Centuries-old words, but still relevant today. Certain events in Islamic history have had a lasting impact on the religion. They have contributed to shaping Islam and making it easier and more accessible to the ummah. One such example is the last sermon of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. The reason this sermon is so significant is that it serves as a perfect parting message from the Prophet PBUH to his people. It comprises some of Islam’s core principles and presents each point in a way that resonates with all.
The Last Sermon: When & Where?
This Prophet PBUH gave this blessed sermon on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, 10 A.H. (632 C.E.). He gave this sermon at Mount Arafat during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It was the first and last Hajj performed by the Prophet PBUH, and during this Hajj, Allah SWT revealed verse 3 of Surah Maida, which states that the religion has been completed.
Message Of The Words
In his last sermon, Prophet PBUH addressed some of Islam’s most important principles. He reminded his ummah of the importance of equality between all, the rights of women and men over each other, and understanding the limits the religion places on specific actions. The following are some of the main themes of the last sermon:
Respecting The Life & Property Of Other Muslims
“People, just as you hold this month, this day, and this city to be sacred, you must also treat the life and property of every Muslim as equally sacred. Return what has been entrusted to you to its rightful owners, and do not harm anyone so that no harm comes to you.”
One of the main themes of the last sermon was the importance of respecting the lives and property of other Muslims. Whether it is the life of a Muslim or a thing he owns, fellow Muslims should give it the utmost respect and remain cautious in these dealings to ensure they are following what the Shariah has taught them.
Guarding Oneself Against The Shaytan
“Be on guard against Satan for the sake of your faith. He has given up hope of misleading you in major matters, so be especially cautious of falling into his traps in the smaller matters.”
Shaytan is the lifelong enemy of Muslims, and he has spent centuries upon centuries trying to lead the ummah astray. Being aware of his tricks and what traps he lays for a Muslim is necessary to safeguard one’s faith. In his sermon, the Prophet PBUH warns of the devil’s influence in small matters; therefore, one should guard their thoughts and actions at all times, no matter how insignificant they may seem.
Rights Of Women
“O people, you indeed have certain rights over your women, but they also have rights over you. Always remember that you took them in marriage through Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they fulfill your rights, then they deserve to be provided for—fed and clothed—with kindness. Treat your women with goodness and compassion, for they are your partners in life and your committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone you disapprove of and that they remain chaste.”
Islam is a religion that has highlighted the rights of women again and again. It has put special emphasis on the kind treatment of the Muslimahs of the ummah. Even in his last sermon, the Prophet PBUH once again underlined women’s rights and the treatment they deserve. He also states that chaste, believing women should be treated with compassion and kindness.
Upholding The Pillars Of Islam
“O people, listen to me sincerely: worship Allah, establish your five daily prayers, fast in the month of Ramadan, and give zakat from your wealth. And perform Hajj if you have the means to do so.”
The Prophet PBUH also reminds his ummah to maintain the pillars of Islam. To be mindful of the duties Allah has placed upon us is what makes Muslims truly devoted to their faith.
Equality Among All
“All human beings come from Adam and Eve. An Arab is not superior to a non-Arab, nor is a non-Arab superior to an Arab. Likewise, a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have any superiority over a white person—except through piety and righteous conduct.”
Equality among all is one of the core principles in Islam. Creating a peaceful and harmonious environment is highlighted many times in both the Quran and the Sunnah. At the time this sermon was given, this was a very progressive concept that helped provide each person in society equal status. The last part of the sermon also emphasizes that the only superiority in Islam lies in good deeds and actions, rather than material things, as is very common in today’s world.
Brotherhood & Permission
“Know that every Muslim is a brother to every other Muslim, and together they form one united community. Nothing that belongs to another Muslim is lawful for you unless it is given freely and willingly. So do not do injustice to yourselves.”
Unity and consent are something that Islam has placed immense value on. Every Muslim should understand the delicate nature of both of these things and try to adhere to the advice in the scriptures regarding them. Furthermore, every Muslim should be aware of the fact that he is a brother to another Muslim and they form one community and brotherhood.
The Last Religion, The Quran & The Ahlul-Bayt
“O people, no prophet or messenger will come after me, and no new religion will arise. So reflect carefully and understand the words I am conveying to you. I am leaving among you two things—the Qur’an and my family (Ahlul Bayt). If you hold firmly to them, you will never be led astray.”
In this part of the sermon, the Prophet PBUH clearly states that Islam is the last religion to ever come from Allah, and he is the last messenger. If anyone comes across anything otherwise, they should immediately know that it is false. Moreover, he further states the resources he is leaving behind for his ummah, which are a guideline to every Muslim until the Day of Judgement. If a Muslim truly follows these, they will always remain on the right path, no matter how much fitnah (temptation) surrounds them.
The Last Sermon In Today’s World
Some may think that just because this sermon was given centuries ago, its message is not relevant in the modern world. But if one truly looks around the world we are living in today, they will find that the message of this sermon is timeless. The emphasis on consent, equality, brotherhood, and unity remains as applicable as it was back then, and perhaps even more so in some cases. The message of honoring each Muslim’s rights and respecting them is universal.
If a Muslim studies the message of this sermon with an open mind, they will find just how much truth, direction, and wisdom the Prophet PBUH gave us with his words, which, if followed, would ensure a Muslim remains on the right path.