The last sermon of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was delivered on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah in the year 10 AH (632 CE) during the farewell pilgrimage. It is known as the last sermon because it was delivered on the first and last Hajj of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) by himself. After that Hajj (Pilgrimage), the Holy Prophet (PBUH) did not perform any Hajj. This is the reason that Hajj is known as the Final Pilgrimage and the farewell sermon delivered that day by the

Holy Prophet (PBUH) is known as the

“Farewell Sermon” or “Khutba Tul Wida”

Standing on top Mount Arafat, the Prophet (PBUH) delivered his final address to the Muslim community. His words carried immense weight as he knew the significance of this occasion, bidding farewell to his followers.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND SETTING

The last sermon took place during the Prophet’s farewell pilgrimage, where a large gathering of Muslims accompanied him from Madina to Makkah. It was on the occasion of Hajj that the Prophet addressed the assembly of believers.

ALLAH (SWT) completed religion Islam for Muslims on that day by sending verses:

“Today I have perfected for you your religion, and completed My blessing upon you, and approved for you Islam as religion”

(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:3)

TEACHINGS OF THE FAREWELL SERMON

This memorable sermon taught Muslims several lessons. It taught us all the ways of spending life like a true Muslim. The following key messages were given in this final sermon by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to the Muslim community.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said during his last sermon:

“O People. Listen well to my words, for I do not know; perhaps I may never meet you after this year in this place again”

1. EQUALITY AND BROTHERHOOD

One of the primary lessons in the final sermon was the idea of Muslim brotherhood and equality. The Prophet declared that everyone is created equal, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic standing, saying,

“All humans are descended from Adam and Eve, and there is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, or of a non-Arab over an Arab, except in piety.”

2. UPHOLDING THE SANCTITY OF LIFE

Another major aspect highlighted in the last sermon was the sanctity of human life and the importance of treating one another with kindness and respect. The Prophet emphasized that the lives and properties of individuals are sacred, just as the sanctity of the day, month, and city where the sermon was delivered.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

“O People! Verily your lives and your wealth are sacred and forbidden upon you until you meet your Lord, as sacred as this day and this month are.”

3. WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND TREATMENT

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) in his whole life emphasized women‘s rights and taught Muslims to treat women with love, justice, and equality. He (PBUH) enlightened the same thing in his final sermon as well. He (PBUH) shed light on the importance of women’s rights and that they should be treated equally and should not be considered inferior to men in any way. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) mentioned:

“I enjoin you to treat women well and be kind to them”

4. ECONOMIC JUSTICE AND PROHIBITION OF USURY

Addressing economic matters, the Prophet prohibited the practice of usury (interest) and emphasized the importance of fair trade and economic justice. He abolished all forms of interest, ensuring that capital sums were returned without any additional burden imposed on one another.

He (PBUH) also stressed on giving Zakat to the poor sector of the society.

He (PBUH) said:  “And give your wealth in Zakat.”

5. IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING AND KNOWLEDGE

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) advised Muslims to seek knowledge and educate themselves. He (PBUH) explained that education and knowledge are a way of leading a successful and peaceful life.

He (PBUH) taught the Muslims about the importance of getting an education and asked them to seek knowledge about Islam and to get education.

6. PROHIBITION OF VIOLENCE AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE

The Holy Prophet stressed the sanctity of human life and prohibited violence. He also advocated for peaceful coexistence. He made it clear that any acts of violence, including murder, taking other people’s lives, and violating their rights, are prohibited in Islam.

According to the Prophet’s teachings, Muslims should coexist peacefully with those of other faiths. Throughout his speech, he (PBUH) emphasized the equality of all people and the importance of treating them with respect and kindness.

7. ECONOMIC ETHICS AND FAIR TRADE

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) stressed the value of conducting business and commerce with honesty and fairness in his final lecture. He issued a strong warning against dishonest business practices like fraud, deceit, and exploitation.

The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of openness, truthfulness, and moral conduct in all business relationships. He urged Muslims to carry out their financial commitments honestly and to give and receive fair weights and measures.

8. IMPORTANCE OF FULFILING RESPONSIBILITIES

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) stressed the importance of upholding one’s commitments and responsibilities. He (PBUH) emphasized that everyone had duties to their families, communities, and society as a whole, regardless of their social or economic level.

The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the necessity of carrying out these duties with sincerity and devotion if people are to advance as a community and as individuals. He (PBUH) urged Muslims to keep their promises, carry out their obligations, and have a constructive impact on their communities.

Respecting the sanctity of property and honor was another key aspect emphasized in the last sermon. The Prophet forbade theft, dishonesty, and spreading false rumors. He made it clear that the rights of individuals must be respected and protected.

CONCLUSION

The last sermon of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encapsulates essential teachings and principles of Islam. Its teachings of love, peace, equality, and unity will serve as the guidelines for the Muslim community till the Day of Judgment.