Muhammad, Farewell Address, 632

The last known speech by the Prophet (PBUH)

Muhammad, Farewell Address, 632

O people!

Lend an attentive ear to my words, for I know not whether I shall ever hereafter have the opportunity to meet you here.

Do you know what today is? This is the sacred Day of Sacrifice. Do you know what month it is? This is the sacred month, Dhul-Hijjah. Do you know what place this is? This is the sacred town, Mina.

So I inform you that your lives, properties and honour must be as sacred to one another as this sacred day of this sacred month, in this sacred town. Let those who are present take this message to those who are absent.

You are about to meet your Lord, who will call you to account for your deeds. As of this day all sums of interest are remitted, including that of Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib. Every right arising from homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived, and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabi'ah ibn al-Harith ibn Abd al-Muttalib.

O people! This day Satan has despaired of re-establishing his power in this land of yours. Nevertheless, should you obey him, even in what may seem to be trifling, it will be a matter of pleasure for him. Beware of him, therefore, for the safety of your religion.

O my people! You have certain rights over your wives, and your wives have certain rights over you. Allah has entrusted them to your hands, so you must treat them with all kindness. It is your right that they do not associate on intimate terms with any one of whom you do not approve, and that they never commit adultery.

All Muslims, free or enslaved, have the same rights and responsibilities. No one is higher than another unless he is higher in virtue.

O people! Though an Abyssinian slave may become your Amir, listen and obey him, as long as he executes the Book of Allah among you.

O people! Listen to what I say, and take it to heart. I leave you with the Book of Allah, and the sunnah of His Prophet. If you follow them, you will never go astray.

You must know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are equal. You are members of one common brotherhood. It is forbidden for any of you to take from his brother save what the latter should willingly give. Do not oppress your people.

O Lord! I have delivered Your message.