this city (Mecca) 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 [S.W.T] has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. ALLAH [S.W.T] has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib (Prophet [S.A.W.S]‘s uncle) shall henceforth be waived.
Beware of shayṭan (satan/devil), 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, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women (wife), but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under ALLAH [S.W.T]‘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 (wife) 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.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH [S.W.T], says your five daily Prayers (Salah), Fast during the month of Ramadan (Saum), and give your wealth in Zakat (Charity). Perform Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Hawwa (Eve) (P.B.U.T), 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 [S.W.T] 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 (Revelation from ALLAH [S.WT]) and my Sunnah (the life style and the behavioral mode of the Prophet [S.A.W.S]’s) 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 [S.W.T], that I have conveyed YOUR message to YOUR people”.
As part of this sermon, the Prophet [S.A.W.S] recited them a Revelation from ALLAH [S.W.T] which he had just received and which completed The Holy Qur’an, for it was the last passage to be revealed:
“This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so fear them not, but fear ME. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed MY favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion”.
-[5:3] 5.Surat Al-Mā’idah (The Table Spread) – سورة المائدة
Toward the end of his sermon, the Prophet [S.A.W.S] asked “O people, have I faithfully delivered unto you my message?”
A powerful murmur of assent “O ALLAH, yes!” arose from thousands of pilgrims and the vibrant words “Allahumma na’m” rolled like thunder throughout the valley.
The Prophet [S.A.W.S] raised his forefinger and said: “Be my witness O ALLAH [S.W.T], that I have conveyed YOUR message to YOUR people.”
Note: Islam means submission to the Will of ALLAH [S.W.T].
Muslim means those who submit themselves to the Will of ALLAH [S.W.T].
اَشْهَدُ اَنْ لآَّ اِلَهَ اِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَشَرِيْكَ لَهُ وَاَشَْْهَدُ اَنََّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ
Pronunciation:
Ashadu Al-Laa Ilaaha Illaal-Laahu Wahdahu Laa Sharikalaahu Wa Ashadu Anna Muhammadun Abduhu Wa Rasuluhu
Translation:
I bear witness that none is worthy of worship but ALLAH, the One alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad [S.A.W.S] is His servant and Messenger.
