The last sermon of the Prophet-peace be
upon him- is known as Khutbatul Wada'. It is mentioned in almost all
books of Hadith. Following Ahadith in Sahih Al-Bukhari refer to the
sermon and quote part of it. See Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361)
Sahih of Imam Muslim also refers to this sermon in Hadith number 98.
Imam al-Tirmidhi has mentioned this sermon in Hadith nos. 1628, 2046,
2085. Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal has given us the longest and perhaps the
most complete version of this sermon in his Masnud, Hadith no. 19774.
This Khutbah of the Prophet-peace be upon him- was long and it
contained much guidance and instructions on many issues. The
Prophet-peace be upon him- gave this sermon in front of a large
gathering of people during Hajj.
Whosoever heard whatever part of the sermon reported it and later
some scholars put it together. It is a great khutbah and we should
all pay attention to its message and guidance. Following are the
basic points mentioned in this khutbah
“
O People Lend me an attentive
ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst
you again. Therefor 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 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
interest due to Abbas Ibn ‘Abd al 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 in 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 you 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 anyone 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 a 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 therefor, 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. 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 the Sunnah (Hadith), 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 listened to me directly. Be my witness, O
Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people."
“…This day have I perfected your religion for you,
completed My Grace upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your
religion…” (Quran 5:3)
“