“And hold fast all together to the Rope of God and do not be divided,” (3:103, al-Imran)

TENTH YEAR of HIJRA

Write a detailed account of the farewell pilgrimage of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W).

Describe the Prophet’s pilgrimage in the final year of his life and his Farewell Sermon.

In the year 10 A.H., Mohammad (S.A.W) had successfully established an Islamic society all over Arabia. It was based on ‘There is no god except Allah.’ Soon after, He (S.A.W) felt that his stay in the world was about to end, so He (S.A.W) announced his intention for the major pilgrimage (Hajj). It is reported that a hundred and fourteen thousand followers came to the city of Madinah to offer rituals of Hajj under his guidance.

On 26th Dhil-Qad, mounting on his she-camel, Prophet (S.A.W) departed from Madinah for Makkah. He stayed a night at Dhul Hulaifah, and the next day he wore Ihram, performed the noon prayer shortened to two Rakah (Qasr), proclaimed his intention of Hajj and recited Talbiyah. Mounting on Al-Qaswa, he continued his journey to Makkah, reciting takbeer.

Arrival at Makkah for Hajj

After eight days of the journey, He reached Makkah on the 4th of Dhil Hajj. As soon as He entered the Sacred Mosque, he circumambulated Al-Kaaba (Tawaf) and walked between Safa and Marwa hills (Sai). He did not shave his head and did not put off his Ihram because He intended to offer Umrah and Hajj in one Ihram.

On the 8th of Dhil Hajj, He moved for Mina. He (S.A.W) stayed there till the morning of the next day. During his stay from the noon prayers of the 8th till the morning prayer of the 9th Dhil Hajj, He offered five prayers. Soon After Sunrise, He departed for Arafat. At the moment, He delivered the following speech that is considered his ‘Farewell Speech.’ He (S.A.W) said: “O people! Listen to what I say. I do not know whether I will ever meet you at this place after this year. Your blood, your property and your honour are as sacred as this day, this month and this city.”

Key Points of the Farewell Pilgrimage

Unlawful Blood Shedding

In this sermon, the Prophet (S.A.W) emphasized the following points. He (S.A.W) gave instructions about unlawful blood-shedding and usury (interest) by saying, “The blood-revenge of the Days of Ignorance are cancelled. The first claim on blood I cancel is of Ibne Rabiah bin Harith whom Hudhail killed. 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. Usury is forbidden, and I make a beginning by cancelling the amount of interest which Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib has to receive.” 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.”

The Equality of Humans & Brotherhood

He (S.A.W) stressed the equality of humans in the sight of Allah. The Prophet (S.A.W) said: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve; an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab any superiority over an Arab, also a white has no superiority over black, nor a black any superiority over white, except by piety and good action.”

He established brotherhood among the Muslims when He (S.A.W) said: “Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.”

Rights of Woman

He (S.A.W) highlighted the rights of women and instructed men to be kind and just to them. He (S.A.W) said: “Your wives have certain rights over you and you have certain rights over them. Do treat them well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers.”

Punctuality in Offering Obligation

By mentioning the five pillars of Islam, He (S.A.W) instructed believers to be regular in offering their obligations. He (S.A.W) said, “Worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.”

He (S.A.W) declared that the Quran and Sunnah were left for them for guidance after him, as no apostle would follow him. He (S.A.W) said: “No prophet will come after me and no new faith will be born. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.”

Testimony From the Gathered Masses

In the end, he asked thrice to those gathered, ‘O people have I faithfully delivered my message to you?’ and the masses replied ‘Yes!’ Prophet (S.A.W) then raised his forefinger to heaven saying ‘O Allah, bear witness.’ After the Prophet (S.A.W) had finished addressing the people, He received a revelation from Allah.

When the address was over, the Prophet (S.A.W) offered Dhuhr and Asr prayers combined. Furthermore, He left for Muzdhalifa, where He performed Maghrib and Isha prayers at once and rested there until dawn.

Hajj Rituals After the Address

On the 10th Dhil Hajj, he reached Mashaar al-Haram, the sacred site of Muzdalifah and made supplications, then left before sunrise. Next, He moved to Mina, where he pelted seven pebbles at Jamarat-ul-Uqbah. With the stoning being completed, the Prophet (S.A.W) proceeded to his camp in Mina and sacrificed 100 camels.

After sacrificing, he shaved his head and travelled to the Sacred Mosque for Tawaf-al-Ifadah on his camel. He reached Mina on the same day and spent the next three days (11th -13th Dhil Hajj) performing Rammi after sunset. On the 13th Dhil Hajj, after the stoning, He (S.A.W) left Mina and visited the high place of Makkah and offered his prayers there. Following this, He performed Farewell Circumambulation (Tawaf-e-Wida) and ordered his companions to do the same. Upon accomplishment of the pilgrimage, He (S.A.W) headed to the city of Madinah.

Explain how any two teachings given in the Prophet’s Farewell Sermon can help Muslim communities today.

The farewell address of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) given during his pilgrimage is very significant for every believer. It is considered a summary of the main elements of faith; it covers the five pillars of Islam, equality of humankind, ethics and morality, which is a complete guide for the Muslim community even today.

In the farewell pilgrimage, the Prophet (S.A.W) mentioned to Muslims two existing legacies (the Holy Quran and the Sunnah) that He left behind for them. He strongly suggested the believers hold tight to the rope of the Quran and Sunnah in all ages.

Today, If Muslim communities stick to these sources of eternal guidance, they can hope for success in both worlds that ensures unity and integrity of Muslims and protects them against sectarian divide. Also, the Quran instructs them to adhere to the divine guidance so that they remain united: “And hold fast all together to the Rope of God and do not be divided,” (3:103, al-Imran)

Another important teaching of the sermon is about the protection of Muslim life, property and honour. Instead of looting, bloodshed, oppression and exploitation, the Prophet (S.A.W) stated to view them as sacred. Today, we observe that Muslim communities face the problems of intolerance, violence and unjust killing of Muslims by fellow Muslims. They need to follow these instructions of the Prophet (S.A.W) and a relevant Quranic warning in this regard,

“If anyone slew a person—unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land—it would be as if he slew the whole people.” (5:32, al-Maida)

Hence, if Muslim communities sincerely follow the message of the Quran and the Farewell Sermon, they can successfully counter many of their internal problems.

How significant was the farewell address he gave during his pilgrimage?

The farewell address of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) given during his pilgrimage is very significant for every believer. It mentions the basics of religion, equality among Muslims, the value of human life and property and the importance of human rights.

Firstly, the sermon of the Prophet (S.A.W) included the basics of the Muslim way of life. In the context that the chief responsibilities of believers were totally against the traditions of the time of the Jahiliyah.

Secondly, it teaches believers about the equality of the entire human race and negates the differentiation based on racial, geographical, colour, gender and social superiority. He stated believers as the son of Hazrat Adam (A.S) make them similar and one. No one is superior in the eye of Allah, while only the distinguishing factor depends on the level of piety of individuals.

Thirdly, the sermon indicated a man’s life and possessions as valuable. Instead of looting, bloodshed, oppression and exploitation, he signified them as sacred and precious.

Fourthly, it reminded Muslims of their unity due to their collective faith. He strongly advised believers to keep their ties strong to the Quran and Sunnah of all ages.

Finally, the farewell address mentioned the importance of family life, the rights of women, mutual rights and duties in marriages, and stressed treating women and orphans with kindness and compassion.