The Farewell Sermon

The Farewell Sermon

On the day of Arafat, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) gave what was to become known as his "Farewell Sermon" it was concise, and yet another indication that the time was near at hand for him to meet his Lord. After praising and exalting Allah he began the sermon saying:

"Time is running in the same manner as it did on the day Allah created the heavens and the earth. A year has twelve months four of which are sacred; three are consecutive -- Zul Ka'ad, Zul Hajj and Muharram. Rajab falls between Jumada and Sha'ban."

Then he asked, ‘What month is this?’ and without exception, the vast congregation in total surrender replied, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) remained silent for a while and they thought he was about to rename it. When he said, ‘Isn't it Zul Hajj?’ and they answered, ‘Yes, indeed.’ Then he asked, ‘Which City is this?’ whereupon they again replied in total surrender, ’Allah and His Messenger know best.’ The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) remained silent as before and again they thought he was about to rename it. Then he said, ‘Isn't it the Sacred City (Mina)?’ and they replied, ‘Yes, indeed.’ Then he asked, ‘What day is this?’ and once again they replied in total submission, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ And again he remained silent and they thought he was about to rename it. Then he said, ‘Isn't it the Day of Sacrifice?’ and once again they replied, ‘Yes, indeed.’

Then he told them, ‘Your lives, possessions and honor must be as sacred to one another as this Sacred Day, this month and City. Let those who are present take this message to those who are absent. You are about to meet your Lord, who will call you to account for your deeds. As of this day, all sums of interest are remitted, including that of Al-Abbas, son of Abd Al Muttalib. Every right arising from homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived, and the first such right I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah the son of Al Harith, son of Abd Al Muttalib.

O people! this day satan has despaired of re-establishing his power in this land of yours. Nevertheless, should you obey him, even in what may seem to you trifling, it will be a matter of pleasure for him. Therefore beware of him for the safety of your Religion.

O my people! you have certain rights over your wives and your wives have certain rights over you. Allah has entrusted them to your hands, so you must treat them with all kindness. It is your right that they do not associate on intimate terms with any one of whom you do not approve, and that they never commit adultery.

All Muslims, free or enslaved, have the same rights and responsibilities. No one is higher than another unless he is higher in virtue.

O people, even if an Abyssinian slave becomes your Amir (ruler), listen and obey him, as long as he executes the Book of Allah among you.

O people! listen to what I say, and take it to heart. I leave you with the Book of Allah, and the ways of His Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). If you follow them, you will never go astray. You must know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are equal. You are members of one common brotherhood. It is forbidden for any of you to take from his brother except that which the latter should willingly give. Do not oppress your people.’

Then he asked. ‘Have I conveyed the Command of Allah, have I conveyed the Command of Allah?’ And they replied, ‘Yes!’ Then he supplicated, ’O Allah, bear witness."