Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajjatul Vi’da)
The Prophet Muhammad Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam was in 63rd year of his age. His entire mission was being fulfilled. He announced that he himself would be leading for Hajj. As it was the first and last Hajj, it is known as the ‘Farewell Pilgrimage’. He Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam delivered the sermon on the back of his she-camel, Qasvah. The text of the same was as follows:
O People lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully, and take these words to those who are not present here today.
O People, just as you respect this month, this day, this city is 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 hurts you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Rab’b and indeed He will reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest). Therefore, all interest obligations, including the interest of my own uncle ‘Abbas, Shall henceforth be waived.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs to 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 acquaintance with any one of whom you do not approve and they never will commit adultery.
O People, listen to me in earthiness. Worship only Allah, offer your five times daily namaz, keep fast during the Holy month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford it. You know that every Muslim is a brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over others except by piety and good actions.
Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your actions and deeds herein. So beware. Do not astray from the path of righteousness after I have gone.
O People, no Prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People understand my words, which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, The Quran and my examples, the Sunnah. If you will follow these you will never go astray.
All these, who listen to me, shall pass on my words to others and those others to next ones and so on.
The last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me nearly directly.
Be witness O Allah, that I Have conveyed your message to your devotees.
