- By: Dr. Muhammad Tayyab Khan Singhanvi, Ph.D
In the annals of Islamic history, the day in the plain of Arafat will always remain unforgettable. It was on this sacred day, during the Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajjat al-Wida) in 10 AH, just a short time before his passing, that the Seal of the Prophets, Prophet Muhammad Mustafa, delivered a monumental sermon to a congregation of approximately 124,000 noble Companions (Sahabah). This address can rightly be regarded as a comprehensive charter of human rights, justice, equality, societal values, women’s rights, and divine commandments.
The Prophet said:
“Convey my words to others. Perhaps those who hear it later may understand and practice it better than those present today.”
Below is a summary of the essential points from this timeless sermon so that even in our modern age, we may remember, act upon, and propagate these teachings:
Key Highlights of the Farewell Sermon (Hajjat al-Wida):
- Sanctity of Life, Property, and Honor:
Just as the Day of Arafat, the month of Dhul-Hijjah, and this sacred place are holy, so too are the life, property, and honor of every Muslim. Harming, exploiting, or violating the rights of others is strictly forbidden in Islam. - Return of Trusts:
Returning entrusted items to their rightful owners is a religious obligation. Betrayal and dishonesty are signs of weak faith. - Refrain from Oppression:
Do not wrong others so that you too may remain safe from injustice. Islam is a religion of fairness and equity. - Accountability Before Allah:
Remember, you will one day stand before Allah, and your deeds will be accounted for. Worldly power and wealth will be of no help in that divine court. - Abolition of Usury (Interest):
The Prophet declared that all forms of interest (riba) were abolished starting from that day, and he first forgave the interest owed to his own family. - Women’s Rights and Kind Treatment:
Women are your partners. Treat them with gentleness, love, and kindness. Fulfilling their rights is a binding responsibility upon men. - Avoid Adultery:
Adultery is a grave sin. Do not even approach it. An Islamic society must be built upon purity and chastity. - Adherence to Worship:
Salah (prayer), fasting in Ramadan, zakat (charity), and Hajj (pilgrimage) are obligatory acts of worship upon every capable Muslim. These connect the servant with the Lord. - Rejection of Racial and Linguistic Prejudice:
No Arab is superior to a non-Arab, nor is a white person superior to a black person. All are equal in the sight of Allah. Superiority lies only in piety (taqwa). - Finality of Prophethood:
The Prophet declared: “No prophet will come after me, and no new religion will be introduced.” Hence, guard yourself against misguidance and remain firm on the straight path. - Holding Fast to the Qur’an and Sunnah:
He said: “I leave behind two things among you if you hold firmly to them, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) and my Sunnah.” - Responsibility to Convey the Message:
The message is not limited to those present every listener is responsible for delivering it to others. Later generations may understand it even more deeply and practice it more thoroughly. - Declaration of Message Fulfillment:
At the end of the sermon, the Prophet looked towards the heavens and said:
“O Allah, bear witness that I have conveyed Your message to Your servants.”
These words marked the completion of his prophetic mission, and from that moment on, the responsibility to preserve, act upon, and spread the message shifted to the Ummah.
May Allah include us among those fortunate ones who listen to, comprehend, practice, and spread the teachings of the Prophet. May He guide us to follow the Sunnah, adopt the character of our beloved Prophet, and fill our hearts with his love. And in the hereafter, may He grant us the eternal companionship of the Prophet in Jannat al-Firdaws. Ameen, Ya Rabb al-Alamin.
- Hajj Sermon 2025 (9 Dhul-Hijjah 1446 AH / 5 June 2025 CE)
In view of the current global challenges facing the Muslim Ummah and the wider Islamic world, Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah bin Humaid delivered the Hajj Khutbah at Masjid Namirah in the plain of Arafat. The sermon was broadcast in 35 languages, ensuring that Muslims worldwide could benefit from its wisdom and guidance.
- Key Themes of the 2025 Hajj Sermon:
- Taqwa (God-consciousness) and Fear of Allah:
The essence of faith lies in taqwa. Allah has commanded all creation to adopt taqwa. - Avoidance of Arrogance and Pride:
Allah does not love the arrogant and the proud. - Obedience to Allah and His Messenger:
Live by the teachings of Allah and His Messenger. - Kindness to Orphans, the Poor, Widows, and Neighbors:
Treat the vulnerable members of society with compassion and care. - Protection from Satan:
Satan is your open enemy stay far away from his whispers and deceptions. - Commitment to Worship:
Establish prayer, give zakat, observe the fast of Ramadan, and perform Hajj. - Helping the Needy:
Feed the hungry and aid those in need. - Avoidance of Innovations (Bid’ah) and Backbiting:
Stay away from religious innovations and refrain from speaking ill of others. - Remembrance of Allah:
Engage in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah, especially during these sacred days. These are days of divine remembrance and acceptance. - Prayers for Palestine:
“O Allah, help the people of Palestine, forgive their martyrs, heal their wounded, and destroy their enemies who are the killers of innocent children.”
Further Highlights from the 2025 Hajj Sermon:
Delivering the sermon during the most significant rite of Hajj Wuquf at Arafat Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Abdullah emphasized:
“O believers, fear Allah and uphold your pledges. Allah is with those who are patient.”
“Allah alone is the Creator and Master of the heavens and the earth.”
“Taqwa is the path to Paradise.”
“Be mindful of your neighbors’ rights.”
“Stand firm on the religion of Allah and the teachings of His Messenger .”
“Avoid innovations, backbiting, and calling upon anyone besides Allah.”
“There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and Prophet Muhammad is His final Messenger.”
“Truthfulness, kindness to parents, and cooperation in righteousness are pillars of a righteous society.”
“Satan creates discord stay away from him.”
“Observe the teachings of fasting, which instill patience and self-discipline.”
“Pray that your Hajj is accepted, and ask Allah for well-being in your homes and protection for your lands.”
The Imam concluded by invoking Allah’s mercy, requesting acceptance of the pilgrims’ rites, and reminding the worshippers that they were gathered on sacred ground where prayers are answered. He noted that Prophet Muhammad himself taught the rituals of Hajj during his Farewell Pilgrimage.he stayed under the open sky at Muzdalifah and cast stones at the devils as a symbol of spiritual purification.
May Allah accept the efforts of all pilgrims, protect the sanctity of the Haramain, and make us among those whose lives are guided by His divine light and the teachings of the Prophet.