The Sunday Mail
The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) delivered his farewell sermon in the valley of Arafah, during his final Hajj (pilgrimage), also known as the farewell Hajj, at the age of 63 in the year 633CE. The contents of the entire message were collated and collected from different narrations, and we highlight some of the major points below.
After praising and thanking Allah The Almighty, he said:
“O people, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I will ever be among 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, this day, and this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Believer 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 indeed you will meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds.
“Allah has forbidden you to take interest/usury, therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be nullified. Your capital, however, is yours to keep, you will neither inflict nor suffer inequity, Allah has judged that there shall be no interest.
“O people beware of shaytaan (satan), for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in major matters, so beware of following him in the smaller matters.
“O people, it is true that you have certain rights with regards to your women, but they also have rights over you. 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 befriend anyone whom you do not approve of, as well as never to commit adultery.
“O people, listen to me in earnest, All mankind is from Adam and Eve – an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab over an Arab, also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black any superiority over a white, except by piety and good action. Know that every Believer is the brother of another Believer and that Believers constitute one brotherhood. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
“Remember one day you will appear before Allah and answer for all your deeds, so beware do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
“All those who listen to me should pass on my words to others, and those to others again; and it may well be that 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!”
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:
Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars
Publications Department,
PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare
Tel: 04-614078 / 614004, Fax : 04-614003
e-mail: [email protected]
