The Last Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad
Delivered on the 9th day of Dhul Hijrah 10 AH in the ‘Uranah valley of Mount Arafat
“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 obligation shall therefore be waived. Your capital, however, is
yours to keep. You will neither inflict or suffer inequity. Allah has judged
that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn’
Abd’al Muttalib 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 with regard to 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 right
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, say your five daily prayers (Salah),
fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if
you can afford to.
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 has no superiority
over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good
action. Learn 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 ill 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 Qur’an 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.”