Nov 15 2007
The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammed
The Farewell Pilgrimage of the Prophet Muhammed (p.b.u.h.) was a significant historical event in the Muslims life. Although thousands of Muslims witnessed the Farewell (last) Sermon given by the Prophet Muhammed (p.b.u.h.), the Hadiths books reported at least three versions of the same Sermon.
For an event witnessed by over 10,000 people an accurate narration should have been available, but it has not.
In the Shiite version of the Sermon it is narrated “the book of Allah and my family”, while in the Sunnite version it is “ the Book of Allah and my Sunnah”.
Only the version that talks about QURAN ALONE is the only one that does not contradict the QURAN and does not have any political motive behind it. It is the version ignored by the sects of the Sunnites and Shiites because it does not support their political agenda.
Here are the references to the three versions of the Sermon:
1) I leave with you Quran and Sunnah, Muwatta, 46/3
2) I leave with you Quran and Ahl al-bayt (meaning the family of the Prophet) , Muslim 44/4, Nu2408; ibn hanbal 4/366; darimi 23/1, nu 3319.
3) I leave for you the Quran alone you shall uphold it. Muslim 15/19, nu 1218; ibn Majah 25/84, Abu dawud 11/56.
Needless to say, that this has has opened the door to interpretations, which clearly contradict the Quran. And here we find the main reason for the dividing elements in Islam.
And it is the Hadith books, where extremist find justifacation for their attacks on civilians and innocent bystanders while the Quran clearly forbids such actions. And suicide is strongly prohibited in Islam. Please read more on the right panel under the topic No. 7 What the Qur’an says about… and No. 8 Hadiths (reported Sayings by The Prophet)
“… and do not aggress; God dislikes the aggressors.” (Q.5:87)
“You shall not kill any person - for God has made life sacred - except in the course of justice, and whoever is slain unjustly, We have indeed given to his heir authority, so let him not exceed the just limits in slaying; surely he is aided.” (Q.17:33)
“If they seek peace. Then seek you peace. And trust in God for He is the One that hear and know all things.” (Q.8.61)
“.. Therefore, if they leave you alone, refrain from fighting you, and offer you peace, then God gives you no excuse to fight them.” (Q. 4:90)
“.., we decreed for the Children of Israel that anyone who murders any person who had not committed murder or horrendous crimes, it shall be as if he murdered all the people. And anyone who spares a life, it shall be as if he spared the lives of all the people.” (Qur’an 5:32)
” That (shall be so); and he who retaliates with the like of that with which he has been afflicted and he has been oppressed, God will most certainly aid him; most surely. God is Pardoning, Forgiving.” (Q.22:60)
“…You shall resort to pardon, advocate tolerance, and disregard the ignorant.” (Q. 7:199)
“…… You shall not kill - God has made life sacred - except in the course of justice. These are His commandments to you, that you may understand.”(Q. 6:151)
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The following is the first - the Sunni-Muslim version of the Last Sermon (it was Delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul Hijjah 10 A.H. in the Uranah Valley of Mount Arafat ):
O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don’t know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you 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 (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived…
Beware of Satan, for your 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.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have right over you. 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 commit adultery.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (salah), fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in zakat. Perform hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action.
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 my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur’an 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 may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O Allah that I have conveyed your message to your people.
