Prophet Muhammad delivered the farewell sermon during the Hajj of the year 632 C.E. at Arafah in the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah.
After praising, and thanking God, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 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.
God 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. God has Judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Al-Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib shall henceforth be waived…
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your reli- gion. 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. 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 a trust from God 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 any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
“O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, and of 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.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and it may be that the last ones un- derstand my words better than those who listen to me directly.
Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”
When the Prophet completed his Final Sermon, the revelation came down: “… This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My Grace upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your reli- gion…” (Quran 5:3)
