Part-9: Prophet Muhammad ٠: The Final Sermon at Arafat

Prophet Muhammad ٠: The Final Sermon at Arafat

Introduction: A Farewell Not Just in Words, But in Legacy

In the 10th year after Hijrah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ embarked on his first and only Hajj pilgrimage after the migration to Madinah. Over 120,000 companions joined him on this monumental journey, a sign of how Islam had flourished across the Arabian Peninsula. But this pilgrimage was unlike any other. On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, standing on the plains of Arafat, the Prophet ﷺ delivered a sermon that would echo through history, shaping not only Islamic ethics but also global notions of justice, human rights, and morality. This powerful speech is famously known as Khutbatul Wada', or the Farewell Sermon.

This article will unpack the setting, content, and far-reaching impact of this extraordinary sermon—a synthesis of divine revelation, Prophetic wisdom, and timeless guidance for all of humanity.

The Journey to Arafat: A Grand Convergence

The Hajj of the Prophet ﷺ, also called Hajjat al-Wada', began in early Dhul-Hijjah. The Prophet ﷺ, now in his early sixties, traveled from Madinah, stopping at Dhul-Hulaifah where he entered the state of Ihram. The caravan of over a hundred thousand Muslims moved through Makkah and gathered in Mina, then headed to the plains of Arafat on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah.

Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahmah (Mount of Mercy), became the sacred ground where the Prophet ﷺ stood on his camel, Qaswa, to address the multitude.

The Setting: Silence, Reverence, and Unity

Imagine the vast open plains under the searing Arabian sun. Men and women from different tribes, ethnicities, and regions—once enemies, now brothers and sisters in faith—stood shoulder to shoulder. There was an air of solemnity, a deep stillness as all eyes and ears turned toward the Prophet ﷺ. The final Prophet, the Seal of Prophethood, was about to speak.

The sermon was not spoken from a written script. It was spontaneous, spirit-guided, and divinely inspired, but its content was meticulously memorized and later transmitted through authentic Hadith sources including Sahih Muslim, Ibn Majah, and Musnad Ahmad.

Key Themes of the Sermon: A Blueprint for Humanity

1. Sanctity of Life and Property

"Your blood, your property, and your honor are as sacred to one another as this day, this month, and this city."

This declaration placed the value of human life and dignity at the heart of Islamic ethics. The Prophet ﷺ used the sacredness of the Day of Arafah, the month of Dhul-Hijjah, and the land of Makkah to emphasize how deeply inviolable human rights are.

2. Racial Equality and Universal Brotherhood

"All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab..."

Centuries before the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Prophet ﷺ articulated the principle of racial and ethnic equality. This was revolutionary in a tribal society where lineage defined status. Islam, he declared, recognizes piety and righteousness as the only criteria for superiority.

3. Gender Rights and Mutual Respect

"O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you."

The sermon emphasized mutual responsibility and respect between men and women. This was a groundbreaking message in a male-dominated society and set the foundation for Islamic marital and gender ethics.

4. Elimination of Usury (Riba)

"All forms of usury are abolished."

The Prophet ﷺ declared the complete abolition of interest-based transactions, identifying them as instruments of economic exploitation. This was a critical move toward economic justice and equity.

5. End to Tribal Revenge and Pre-Islamic Practices

"All claims of revenge for killings during the days of ignorance are now waived."

This line declared the official end of tribal vendettas and blood feuds that had plagued pre-Islamic Arabia. By forgiving even the murder of his own family member, the Prophet ﷺ set an example of mercy and forward-looking reconciliation.

6. Adherence to the Qur'an and Sunnah

"I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and my Sunnah; if you follow these, you will never go astray."

This guidance crystallized the source of Islamic law and morality. It was a call to stay anchored to divine revelation and Prophetic practice.

7. Finality of Prophethood

"There is no Prophet after me."

This clear statement closed the door to any future claims of Prophethood and established the finality of the message of Islam.

The Revelation That Sealed the Message

Shortly after delivering the sermon, a verse of the Qur'an was revealed:

"This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion."

(Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:3)

When Umar ibn Al-Khattab ۝ heard this verse, he reportedly wept, understanding that the mission was nearing its completion and that the Prophet ﷺ may not live much longer.

Impact Through the Ages: Not Just for Muslims

Though the Farewell Sermon was delivered in a specific Islamic context, its message has crossed religious, cultural, and temporal boundaries.

• Human Rights Activists have cited it as one of the earliest declarations of universal rights.

• Peace Movements highlight its call for non-violence and reconciliation.

• Feminist Scholars explore its balanced view on gender equity.

• Legal Thinkers reflect on its emphasis on justice and abolition of financial oppression.

Transmission and Preservation

Unlike many historical speeches lost to time, the Farewell Sermon was preserved with exceptional precision. Multiple companions memorized and transmitted it, and scholars across generations recorded it in authentic collections. Its language is powerful, its rhythm poetic, and its message enduring.

The Prophet’s ٠ Lasting Concern: Accountability Before God

At the end of his sermon, the Prophet ﷺ raised his finger toward the sky and asked his companions:

"Have I conveyed the message?"

They replied, "Yes, you have."

He repeated, "O Allah, bear witness!"

This scene, filled with divine gravitas and emotional weight, marked the culmination of 23 years of Prophetic mission. It was not merely a goodbye, but a transfer of responsibility to the Ummah to live by these values and propagate them.

Conclusion: A Timeless Charter of Human Dignity

The Farewell Sermon of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is not just an Islamic artifact; it's a document of global relevance. Its ethical principles resonate with our modern quest for justice, equality, and peace. It laid down a framework for society that balances rights with duties, justice with compassion, and spirituality with daily conduct.

As Muslims, returning to the message of Arafat is not just a historical reflection but a spiritual necessity. In it, we find the roadmap not only for personal piety but for collective moral elevation.

Indeed, in those words spoken on the scorching plains of Arafat, humanity heard its clearest call to virtue.