Prophet Muhammad's Farewell Teachings

As Muslims, our journey with guidance transcends the diversity we encounter and is centered on following our ultimate role model, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), in pursuing the righteous path. We reflect on and implement his teachings through our daily prayers and the lessons we gain from Friday Khutbahs and other lectures throughout the way.

In particular, Prophet Muhammad's final sermon encapsulates this guidance, highlighting the transient nature of life and the possibility of his imminent departure. He provided guidance on daily behavior, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and the impact that even minor sins can have on our spiritual growth. He encouraged us to follow the path with clear intentions, remaining committed and excelling in our journey.

His message, while delivered in a different time, remains profoundly relevant and metaphorically significant for our lives today.

Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) delivered his last khutbah on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic year. The incident commenced 10 years after Hijrah (A.H.), migration from Makkah to Madinah, in the Uranah Valley of mount Arafat. The words he spoke were coherent and concise; addressed to the whole humanity.
After praising, and thanking Allah (SWT), Prophet Muhammad (SAW) 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 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.

God 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. God has Judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Al-Abbas ibn Abdul 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, 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 a trust from God 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.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat. Perform Hajj if you have the means.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; [none have superiority over another] 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 God and answer for 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 Quran 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 it may be that the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people."

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) completed his last khutbah, near the summit of Arafat, whereby the following revelation came down:

"… This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.…" (Quran 5:3)

This revelation from the Quran emphasizes that Islam's completion lies not merely in its outward practices but in the thoroughness of the ethical and moral conduct we are expected to maintain. When considered alongside the Prophet’s final message, it reinforces the need to uphold high standards in both our intentions and actions, reflecting the comprehensive nature of our moral and spiritual guidance inshaAllah.