farewell sermonHave you ever heard of a speech so powerful that it’s still shaping lives centuries later? That’s the farewell sermon delivered by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It’s also known as the farewell speech. The prophet delivered it during his final pilgrimage.
The farewell sermon is one of the most significant speeches in Islamic history. It’s a cornerstone of Islamic values and a roadmap for how to live a good life—not only for Muslims but for all of humanity. It tells us how to be good Muslims, teaches us about the rights of women in Islam, and much more.
Today we will explore this historic speech by discussing the following:
- Why is the farewell speech considered the most important speech in history?
- What was the message of the farewell sermon?
- When was the farewell sermon, and where?
- How did the farewell sermon impact Muslims?
Let’s start.
Why is the farewell speech considered the most important speech in history?
The Farewell Sermon (خطبة الوداع) (Khutbatul Wada’) is, perhaps, the most important speech in history. Why?
The farewell sermon is considered one of the first human rights declarations. A sermon that encourages equality and rejects racism. It shows the true picture of Islam. Yet, it wasn’t just meant for Muslims; it has universality at its core. The farewell sermon is a letter to all humankind!
Studies attempting to analyze the farewell sermon were impressed by even the linguistic choices. Placing words, phrases, sentences, and other elements in the sermon played a crucial part in expressing the intended meanings. (1) What’s more, The sermon summarizes the prophet’s teachings and is a guide for all the following Muslim generations. It emphasizes the core Islamic values we should always uphold to be good Muslims.
It was the Prophet Muhammad’s final address to the Muslim ummah (community). Knowing his last days were coming, the prophet started the farewell sermon by thanking Allah for all the blessings. Then he started saying:
“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. “
To be honest, it’s only logical that the best and most beloved person to us Muslims and one of the most influential persons in history would deliver the greatest speech of all time, right? So What did the prophet say in the farewell sermon? Keep reading to find out!
What was the message of the farewell sermon?
The Farewell Sermon contained several key messages that are fundamental to Islamic values. Let’s take a look at them!
Farewell sermon key messages: Emphasizing human dignity and sacredness
The Prophet said that the life of humankind is sacred. This emphasizes the importance of humanity and respecting one another’s rights in Islam.
“O People! Verily, your lives and your wealth are sacred and forbidden upon you until you meet your Lord, as sacred as this day and this month are.”
This was shown in the Quran: whoever saves a life is like saving the entire humanity, and whoever kills one human is like killing the entire humanity. This shows how divine and important all human beings’ lives are, regardless of their religion, race, ethnicity, etc.
مِنْ أَجْلِ ذَٰلِكَ كَتَبْنَا عَلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ أَنَّهُۥ مَن قَتَلَ نَفْسًۢا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍۢ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ ٱلنَّاسَ جَمِيعًۭا وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَآ أَحْيَا ٱلنَّاسَ جَمِيعًۭا ۚ وَلَقَدْ جَآءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُنَا بِٱلْبَيِّنَـٰتِ ثُمَّ إِنَّ كَثِيرًۭا مِّنْهُم بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ لَمُسْرِفُونَ ٣٢
Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul1 or for corruption [done] in the land2 – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one3 – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And Our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs. Then indeed, many of them, [even] after that, throughout the land, were transgressors. (Surah Ma’aeda, 32)
Continuing the human rights emphasis, the prophet highlighted anti-racism values in the Islamic faith. Let’s see how!
Farewell sermon key messages: Equality and eliminating Racism
The farewell sermon is a simple yet perfect guide to humanity. It has human rights rules that can be found in any national, regional, or international human rights. Thus, it is one of the oldest and perhaps first human rights declarations. (2) Prophet Muhammad declared that all people are equal in the eyes of Allah, regardless of race, tribe, color, or social status. Allah Created us differently to learn from each other and get to know each other. After all, what makes us different is our righteousness and good actions.
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action” (Sahih Muslim).
This was already emphasized in Quran, As Allah SWT says
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَٰكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ
“O humankind, indeed, We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13)
It doesn’t end there. Next, the prophet lays the foundations for human connections and how to deal with each other in the farewell sermon.
Farewell sermon key messages: Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.
In the farewell sermon, our beloved prophet showed how justice and fair treatment are important. He tells us how to live in peace with others and how to connect with and communicate with them. This encourages us to think about our words and actions and to be careful of how they might impact others. As long as we are kind and we don’t hurt anyone, no one will hurt us.
“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.”
Abu Umamah reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, while he was upon his camel during the farewell pilgrimage and he was saying, “I enjoin you to be good to your neighbors.” The Prophet repeated it so much that I said, “Indeed, he will make them inherit from us!” (al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr 7397) )
So, not only to our families and friends but also to our neighbors and strangers. The Islamic values mentioned in the farewell sermon show the kind and empathetic core of our Faith. Then the prophet moved to dwell on Religious practices we should hold on to. Let’s keep reading
Farewell sermon key messages: Prohibition of Riba
The Prophet urged his followers to be just and honest in their business and financial dealings. He also instructed them to avoid Riba (usury or interest). Riba is one of the major sins that goes against our Islamic values. Just as it has severe punishment in the afterlife, it destroys the person mentally, spiritually, and, of course, financially. That’s why the prophet made sure to instruct people to avoid it in the farewell sermon. What’s more, he emphasized the importance of fulfilling promises and upholding contracts.
Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners 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 Abd Al-Muttalib (Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived
Farewell sermon key messages: Unity and brotherhood
The Prophet called for unity among Muslims in his farewell sermon. He made it clear that they are one community (ummah) bound by faith and brotherhood.
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 your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone
Farewell sermon key messages: Women In Islam
Today, the world is filled with injustice, inequality, and even mistreatment of women. Some falsely accuse Islam of oppressing and belittling them. However, the opposite is true! Islam established women’s rights way before any feminist movement. Our religion honors and respects women. This is shown in the Farewell sermon, in which the prophet emphasized that women and men are partners who complement each other. Hence, it is important to treat women with kindness and respect. He stated:
” 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.
Farewell sermon key messages: Emphasizing the five pillars of Islam
One of the most important things about the farewell sermon is that the prophet mentions the five pillars of Islam. This leaves no room for anyone to doubt or question what to do. these are the things that put us on track to be good Muslims.
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
Moreover, he warned about people who would tamper with the time to make things Allah forbid feel permissible. Additionally, he talked about the four sacred months of the Islamic calendar.
“O, men! The unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to prohibit what Allah has made permissible. With Allah, the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, there are sucessive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban.”
Farewell sermon key messages: Hold to the teachings of Islam
In the farewell sermon, the prophet knew this was the last time he would speak to people in such a big crowd. Thus, he made it clear that Islam is the last faith and that he is the last messenger of Allah. Many people were afraid of what would become of them and their faith after the prophet was gone. How shall they remain true without his guidance and his teachings? Yet Allah SWT and the prophets reassured Muslims that as long as they follow Allah’s words (the holy Quran) and the teaching of the prophet (Sunnah), they shall never be astray.
“O people, no Prophet or Messenger will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Therefore, understand the words which I convey to you. I will leave two things; the Quran and the Sunnah, and if you follow these, you will never go astray.”
Although he may not be physically with us, his teachings live within our hearts and lives through the Quran and Sunnah. Therefore, it is important to understand that these are the only two main sources for us as Muslims to rely on.
The bottom line is that the farewell sermon contains many fundamental key messages. It upholds human dignity and sacredness. Furthermore, it is a human rights declaration. It empowers women, rejects criticism, and encourages justice, equality, and honesty. It serves as a concise summary of Islamic teaching, and its five pillars. Moreover, it serves as guidance for Muslims to stay true to their religion. So when and where did the prophet make this extraordinary speech? Let’s find out.
When was the farewell sermon, and where?
Prophet Muhammad delivered the Farewell Sermon on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah. That was Arafat day in the 10th year of Hijra year (632 CE) during his first and last Hajj pilgrimage. This hajj was known as the hajj of farewell because the Prophet did not perform a hajj after it. It is also known to be the Hajj of Completion because this verse of Quraan was revealed during it:
ٱلْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمَ دِينًۭا
“Today I have perfected for you your religion, and completed My blessing upon you, and approved for you Islam as religion.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:3)
Where Did the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Deliver His Farewell Sermon?
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered the farewell sermon in the Uranah Valley of Mount Arafat, 20 kilometers east of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Thousands (100,00- 150,000) of Muslims gathered for the pilgrimage. The sermon became a defining moment in Islamic history. Some scholars say it is a series of sermons made by the Prophet in Arafat and Mina, starting on the day of Arafah until the middle day of Tasyriq.
The Farewell Sermon was mentioned in many Hadith references, such as Al-Bukhari, Muslim, al-Tirmidhi, and Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal. To understand how important the Farwell sermon is, let’s delve into its impacts on Muslims then and today!
How did the farewell sermon impact Muslims?
The Farewell Sermon has had a profound and lasting impact on Muslims worldwide. The prophet himself asked Muslims to deliver his words to the next generations and teach them how to be good Muslims
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.”
That’s why, Up until the moment you are reading this, the farewell sermon lives rent-free in the back of every true Muslim who strives to be better and live better.
The Farewell Sermon reinforces the Foundation of Islamic Law
The farewell sermon outlined principles along with the Holy Quran, which became the basis for Islamic law (Shariah). It reinforces Islamic values such as equality, justice, and compassion. Thus, encouraging Muslims to embrace these values in their daily lives and follow in the footsteps of their beloved prophet.
O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qu’ran and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these, you will never go astray.
The Farewell Sermon is your guide on how to be a good Muslim
By outlining key aspects of behavior, the farewell sermon providesclear guidance on how to be a good Muslim. It invites us all to lead a life of purity, righteousness, and adherence to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. It also teaches us to be aware of Satan (Shaytan), as we often underestimate him and then fall victim to the small things he tempts us into.
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.
In the Quran, Allah SWT says:
“O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaytan (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy.” (2:208).
The Farewell Sermon protects the right of the vulnerable
The Farewell Sermon’s emphasis on equality and justice. It lays the groundwork for protecting human rights within Islamic societies. What’s more, the recognition and protection of women’s rights have inspired many efforts to promote gender equality and empower women in Islam.
The Farewell sermon fostered a sense of community
The call for unity and brotherhood fostered a sense of community among Muslims across different backgrounds. It encourages them to support and care for one another.
“A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever screens (humiliates) a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection. (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
The Farewell Sermon Today
The Farewell Sermon’s timeless message continues to resonate with Muslims today. It reminds us of our shared humanity, our responsibility to treat each other with compassion, and our duty to uphold justice. It is valuable guidance for living a meaningful and ethical life. It helps us contribute positively to our communities, embodying the true spirit of Islam. May we always stay true to our deen and its teachings, do the best we can to be good Muslims, and always remember the teaching of our beloved prophet in his historic and most significant speech: the farewell sermon. You can join one of our online classes to learn more about the Islamic faith and its teachings. or you can just continue reading here!
