The last farewell: The Prophet’s Hajj and the Eternal Message of Islam
In the tenth year of the Hijrah, the Prophet stood at the largest gathering of Muslims at the Hajj al-Wada‘ah to present to the whole world the essence of his lofty message and his immortal commandments that formed a constitution for all mankind. This Hajj was the final farewell, a comprehensive message that guaranteed the survival of his religion and the fulfillment of his blessing, and he died a few weeks later. What are the main features of this Hajj and its comprehensive sermon?
The Last Pilgrimage: An inclusive invitation and the preparation of a nation
After the conquest of Mecca and the people entering the religion of God in droves, it was time to announce the completion and perfection of the religion. In the tenth year of the Hijrah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) set out for the Sacred House of Allah to perform the Hajj, along with tens of thousands of Muslims, in a majestic scene never before witnessed in history. This pilgrimage was a great opportunity to teach Muslims the rituals of Hajj in practice, and to deliver a comprehensive commandment that represents the essence of his message.
Farewell Sermon: A timeless constitution for mankind
On the day of Arafa, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stood before the Muslims and delivered his sermon, known as the Farewell Sermon. This sermon was a comprehensive constitution that regulated all aspects of Muslim life and emphasized fundamental values of humanity.
One of the most important commandments of the Farewell Sermon:
- The sanctity of blood, money and honor: The Prophet emphasized the inviolability of Muslims’ blood, money, and honors, and that they are as inviolable as this day, month, and country: In the hadith narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah in Sahih Muslim about the farewell sermon: “Your blood, money and honor are as sacred to you as this day, this month and this country.”
- Abolishing the customs of jahiliyyah: The Prophet (peace be upon him) abolished all matters of jahiliyyah, including usury and blood feuds, ushering in a new era based on justice and fairness.
- Recommending women well: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) recommended women well and mentioned their rights and duties, which raised the status of women in society.
- Warning against Satan: The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned of the danger of Satan, and reminded that he will not be worshipped in the Arabian Peninsula, but will be obeyed elsewhere.
- Adhere to the Book and the Sunnah: He recommended the Ummah to adhere to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of his Prophet, emphasizing that they are the guarantee of not going astray after him: “I have left among you what if you adhere to it, you will never go astray, the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” (Narrated by Muslim).
- Do not compete after his death: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) warned against competing for the world after his death.
Proclamation of the completion of the religion: The fulfillment of grace and mission
While the Prophet (peace be upon him) was standing in Arafat giving his sermon, a great verse of the Qur’an was revealed to him, bringing the good news of the completion of the religion and the perfection of grace:
الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا
(Surat al-Ma’idah: 3).
The revelation of this verse was a clear indication that the message of Islam had been completed and that God had accepted it as a religion for all mankind. The Companions understood from this verse that the Prophet’s time was coming to an end, as God had completed the message he had sent him.
Death and Transfer of Trust
Shortly after the Farewell Hajj, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) fell ill and died in the first spring of the eleventh year of the Hijrah, after he had fulfilled the trust, delivered the message, advised the nation, and left it on the white path. The trust of preserving and communicating the religion was passed on to his Ummah, which carried the banner after him.
Conclusion: Timeless commandments and a way of life
The Farewell Hajj and its blessed sermon was the culmination of the Prophet’s march and jihad in the way of Allah. The Prophet left us with timeless commandments and a clear approach, emphasizing that the message of Islam is complete and comprehensive, and that it is a constitution of life for mankind until the end of time. It is a constant call to uphold the principles of justice, mercy, equality and coexistence, which are the essence of Islam’s timeless message.
What commandment did the farewell speech leave you with the greatest impact?
