Farewell Pilgrimage

The Prophet Muhammad delivered a sermon at the Valley of Arafat. This was about 81 or 82 days before his death. It contained a clear the very fundamentals of Islam. Seated on his camel, he speak with a clear tone and asked all those who heard his speech to convey it to those who were not present. Amongst the things he mentioned were the following:

"O people, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again, therefore listen carefully to what I am saying to you 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; therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Beware of Satan for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hopes that he will be able to indulge you in big sins, so beware of indulging in small sins."

"O people, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your rights them 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 anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery."

"O people, listen to me in earnest, worships God, offer your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and give from your wealth the Zakat (poor-due). Perform the pilgrimage if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of every other Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over another except by piety and good deeds."

"Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not go astray from the path of righteousness after my death."

"O people, no Prophet of Messenger will come after me and no new faith will be born."

"O people, understand my words that I conveyed to you. I leave behind me two thins, the Quran and my example (the prophetic traditions), and if you follow these, you will never go astray."

"All those who listen to me, should pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may 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 slaves."

The importance of this sermon can be seen from Prophet's perception that this occasion may be the last one like it during his lifetime. He felt that this was the right time to summarized the principles of Islam to his brother and sister.

With the religion now conveyed to the people in its entirely, there was no need for humanity, and for the Muslims in particular, to look for an alternative way of life. By holding fast to the two things left behind by the prophet (the Quran and the Sunnah), a person will nerve go astray.