During Hajj on the plain of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah), a sermon is delivered for all those present. When the Beloved Messenger of Allah (saw) performed Hajj, he gave a sermon known as the Farewell Sermon, since he departed this World not too long after.
This farewell sermon of The Beloved Messenger of Allah (saw) gives us some very powerful life lessons:
O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully 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. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest); therefore, all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib (the Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived…
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights regarding your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your rights, then 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 any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, perform your five daily prayers (salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford it.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also, a white person has no superiority over a black person nor does a black person have any superiority over a white person, except by piety and good action.
Know that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall 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 Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people.
Lessons
Some of the important reminders which we should take away from this sermon and adapt into our daily lives include:
Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you
Being mindful of your impact on others and knowing the rights of others upon you is to be free from harm.
Keeping away from usury
Usury has led to the rise in capitalism and, with it, the idea that life needs to be lived in excess, with over-consumption and excessive consumerism.
Beware of Satan
We often underestimate Satan and let our guard drop. He will seldom just whisper for you to leave your religion. He will tactically beautify the haram desires and push you to weaken your efforts that you pursue to bring you closer to Allah.
Eliminate racism
Only recently, we are seeing movements like Black Lives Matter, yet we were told the importance that all are equal regardless of colour over 1400 years ago.
Treat women well
The reminder is extremely important to both men and women for the status and rights of women in Islam.
Remind others
We are advised to remind others and pass on this powerful message to others and this can be done by sharing this page with friend and family.
