The Last Sermon (Khutbah)

Husni Ramdani · 15 April 2024

In the final year of his life, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered a sermon that would become a lasting testament to his teachings and guidance. This "Farewell Sermon," also known as the "Last Khutbah," was delivered on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, 10 AH (632 CE) to a vast gathering of over 100,000 pilgrims during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

The Prophet began by praising Allah, saying:

اَلْحَمْدُ للهِ نَحْمَدُهُ وَنَسْتَعِيْنُهُ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُهُ، وَنَعُوْذُ بِاللهِ مِنْ شُرُوْرِ أَنْفُسِنَا وَمِنْ سَيِّئَاتِ أَعْمَالِنَا، مَنْ يَهْدِهِ اللهُ فَلَا مُضِلَّ لَهُ، وَمَنْ يُضْلِلْ فَلَا هَادِيَ لَهُ.

"All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, and we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evils of our souls and the negative consequences of our deeds. Whoever Allah guides, none can misguide; and whoever He misguides, none can guide."

The Prophet went on to remind the people of their duties and obligations, emphasizing the equality of all people regardless of race or social status. He declared:

أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ! إِنَّ رَبَّكُمْ وَاحِدٌ، وَإِنَّ أَبَاكُمْ وَاحِدٌ، أَلَا لَا فَضْلَ لِعَرَبِيٍّ عَلَى أَعْجَمِيٍّ، وَلَا لِأَعْجَمِيٍّ عَلَى عَرَبِيٍّ، وَلَا لِأَحْمَرَ عَلَى أَسْوَدَ، وَلَا أَسْوَدَ عَلَى أَحْمَرَ، إِلَّا بِالتَّقْوَى

"O people! Your Lord is one and your father Adam is one. There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, or of a non-Arab over an Arab, or of a white person over a black person or of a black person over a white person, except in piety."

The Prophet also spoke about the sanctity of life, property and honor, emphasizing that these rights must be respected. He went on to stress the importance of women's rights, saying:

وَإِنَّ لَكُمْ عَلَى نِسَائِكُمْ حَقًّا، وَلَهُنَّ عَلَيْكُمْ حَقًّا

"And you have rights over your women, and they have rights over you."

Addressing the issue of usury, the Prophet firmly stated:

وَإِنَّ الرِّبَا مَوْضُوْعٌ

"And indeed, interest is forbidden."

Towards the end of his sermon, the Prophet reminded the people to uphold the teachings of the Quran and his Sunnah (traditions), saying:

إِنِّي تَارِكٌ فِيكُمْ مَا إِنْ تَمَسَّكْتُمْ بِهِ لَنْ تَضِلُّوْا: كِتَابَ اللهِ وَسُنَّةَ نَبِيِّهِ

"I am leaving behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray."

This farewell address of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encapsulates the core principles of Islam - equality, justice, compassion and the pursuit of a righteous life. It stands as a timeless testament to the Prophet's universal message of peace, unity and moral excellence.