On 9 Dhul-Hijjah 631CE at mount Arafat, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), aware of his own mortality, delivered his farewell sermon. After praising, and thanking Allah, he said:

'O People! Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

'O People! Just as you regard this month, this day, 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; therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity...

Beware of Satan for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in great things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People! It is true that you have certain rights with regards to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs 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 who 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 the month of Ramadan, pay alms (Zakat) and make the pilgrimage (Hajj) if you can afford to.

All humanity is from Adam and Eve. There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a non-Arab over an Arab; nor for a white man over a black man; nor for a black man over a white man; except through piety. Know that every Muslim is a brother to every other Muslim, and that the Muslims constitute one nation. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim that 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 apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well therefore, O People, and understand the words that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, if you follow them you will never go astray: the Book of Allah (the Qur'an) and my Sunna (example).

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.

By my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed Your Message to Your People.'

Source: The Call to Islam, PO Box 168, Middlebrough TS5 7YE, United Kingdom
Email : [email protected]

References: www.alharamain.org (Prophethood in Islam)
The Islamic Cultural Centre & London Central Mosque ( You Must Know This Man)