The Prophet Muhammad’s last sermon, delivered during his farewell pilgrimage (Hajj) in the year 632 AD, is one of the most important speeches in Islamic history. It emphasized equality, justice, and moral principles that guide Muslims to this day. Below is the English translation of the sermon, followed by an analysis and explanation of its key parts for better understanding:
The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
“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 obligations 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. Treat them with kindness and be good 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, perform your five daily prayers, 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 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. 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 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 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.”
Analysis of the Sermon: Word by Word Explanation
1. Introduction and Importance of the Sermon
“O People, lend me an attentive ear…”
Here, Prophet Muhammad emphasizes the importance of the message he is about to deliver, knowing that this may be his last time speaking to the masses. He asks for everyone to listen carefully and to spread his words to others. This is a call to unity and a reminder that his message is for everyone, not just those physically present.
2. Sanctity of Life and Property
“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.”
The Prophet draws attention to the sacredness of certain things, like the holy month of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of Arafat, and the city of Mecca. He then links this with the sanctity of life and property, reminding people that harming others or taking their property unjustly is strictly forbidden.
3. Justice and Accountability
“Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.”
This part emphasizes fairness and justice. Prophet Muhammad stresses the importance of fulfilling trusts and being fair in dealings. He warns against hurting others because this leads to societal harm and breakdown.
4. Prohibition of Interest (Usury)
“Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived.”
Here, the Prophet explicitly forbids the taking or giving of interest, which is considered exploitative. He calls for an economic system based on fairness rather than exploitation, aligning with Islamic values of charity and support for the less fortunate.
5. Warning Against Satan
“Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion.”
Satan (Shaytan) is seen as an enemy to the spiritual well-being of Muslims. The Prophet warns that although Satan may not succeed in leading believers astray in major matters, they should remain cautious even in small actions, as Satan seeks any opportunity to mislead.
6. Rights of Women
“You have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you.”*
This section addresses the mutual rights and responsibilities between men and women. The Prophet calls for kindness and fairness in dealing with women, recognizing their dignity and partnership in family life.
7. Obligatory Acts of Worship
“Worship Allah, perform your five daily prayers…”
Prophet Muhammad reminds believers of their core religious duties—praying, fasting during Ramadan, giving Zakat (charity), and performing Hajj (pilgrimage). These acts of worship are the foundation of Islamic life.
8. Equality of All People
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve…”
This is one of the most powerful messages of the sermon. The Prophet emphasizes that all humans are equal, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or color. Superiority is only based on piety and good deeds. This promotes unity and challenges any form of racism or tribalism.
9. Brotherhood in Islam
“Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim, and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.”
The Prophet reinforces the idea of unity and brotherhood among Muslims. This sense of solidarity is meant to create a strong, cohesive community where individuals look out for one another’s well-being.
10. Reminder of the Hereafter
“One day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds.”
This part of the sermon is a reminder of the Day of Judgment. The Prophet calls on believers to be mindful of their actions, knowing that they will be held accountable by Allah in the afterlife.
11. Finality of Prophethood
“No prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born.”
The Prophet declares the finality of his message, emphasizing that Islam is the last divine religion, and he is the final messenger of Allah. This is a significant theological statement in Islam.
12. Following the Quran and Sunnah
“I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my Sunnah, and if you follow these, you will never go astray.”
The Prophet instructs his followers to adhere to the teachings of the Quran and his Sunnah (practices). These are the ultimate sources of guidance for Muslims, meant to lead them on the correct path.
13. Passing on the Message
“All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others…”
In this closing, the Prophet calls on those present to share his message with others. He acknowledges that future generations may understand it even better, which speaks to the timeless relevance of his teachings.
Conclusion
Prophet Muhammad’s last sermon is a comprehensive guide to Islamic ethics and social justice. It emphasizes equality, justice, rights, obligations, and the importance of unity among Muslims. By addressing issues such as the prohibition of interest, the treatment of women, the concept of brotherhood, and racial equality, the Prophet laid down a foundation for a just and moral society. These principles remain relevant and are regarded as a roadmap for living a righteous life in Islam.
