The Historic Sermon of Prophet Muhammad(SAW)
This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul-Hijjah 10 A.H. in the
'Uranah valley of Mount Arafat' in Mecca.
After praising and thanking Allah the Prophet (saws) said:
"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 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
(the deceased 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 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 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 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 my example, 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 listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed
your message to your people."