بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
The month of Dhul Hijjah is filled with awe-inspiring moments—none more powerful than the Day of ʿArafah, where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stood before thousands of his companions and delivered his final sermon. It wasn’t merely a farewell—it was a declaration, a legacy, and a divine trust passed down to every believer.
It is said that the Prophet ﷺ delivered this sermon from the heart of the plain of ʿArafah, during his first and only Hajj, known as the Farewell Pilgrimage. On that day, Allah revealed one of the most significant verses in the Qur’an:
"ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ وَأَتۡمَمۡتُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ نِعۡمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلۡإِسۡلَـٰمَ دِينٗا"
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3)
Ibn Kathir رحمه الله writes in his Tafsir that when this verse was revealed, ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه wept, not out of sadness, but out of understanding: when something is perfected, the only direction it can go is down. He sensed the closeness of the Prophet’s departure.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds.”
This simple but profound reminder encompasses the heart of Islam: Accountability. Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله wrote, “Taqwa is to act in obedience to Allah, with light from Allah, hoping for His reward, and to abandon disobedience to Allah, with light from Allah, fearing His punishment.”
Taqwa is not simply fear—it is vigilance in faith, rooted in the consciousness of Allah's presence, justice, and mercy.
The final sermon of the Messenger ﷺ wasn’t lengthy, but it was deeply comprehensive. Let’s reflect on some of its key themes—relevant not just for the 7th century, but for the modern believer today and aptly relevant till the last day.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, your blood, your wealth, and your honour are sacred to you, like the sanctity of this day, in this month, in this city.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 67; Muslim, 1218)
In a world where dignity is often violated, this message affirms that every Muslim’s life, property, and honour are inviolable.
Ibn Rajab رحمه الله explains that this indicates the strong bond of brotherhood in Islam. Violating another Muslim’s rights is not a small matter—it is a grave breach of faith.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah has forbidden you to take usury (riba); therefore, all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived… Allah has judged that there shall be no riba.”
The Prophet ﷺ singled out this economic injustice in his final sermon for good reason. Riba is a tool of oppression—it enriches the powerful while crushing the vulnerable.
Yet despite the severe warnings, riba has become widespread in our communities today. Muslims engage in it casually, justifying it as a necessity or overlooking it entirely.
But Allah (ﷻ) warns in the Qur’an:
"فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا۟ فَأْذَنُوا۟ بِحَرْبٍۢ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ۖ وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَٰلِكُمْ ۖ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ"
“But if you do not desist, then be informed of a war from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your principal—[thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:279)
Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما said, “On the Day of Judgement, it will be said to the one who consumed riba: take your weapon and prepare for battle with Allah and His Messenger.”
The Prophet ﷺ declared:
“All matters of Jahiliyyah are under my feet and abolished.”
This included blood revenge, tribal arrogance, and economic exploitation. Islam came to reform hearts and societies, lifting people from ignorance to light.
Allah (ﷻ) said:
"هُوَ ٱلَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي ٱلۡأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولٗا مِّنۡهُمۡ يَتۡلُواْ عَلَيۡهِمۡ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ وَيُزَكِّيهِمۡ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ..."
“It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom...”
(Surah Al-Jumuʿah 62:2)
The Prophet ﷺ proclaimed:
“No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab, nor a white person over a black, except in piety.”
This statement is revolutionary—then and now. The only true measure of a person’s worth in Islam is taqwa (consciousness of Allah).
Allah (ﷻ) said:
"يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٖ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ شُعُوبٗا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓاْۚ إِنَّ أَكۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَىٰكُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ۬"
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you...”
(Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)
The Prophet ﷺ advised:
“Treat women well, for they are your partners and committed helpers.”
This was a monumental shift in a society where women had often been mistreated. Islam elevated the status of women and outlined their rights and responsibilities.
The Prophet ﷺ emphasised the role of men as the Qawwam (guardians and protectors) of womenfolk as stated in the Qur'an; a position of immense responsibility and accountability, not a warrant for oppression.
However, He also reminded women of their duties towards their husbands for which they would be held accountable.
The true balance the world is in dire need of today.
“I have left among you that which, if you hold fast to it, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.”
This is the anchor of our faith—the unchanging foundation amidst a rapidly changing world. But an important question we all need to reflect on is, "how much of the Qur'an and sunnah do we have in our lives ?"
Do we take learning Islam seriously or are satisfied simply being blind followers and cultural zelots ?
Islam transcends our cultures and nationalities and is the perfect guidance revealed to the Prophet ﷺ embodied in his practices and exemplified in the understanding and practice of the best 3 generations vouched for by the Prophet ﷺ.
Allah says:
"وَٱعۡتَصِمُواْ بِحَبۡلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعٗا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُواْ"
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”
(Surah Aal-ʿImran 3:103)
"O people, lend me an attentive ear, for I do not know whether after this year I shall ever be among you again. Therefore, listen carefully to what I am saying to you and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O people, just as you regard this month, this day, and 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 (riba); therefore, all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any injustice. Allah has judged that there shall be no riba, and that all the riba due to Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib shall be waived.
Beware of Shaytan, 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 regarding your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your right, then they have 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 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 it.
All mankind is from Adam and Hawwa (Eve). An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white—except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every other Muslim and that you are now 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 messenger will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things: the Qur’an 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."
Note: The full text of this sermon has been compiled from authentic narrations found in: Sahih Muslim (1218), Sunan Abi Dawood (1905), Musnad Ahmad (19774, 20885), Ibn Hisham’s Seerah and other early historical sources Scholars have consolidated these reports to preserve the complete message conveyed by the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of ʿArafah.
The Prophet’s ﷺ final sermon wasn’t just a historical speech. It was a trust. A mirror. A reminder that Islam is not a collection of rituals—but a way of life that dignifies humanity and calls us back to our Creator.
So in these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah, take time to read the sermon. Reflect on its meanings. Teach it to your children. Let it reframe how you treat others, how you worship, and how you view your purpose.
Let this month be a revival of legacy. The legacy of a man who stood at ʿArafah and spoke to your heart.
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنَا مِمَّنْ يَسْتَمِعُونَ الْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَهُ.
“O Allah, make us among those who listen to speech and follow its best of it.”
📚 Yearning to know more about the Prophet ﷺ? Check out True Ilm’s extensive library of authentic Islamic resources, including ebooks and audiobooks that bring the Seerah to life.
Books we recommend you start with:
Visit True Ilm to explore more and begin your journey of love and learning with the legacy of the Prophet ﷺ.
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بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
The month of Dhul Hijjah is filled with awe-inspiring moments—none more powerful than the Day of ʿArafah, where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stood before thousands of his companions and delivered his final sermon. It wasn’t merely a farewell—it was a declaration, a legacy, and a divine trust passed down to every believer.
It is said that the Prophet ﷺ delivered this sermon from the heart of the plain of ʿArafah, during his first and only Hajj, known as the Farewell Pilgrimage. On that day, Allah revealed one of the most significant verses in the Qur’an:
"ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ وَأَتۡمَمۡتُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ نِعۡمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلۡإِسۡلَـٰمَ دِينٗا"
“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3)
Ibn Kathir رحمه الله writes in his Tafsir that when this verse was revealed, ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه wept, not out of sadness, but out of understanding: when something is perfected, the only direction it can go is down. He sensed the closeness of the Prophet’s departure.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds.”
This simple but profound reminder encompasses the heart of Islam: Accountability. Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله wrote, “Taqwa is to act in obedience to Allah, with light from Allah, hoping for His reward, and to abandon disobedience to Allah, with light from Allah, fearing His punishment.”
Taqwa is not simply fear—it is vigilance in faith, rooted in the consciousness of Allah's presence, justice, and mercy.
The final sermon of the Messenger ﷺ wasn’t lengthy, but it was deeply comprehensive. Let’s reflect on some of its key themes—relevant not just for the 7th century, but for the modern believer today and aptly relevant till the last day.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, your blood, your wealth, and your honour are sacred to you, like the sanctity of this day, in this month, in this city.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhari, 67; Muslim, 1218)
In a world where dignity is often violated, this message affirms that every Muslim’s life, property, and honour are inviolable.
Ibn Rajab رحمه الله explains that this indicates the strong bond of brotherhood in Islam. Violating another Muslim’s rights is not a small matter—it is a grave breach of faith.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah has forbidden you to take usury (riba); therefore, all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived… Allah has judged that there shall be no riba.”
The Prophet ﷺ singled out this economic injustice in his final sermon for good reason. Riba is a tool of oppression—it enriches the powerful while crushing the vulnerable.
Yet despite the severe warnings, riba has become widespread in our communities today. Muslims engage in it casually, justifying it as a necessity or overlooking it entirely.
But Allah (ﷻ) warns in the Qur’an:
"فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا۟ فَأْذَنُوا۟ بِحَرْبٍۢ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ۖ وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَٰلِكُمْ ۖ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ"
“But if you do not desist, then be informed of a war from Allah and His Messenger. But if you repent, you may have your principal—[thus] you do no wrong, nor are you wronged.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:279)
Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنهما said, “On the Day of Judgement, it will be said to the one who consumed riba: take your weapon and prepare for battle with Allah and His Messenger.”
The Prophet ﷺ declared:
“All matters of Jahiliyyah are under my feet and abolished.”
This included blood revenge, tribal arrogance, and economic exploitation. Islam came to reform hearts and societies, lifting people from ignorance to light.
Allah (ﷻ) said:
"هُوَ ٱلَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي ٱلۡأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولٗا مِّنۡهُمۡ يَتۡلُواْ عَلَيۡهِمۡ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ وَيُزَكِّيهِمۡ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ..."
“It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom...”
(Surah Al-Jumuʿah 62:2)
The Prophet ﷺ proclaimed:
“No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab, nor a white person over a black, except in piety.”
This statement is revolutionary—then and now. The only true measure of a person’s worth in Islam is taqwa (consciousness of Allah).
Allah (ﷻ) said:
"يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٖ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ شُعُوبٗا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓاْۚ إِنَّ أَكۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَىٰكُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ۬"
“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you...”
(Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)
The Prophet ﷺ advised:
“Treat women well, for they are your partners and committed helpers.”
This was a monumental shift in a society where women had often been mistreated. Islam elevated the status of women and outlined their rights and responsibilities.
The Prophet ﷺ emphasised the role of men as the Qawwam (guardians and protectors) of womenfolk as stated in the Qur'an; a position of immense responsibility and accountability, not a warrant for oppression.
However, He also reminded women of their duties towards their husbands for which they would be held accountable.
The true balance the world is in dire need of today.
“I have left among you that which, if you hold fast to it, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.”
This is the anchor of our faith—the unchanging foundation amidst a rapidly changing world. But an important question we all need to reflect on is, "how much of the Qur'an and sunnah do we have in our lives ?"
Do we take learning Islam seriously or are satisfied simply being blind followers and cultural zelots ?
Islam transcends our cultures and nationalities and is the perfect guidance revealed to the Prophet ﷺ embodied in his practices and exemplified in the understanding and practice of the best 3 generations vouched for by the Prophet ﷺ.
Allah says:
"وَٱعۡتَصِمُواْ بِحَبۡلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعٗا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُواْ"
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”
(Surah Aal-ʿImran 3:103)
"O people, lend me an attentive ear, for I do not know whether after this year I shall ever be among you again. Therefore, listen carefully to what I am saying to you and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O people, just as you regard this month, this day, and 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 (riba); therefore, all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any injustice. Allah has judged that there shall be no riba, and that all the riba due to Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib shall be waived.
Beware of Shaytan, 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 regarding your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your right, then they have 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 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 it.
All mankind is from Adam and Hawwa (Eve). An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white—except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every other Muslim and that you are now 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 messenger will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things: the Qur’an 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."
Note: The full text of this sermon has been compiled from authentic narrations found in: Sahih Muslim (1218), Sunan Abi Dawood (1905), Musnad Ahmad (19774, 20885), Ibn Hisham’s Seerah and other early historical sources Scholars have consolidated these reports to preserve the complete message conveyed by the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of ʿArafah.
The Prophet’s ﷺ final sermon wasn’t just a historical speech. It was a trust. A mirror. A reminder that Islam is not a collection of rituals—but a way of life that dignifies humanity and calls us back to our Creator.
So in these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah, take time to read the sermon. Reflect on its meanings. Teach it to your children. Let it reframe how you treat others, how you worship, and how you view your purpose.
Let this month be a revival of legacy. The legacy of a man who stood at ʿArafah and spoke to your heart.
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنَا مِمَّنْ يَسْتَمِعُونَ الْقَوْلَ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ أَحْسَنَهُ.
“O Allah, make us among those who listen to speech and follow its best of it.”
📚 Yearning to know more about the Prophet ﷺ? Check out True Ilm’s extensive library of authentic Islamic resources, including ebooks and audiobooks that bring the Seerah to life.
Books we recommend you start with:
Visit True Ilm to explore more and begin your journey of love and learning with the legacy of the Prophet ﷺ.
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