Questions about Prophet Muhammad's last sermon
Prophet Muhammad's last sermon, delivered during the Farewell Pilgrimage, is a significant event in Islamic history. It encapsulates his final guidance to the Muslim community. In this sermon, he emphasized the importance of unity and adherence to the teachings he conveyed throughout his life.
In one narration, the Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said, I have left you on a clear and plain path, its night like its day; no one will deviate from it after me except one who is doomed.
Sunan Ibn Majah 1:43 This highlights the clarity of the guidance he provided and warns against straying from it. He urged the followers to hold firmly to his Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs.
Additionally, he addressed the importance of treating others with kindness and justice, stating, Whoever among you takes charge, let him accept good from his people and forgive their wrongdoers.
Sahih al-Bukhari 61:132 This statement underscores the need for leaders to be fair and compassionate towards those they govern.
Another key aspect of his last sermon was his warning against internal strife, as he said, I do not fear that you will associate partners with Allah after me, but I fear the world and that you will compete and fight among yourselves and perish as those before you perished.
Sahih Muslim 43:38 This reflects his concern for the community's future and the challenges they would face in maintaining their unity and faith.
Overall, the last sermon serves as a comprehensive reminder of the core tenets of Islam, the importance of unity, and the need for compassion and justice within the community.
Sources
-
Sunan Ibn Majah 1:43
Sunan Ibn Majah · Book 1, Hadith 43 · Narrated by Al-Arbad ibn Sariyah
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) deliver a sermon that made eyes weep and hearts tremble. We said, 'O Messenger of Allah, this is indeed a farewell counsel; what do you entrust to us?' He replied, 'I have left you on a clear and plain path, its night like its day; no one will deviate from it after me except one who is doomed. Whoever among you lives will witness great differences; so follow what you know of my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs, and hold firmly to it. Obey, even if an Ethiopian slave leads you, for the believer is like a restrained camel: wherever it is tied, it submits.'
-
Sahih al-Bukhari 61:132
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 61, Hadith 132 · Narrated by Ibn Abbas
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), during the sickness in which he passed away, went out wrapped in a woolen cloak and had a blood-soaked cotton bandage tied over it, and he sat upon the pulpit. He praised Allah and extolled Him, then said: "As for what follows, the people will increase in number, and the Ansar will decrease until among the people they will be like salt in food. Whoever of you takes charge, let him accept good from his people and forgive their wrongdoers." This was the last assembly at which the Prophet (ﷺ) sat.
-
Sahih Muslim 43:38
Sahih Muslim · Book 43, Hadith 38 · Narrated by Uqbah ibn Amir
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) prayed over the martyrs of Uhud and then ascended the pulpit as if taking leave of the living and the dead. He said: I am your predecessor on the basin, and its width is as the distance between Ailah and Al-Juhfah. I do not fear that you will associate partners with Allah after me, but I fear the world and that you will compete and fight among yourselves and perish as those before you perished. This was the last time I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on the pulpit.
Answers are generated and checked automatically; they may still be incomplete or imperfect. For religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar.
Ask your own question →