The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ left this world in the eleventh year after his migration to Medina, which corresponds to 632 CE. The final years of his life in this world are marked by some very important events and activities, which were necessary to consolidate the newly established Islamic State, in Medina.
This final phase of his life started with the conquest of Mecca. After successfully taking control of Mecca, the Prophet went back to Medina. During this last phase, also referred to as “Farewell Year,” he spent most of his time consolidating the affairs of the Islamic State.
Some very important events happened during this period, as summarized below:
First and Last Hajj of the Prophet – Farewell Pilgrimage
After the conquest of Mecca, the next major event in the final years of the Prophet Muhammad’s life صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ was his first ever Hajj, which also became the last Hajj. It was the month of February 632 CE when the Prophet traveled to Mecca along with 100,000 believers for the pilgrimage of Ka’aba. It was the largest religious gathering at that time in known history. During this journey, the rites and rituals of the Hajj were set and demonstrated practically by the Prophet. It also set a precedence for the Muslims that Hajj is compulsory only once in a lifetime, as the Sunnah of the Prophet.
Each of the essentials of Hajj was taught by the Prophet through practically performing them on the prescribed time and day of the month of Dhul Hajj.
Farewell Sermon (Khutba al-Widah)
On the 9th Dhul Hajjah, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ delivered the historic speech, while standing on Mount Arafat. This historic speech is commonly known as the “Farewell Sermon” of the Prophet. The highlight of the sermon was the reminder of the basic principles of Islam, which included the sanctity of life, honor, and property of fellow Muslims. It also included the importance of justice and equality for all the Muslim community, irrespective of their race, color, creed, and social status.
The finality of the Prophethood and religion, as Islam was also declared during this farewell sermon, as revealed in the 3rd verse of Surah Al Ma’ida. This verse also sets the basic principles of Islamic teachings:
Translation
Forbidden you is carrion and blood, and the flesh of the swine, and whatsoever has been killed in the name of some other than God, and whatever has been strangled, or killed by a blow or a fall, or by goring, or that which has been mauled by wild beasts unless slaughtered while still alive; and that which has been slaughtered at altars is forbidden, and also dividing the meat by casting lots with arrows. All this is sinful. Today the unbelievers have lost every hope of (despoiling) your creed; so do not fear them, fear Me. Today I have perfected your system of belief and bestowed My favours upon you in full, and have chosen submission (al-Islam) as the creed for you. If one of you is driven by hunger (to eat the forbidden) without the evil intent of sinning, then God is forgiving and kind.
The complete text of Farewell Sermon, as derived by the Scholars from various historical accounts and relevant Hadiths, is reproduced here:
“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 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 (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital 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 ibne Abd ul Muttalib [the Prophet’s uncle] be waived. Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of son of Rabiah bin Harith.
O People, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to forbid that which Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban. Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope of that he will 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 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, offer your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. 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 a black nor a black has any superiority over a white -except by piety 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. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer 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 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.”
The last sentence of this speech was repeated thrice by him, as per the majority of the accounts.
The Event of Ghadir Khum
On his way back to Medina, after performing the farewell Hajj, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ stayed for a while at a place known as Ghadir Khum, which was situated near the Valley, currently known as Juhfa, Saudi Arabia. It is considered one of the most significant events in the history of Islam, especially in the context of appointing Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, as his successor and religious leader of the Muslims.
While staying at this place, the 67th verse of Surah Al Ma’ida was revealed:
Translation
Some among them are moderate, but evil is what most of them do! O Prophet, announce what has reached you from your Lord, for if you do not, you will not have delivered His message. God will preserve you from (the mischief of) men; for God does not guide those who do not believe.
Some Islamic scholars relate this verse with the subsequent speech of the Prophet, where he announced Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ as his successor and religious leader of the Muslims. At this stage, the Prophet gathered his followers and delivered the historic sermon at Ghadir Khum.
The most significant part of the event of Ghadir Khum is believed to be the following declaration by the Prophet while holding and raising the hand of Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ.
“Man kuntu mawlahu fa-hadha Aliyyun mawlahu. Allahumma wali man walahu wa ‘adi man ‘adahu”
Translation
For whoever I am his mawla (master/leader), Ali is his mawla. O Allah, be a supporter of whoever supports him and an enemy of whoever opposes him
While the Shia Muslims believe that this declaration was a clear appointment of Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ as the leader of the Muslims after the passing of the Prophet, the Sunni Muslims are of the view that it was an affirmation of the status of Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, which should not be taken as his appointment as the leader of the Muslim community. However, this event is celebrated by the Shia Muslims as Eid al Ghadir.
Significance of the Event of Ghadir Khum
- The event of Ghadir Khum forms the basis of the concept of Imamate, starting from the Imamate of Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ
- The Prophet’s declaration at Ghadir Khum was important in maintaining unity among the Muslim community and aimed at guiding them once he completed his life in this world.
- The event of Ghadir Khum is also taken as the completion of the Prophet’s mission, as it fulfilled the command of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, having transmitted the Divine Message in its entirety.
Interpretations and Differences of Opinion
The event of Ghadir Khum is widely acknowledged across all the major schools of Islamic theology, including the Shia and the Sunni Islam. However, the sequence of the events, especially the declaration made by the Prophet, is interpreted differently by the Shia and Sunni scholars.
In general, the event of Ghadir Khum is considered one of the most significant events during the last phase of the Prophet’s life in this world.
Consolidation of Islamic Teachings
After returning back to Medina, after the Farewell Hajj and the event of Ghadir Khum, the Prophet spent most of his time in the consolidation of Islamic teachings. In this context, he specifically taught his followers the Quran and its interpretation in practical life. Side by side, he also encouraged his followers to spread the message of Islam in the outer world. He emphasized the need to observe wisdom and passion while reaching out to the outer world to spread Islam. Additionally, he also settled different economic, social, and political matters. This entire exercise was a sort of preparing his companions to face the challenges that they might come across after his passing.
Political Delegations
During the last phase of his life, the Prophet received various delegations from different parts Arabian Peninsula who intended to accept Islam. Resultantly, various tribes and regions entered into Islam, accepting the leadership of the Prophet. many of whom came to declare their acceptance of Islam. These delegations were warmly welcomed by the Prophet. He used to personally teach and preach to them the Islamic way of life and to have complete and unconditional faith in the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
Military Expeditions
In an effort to consolidate Islamic Rule throughout the Arabian Peninsula and also invite the outer world towards the message of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ used to send delegations to different tribes. He also launched various military ventures against different tribes during his lifetime. The last such expedition ordered by him during his last days was the one against the Byzantine Empire. He appointed Usama Bin Zayd to lead the Islamic army for this campaign. Usama was a young Muslim at that point in time but was trusted as the military commander by the Prophet, which reflects his trust in Usama bin Zayd. The movement of the Usama army, however, was accomplished by the first Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, after the passing of the Prophet.
Final Days and the Illness of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ
The last days of the Prophet in this world are marked by a short illness, which probably lasted for around two weeks, though his health had started declining for the last month or so. During this period, he continued his routine practice of teaching and preaching. During the last couple of days before his passing, on one occasion, he asked Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ to lead the congregational prayers in his place.
In the last stage of his life, he gathered all his notable companions to deliver his final words, emphasizing them to remain firm on their faith by taking guidance from the Quran and his Sunnah.
The Passing of the Prophet
The Prophet Muhammad breathed his last on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal 11 AH, corresponding to the 8th of June 632 CE, in Medina in the room of his beloved wife, Hazrat Aisha رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. Although the notable companions of the Prophet were already expecting this sad moment after his farewell sermon, the news of his passing took everyone in profound grief and shock.
He was buried in the same room where he breathed his last. This room was situated adjacent to the Masjid an-Nabi in Medina. On this day, the unprecedented Prophetic mission of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ came to an end, but the mission was carried forward by his Companions, through the Rashidun Caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat Umar Bin Al Khattab, Hazrat Usman and Hazrat Ali, رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ.
