Islam & Last Farewell Sermon: Message of Equality and Justice !

Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon, also known as his Final Sermon or Khutbat al-Wada’, is one of his most important and profound public addresses. Delivered during his last pilgrimage to Mecca in 632 CE, the speech outlines fundamental principles of justice, equality, and morality, providing guidance for the Muslim community and humanity at large. The sermon is brief but covers significant teachings.

Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon:

1. Sanctity of Life and Property:

• “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.”
• Muhammad emphasized the sanctity of human life and property, declaring that harming others in their life, wealth, or honor is forbidden.

2. Equality of All Humans:

• “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 person has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white, except by piety and good action.”
• This is one of the earliest and clearest statements on racial equality, asserting that no person is superior to another based on race or ethnicity. The only measure of superiority in Islam is piety (Taqwa) and moral character.

3. Rights and Treatment of Women:

• “O People! It is true that you have certain rights over 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.”
• Muhammad stressed the mutual rights and duties between men and women, calling for fairness and kindness toward women, reflecting Islam’s emphasis on gender equity.

4. End of Pre-Islamic Customs:

• “All practices of the Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic period of ignorance) are abolished. All blood feuds are canceled.”
• The Prophet declared an end to the pre-Islamic practices of revenge and blood feuds, which were common in Arabia before Islam, promoting peace and forgiveness.

5. Economic Justice – Prohibition of Interest (Riba):

• “All forms of usury (interest) are abolished. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any injustice.”
• Muhammad prohibited interest-based transactions, which were seen as exploitative, ensuring that economic interactions are fair and just.

6. Importance of Following the Qur’an and Sunnah:

• “I leave behind me two things, and if you hold fast to them, you will never go astray: the Qur’an and my Sunnah (example).”
• The Prophet reminded the community to adhere to the guidance found in the Qur’an and his teachings (Sunnah) to remain on the straight path.

7. Brotherhood of Muslims and the Unity of the Ummah:

• “Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every other Muslim, and that Muslims constitute one brotherhood.”
• Muhammad emphasized the unity and solidarity of the Muslim community, urging them to act as one body, with mutual support and care.

8. Final Reminder on Accountability to God:

• “Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.”
• The Prophet concluded by reminding everyone of the Day of Judgment, where every individual will be held accountable for their actions in this life.

9. No New Prophet After Him:

• Muhammad declared that he was the final prophet and that there would be no prophet after him. This marks the completion of the line of prophethood, which Muslims believe started with Adam and ended with Muhammad.

10. Declaration of Delivering the Message:

• At the end of his sermon, Muhammad asked the congregation, “Have I conveyed the message?” to which the people replied, “Yes!” Then he said, “O Allah, bear witness,” signifying that he had fulfilled his mission as the messenger of God by conveying the divine message.

Summary of the Farewell Sermon’s Themes:

• Justice: Respect for life, property, and dignity.
• Equality: No racial or ethnic superiority, only piety distinguishes people.
• Women’s Rights: Fair and kind treatment of women, acknowledging their rights.
• End of Pre-Islamic Practices: Abolition of vengeance and exploitation.
• Religious Guidance: Adherence to the Qur’an and the Sunnah for guidance.
• Unity: Brotherhood and unity among Muslims.
• Accountability: Reminder of the final accountability to God.

The Farewell Sermon is widely regarded as a timeless message of human rights, justice, and social reform, emphasizing principles that are as relevant today as they were in Muhammad’s time.

The Life of Prophet Muhammad:

Prophet Muhammad (570–632 CE) is one of the most influential figures in history, revered as the last and final messenger of God in Islam. His life, teachings, and legacy have shaped not only the religion of over 1.8 billion Muslims but have also left a lasting impact on global history and culture. Muslims believe that Muhammad was chosen by God to deliver the final divine revelation, the Qur’an, which serves as a complete and eternal guide for humanity.

The life of Prophet Muhammad, his mission, his teachings, and the legacy he left behind.

1. Early Life of Prophet Muhammad

Prophet Muhammad was born in 570 CE in the city of Mecca in present-day Saudi Arabia. His family belonged to the Quraysh, a respected tribe known for its role in maintaining the Kaaba, a sacred sanctuary in Mecca. His father, Abdullah, died before Muhammad was born, and his mother, Amina, passed away when he was six years old. Orphaned at an early age, he was raised first by his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib and later by his uncle Abu Talib, who played a significant role in his upbringing.

Despite the challenges of his early life, Muhammad gained a reputation for honesty and integrity, earning the title “Al-Amin” (The Trustworthy). He worked as a merchant and gained the respect of his peers for his ethical conduct in business.

At the age of 25, Muhammad married Khadijah, a wealthy widow 15 years his senior. Khadijah would later become the first person to embrace Islam and one of Muhammad’s staunchest supporters. They had several children together, including their daughter Fatimah, who would play a significant role in early Islamic history.

2. The First Revelation: The Beginning of Prophethood

Muhammad’s life took a transformative turn when he was 40 years old. He had developed a habit of retreating to the Cave of Hira, located on Mount Noor near Mecca, to meditate and reflect on the state of society around him. In 610 CE, during one of these retreats, he experienced a profound spiritual encounter with the angel Jibril (Gabriel). The angel revealed to him the first verses of what would later become the Qur’an:

“Recite in the name of your Lord who created—created man from a clot. Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous—who taught by the pen—taught man that which he knew not.”
(Surah Al-Alaq, 96:1-5)

This event marked the beginning of his prophethood. Initially overwhelmed by the experience, Muhammad sought comfort in his wife, Khadijah, who reassured him of his calling. Over the next 23 years, he would receive numerous revelations from God, which were compiled into the Qur’an, the central text of Islam.

3. The Message of Islam

Muhammad’s message was revolutionary in a society steeped in polytheism, social injustice, and tribalism. He called for:

• Tawhid (Oneness of God): Muhammad emphasized monotheism, the belief in one God (Allah), rejecting the polytheistic practices of the time.
• Equality and Justice: He preached equality among all human beings, declaring that no one was superior by race or wealth but only by piety and righteousness.
• Compassion and Charity: He encouraged kindness to the poor, orphans, and those in need, urging the wealthy to share their resources and support the less fortunate.
• Moral Conduct: Muhammad emphasized truthfulness, humility, and personal responsibility, advocating for a moral life based on justice, honesty, and compassion.

Initially, Muhammad faced strong opposition from the leaders of the Quraysh tribe, who saw his message as a threat to their power and the established social order. The early Muslims were subjected to persecution, and many were forced to flee their homes.

4. The Hijra: Migration to Medina

In 622 CE, the persecution in Mecca became so severe that Muhammad and his followers were forced to migrate to the city of Yathrib, later known as Medina. This migration is known as the Hijra and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

In Medina, Muhammad assumed both spiritual and political leadership, uniting the various tribes of the region under the banner of Islam. He established the Constitution of Medina, a social contract that laid the foundation for a multi-religious and pluralistic society, protecting the rights of all religious groups, including Jews and Christians. The constitution also emphasized justice, mutual cooperation, and the importance of communal harmony.

5. The Conquest of Mecca

After several years of conflict with the Quraysh, Muhammad and his followers gained strength. In 630 CE, he led a peaceful army back to Mecca and conquered the city without bloodshed. One of his first actions was to cleanse the Kaaba of idols and rededicate it to the worship of Allah alone.

Despite being wronged by many of the Meccans, Muhammad showed extraordinary compassion and forgiveness. He issued a general amnesty to his former enemies, exemplifying the Islamic principle of mercy.

6. The Farewell Pilgrimage and Sermon

In 632 CE, Muhammad performed his Farewell Pilgrimage to Mecca. During this pilgrimage, he delivered his famous Farewell Sermon at Mount Arafat, addressing a large congregation of Muslims. In this sermon, he outlined key principles that would serve as the ethical foundation for the Muslim community. Key points included:

• Equality: “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 person has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white, except by piety and good action.”
• Respect for Women: He emphasized the rights of women, calling for their fair treatment and respect.
• Justice and Sanctity of Life: He reiterated the sanctity of life, property, and honor, urging Muslims to treat each other justly and avoid oppression.
• Unity of the Muslim Community: He declared that all Muslims are brothers and sisters, forming one united community (Ummah).

Muhammad concluded his sermon by asking the assembled crowd if he had fulfilled his mission. When they responded affirmatively, he said: “O Allah, bear witness.” This was seen as the completion of his mission as the messenger of God.

7. Death of Prophet Muhammad

Shortly after delivering his Farewell Sermon, Muhammad fell ill and passed away on June 8, 632 CE in Medina. His death marked the end of an era, but his teachings and legacy continued to guide the Muslim community. He was buried in Medina, in a place that is now part of the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi).

8. Prophet Muhammad’s Legacy

Muhammad’s legacy extends far beyond his lifetime. As the final prophet in Islam, his teachings continue to serve as the foundation for the religious, social, and moral practices of Muslims worldwide. Some key aspects of his legacy include:

• The Qur’an: The final and complete revelation, which Muslims believe is the literal word of God, remains unchanged and serves as the primary source of Islamic belief and law.
• Sunnah: The Hadith (recorded sayings and actions of Muhammad) and his Sunnah (way of life) provide practical examples for Muslims on how to live according to Islamic principles.
• Moral and Social Reforms: Muhammad’s teachings revolutionized Arabian society, promoting gender equality, human rights, economic justice, and the eradication of tribalism and racism.
• Global Impact: Islam spread rapidly after his death, reaching across the Middle East, North Africa, and into Europe and Asia. Muhammad’s life and teachings influenced the development of civilizations, legal systems, and intellectual thought in the Muslim world.

Reference Book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farewell_Sermon

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