Farewell Sermon of Holy Prophet (PBUH): A Universal Charter of Human Dignity and Justice
The Sacred Month and the Prophet’s Words
The arrival of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought a profound blessing to humanity, sent as a mercy to all creation. As we celebrate his life, teachings, and blessed advent during the sacred month of Rabi-ul-Awal, his words from the Plain of Arafat continue to guide us with spiritual clarity.
Delivered at Jabal-ur-Rehmat during his final pilgrimage in 632 AD (10 AH), his Farewell Sermon at Hajjat-ul-Wida stands as an enduring charter of human dignity, equality, justice, and social responsibility.
Emphasizing Respect and Righteousness
Professor Dr. Abdul Ghafoor, former Dean of the Sheikh Zayed Islamic Center at the University of Peshawar, explains the Prophet’s (PBUH) emphasis on respect and righteousness:
"The last Prophet of Allah (PBUH) stressed the importance of respecting life, property, and honor, and upholding honesty in daily life. He strongly opposed injustice, oppression, inequality, and dishonesty."
Transforming Society
The Prophet (PBUH) revolutionized Arabian society by replacing tribal discrimination and exploitation with mercy, brotherhood, and accountability. He promoted moral integrity and equal rights for all, regardless of gender or social status.
Women’s Rights
In his historic sermon, the Prophet (PBUH) addressed women’s rights:
"O people, you have rights upon your women, but they also have rights upon you. Remember, you take them as wives under Allah’s trust and permission."
Fair Treatment of Servants
He also instructed Muslims to treat workers and servants with kindness and fairness, ensuring they receive proper food, clothing, and compensation.
The Core Pillars of Faith
The Farewell Sermon emphasized the five pillars of Islam:
- Worshiping Allah alone.
- Establishing the five daily prayers.
- Observing fasting during Ramazan.
- Paying Zakat to support the underprivileged.
- Performing Hajj when financially and physically able.
