Khutba tul Widda: Teachings for the Ummah

Sunset at Masjid Nabawi. Photo by: flickr.com/photos/dism/

The last sermon of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), also known as “Khutbah Hajjatul Widda”, was delivered on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah on the mount of Arafat. His words were directed at humanity at large, perpetuating the greater purpose of this life and delivering a perfect code of living for each and every one of us. Till this day, his words serve as a beacon for those drowning in ignorance and as a complete guide for those searching for the ultimate truth.

On that day, the Prophet (PBUH) addressed his people and 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."
 

"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 big things, so beware of following him in small things. 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 (SWT) has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib (Prophet’s uncle) 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. 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 of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste."
 

"O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah (SWT), say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to."
 

"Remember, one day you will appear before Allah (SWT) and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone. All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety (taqwa) and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves."
 

"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. Be my witness, O Allah (SWT), that I have conveyed your message to your people. O people, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.”

(Reference: See Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361) Sahih of Imam Muslim also refers to this sermon in Hadith number 98. Imam al-Tirmidhi has mentioned this sermon in Hadith nos. 1628, 2046, 2085. Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal has given us the longest and perhaps the complete version of this sermon in his Masnud, Hadith no. 19774.)

This sermon covered the crux of what it means to be a true Muslim. It confirmed the teachings of the Quran and validated the finality of his prophethood. We, as an ummah, can heed the Prophet’s (PBUH) words of wisdom in the sermon which emphasized on the following main teachings:























Trust and accountability: We are reminded that each individual will be held accountable for their own actions and deeds carried out in this world, and bear its consequences in the next.
Prohibition of interest (riba): It is prohibited to deal with riba- be it taking an interest, giving interest or even being associated with that type of transaction.
Treatment of wives (spouse): Treat your wives/spouse with kindness, love, care and respect, for Allah (SWT) is most pleased with those who are good to their wives/spouses.
Rights of men and women: Men have rights over women and women have rights over men.
Beware of satan and his deception: Be aware of how satan plans and deceives the believer, for he has promised to lead the ummah astray and make them falter from the path of righteousness.
Brotherhood and equality: Build bonds of solid kinship and brotherhood amongst yourselves, instead of spreading hate and severing ties. Every believer is the brother of another believer, irrespective of their geographical and physical characteristics.
Superiority is only based on faith: An individual can only be superior to another, in terms of their level of faith and piety they possess. There is equality amongst all races, ethnicities, nationalities etc. (blacks, white, Arabs, non-Arabs, etc.) There is no room for discrimination, except faith.
Success: To achieve success in this world and the Hereafter, we must submit to Allah (SWT) and follow His messenger.
Be sure to observe the pillars of Islam: We are reminded of the importance of remembering Allah (SWT), saying our daily salah, fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan, giving zakat/charity in the name of Allah (SWT) and offering hajj.
Treat the less fortunate with kindness: Be good to those beneath you. Never look down upon them. Treat them as you would want someone else to treat you. Feed them what you eat yourself and clothe them how you clothe yourself.
Seal of the Prophets: Believe that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was Allah’s last messenger on earth.
Our duty as Muslims to propagate Allah’s (SWT) message: More than just following the religion of Islam, it is every Muslim’s inherent responsibility to spread the message of Islam and divulge its teachings to others.

This sermon is, all in all, a universal declaration of basic human rights, ethics and morality. It lays down the foundation of righteousness and fairness amongst people. It serves as a validation of the finality of the religion of Islam and testifies to its purity and perfection. It was delivered by Allah ‘s (SWT) most favorite messenger, who himself, led an exemplary life, establishing himself as the one true role model for every Muslim and non-Muslim alike. By implementing and integrating the Prophet’s (PBUH) sayings and teachings into our lives, we can hope to perhaps reach that path of righteousness and goodness, most liked by Allah (SWT). His sermon is timeless and it’s message and relevance will hold true for all generations- that have passed and that are yet to come.