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SEERAH - THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD (S.A.W)

PART 12

59. FAREWELL PILGRIMAGE AND THE LAST SERMON

59.1 CALL FOR HAJJ


Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had already performed Umrah on 2 occasions. He now had the desire to make Hajj.

The call for Hajj went out to all over Arabia. Soon thousands upon thousands of Muslims were pouring into Madinatul Munawwarah. Tents were erected all around this blessed city to accommodate the Muslims. All the Muslims came as brothers in love and respect for one another. There were no enemies in sight. All were the devoted Sahaba of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

59.2 THE HAJJ

On the 26th of Zil Qadah, the Muslims - numbering 114 000, led by Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) marched to Makkatul Mukarramah. They rested at Zul Hulayfah, 6 miles from Makkatul Mukarramah. The next morning they put on Ihraam and recited the Talbiyah and Takbeer. They even stopped to pray at Masjids on the way to Makkatul Mukarramah.

The Muslims reached Makkatul Mukarramah on the 4th of Zil Hajj. They performed all the necessary acts of Hajj.

59.3 THE LAST SERMON

On the 9th of Zil Hajj all the pilgrims assembled on the plains of Arafaat. Soon after midday, riding his camel, Al Qaswa, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) went to the centre of the valley and delivered a sermon. This was the famous last sermon of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Every sentence was related by Sayyiduna Rabiyah bin Ummayyah (radi Allahu anhu) for the Sahaba to hear. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said:

"O People, listen to my words carefully.

"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. Remember that you will appear before Allah and answer for your actions.

"Return the things kept with you as a trust (Amanah) to their rightful owners. All dues of interest shall stand cancelled and you will have only your capital back; Allah has forbidden interest, and I cancel the debts of interest payable to my uncle, Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib.

"O People, your wives have a certain right over you and you have certain rights over them. Treat them well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers.

"Beware of Shaytaan, he is desperate to direct you away from the worship of Allah, so beware of him in the matters of religion.

"O People, listen carefully, all believers are brothers. You are not allowed to take the things belonging to another Muslim unless he gives it to you willingly.

"O People, none is higher than another unless he is higher in obedience to Allah. No Arab is superior to a non-Arab except in piety.

"O People, reflect on my words. I leave behind two things, the Holy Quran and my Example, and if you follow these two, you will not go astray.

"Listen to me carefully ! Worship Allah and offer Salaah, observe Saum in the Month of Ramadaan and pay the Zakaah.

"O People be mindful of those who work under you. Feed and clothe them as you feed and clothe yourself.

"O People, no Prophet or Messenger will come after me and no new faith will emerge.

"All those who listen to me will pass on my words to others, and those to others again.

"Have I conveyed the Message of Allah to you, O People?"

The Sahaba answered in one voice, "Yes, you have. Allah is the Witness."

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said, "O Allah, You are my Witness."

59.4 WAHI

As Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) finished his sermon, the following Wahi came to him from Almighty Allah: "This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you and have chosen Islam as the way of your life." (Surah Maida: Verse 3)

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) immediately recited this verse to all present.

After completing the other rituals of the Hajj, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) returned to Madinatul Munawwarah.

60. FINAL JOURNEY OF RASOOLULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

60.1 THREAT OF THE ROMANS


After performing the Hajj, word reached Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that there was a build-up of Roman troops in the north. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) raised a large army to meet the threat of the Romans. He selected Sayyiduna Usamah bin Zaid (radi Allahu anhu), a 20 year old Sahabi, to command the army.

Just as the army was about to leave for Syria, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) fell ill in the month of Safar 11 A.H. The march to Syria was postponed.

60.2 SUDDEN ILLNESS

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had a very high fever. He experienced terrible headaches. The effect of the poison, which he had taken at Khaibar, was taking its toll. In spite of his sickness, he carried out his duties.

One night, about the middle of Safar, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) visited Jannatul Baqi with his servant, Sayyiduna Abu Muwayhibah (radi Allahu anhu), and prayed for the Shuhada.

His headaches continued the next few days. Sayyadah A'isha Siddiqa (radi Allahu anha) took care of him. When his fever subsided, he walked to the Masjid to lead the prayers.

He also overheard the gossip about him appointing a very young man to command the Muslim army against the Romans. He decided to speak to the Sahaba about this issue.

60.3 LAST ADDRESS

The following are parts of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam's) last address to his Sahaba:

"You men! Carry out the mission of Usamah. By my life, if you have been saying against his leadership, you said the same about his father, whilst he is the fittest person for this leadership just as his father was.

"There was a servant of Allah whom Allah gave the choice of this life and of the Hereafter against what was with him; and the servant has chosen what was with Allah."

Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) knew then, that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) spoke about himself.

"I know of nobody who has been a better companion to me than he (Abu Bakr), and if I were to take any man as my Khalil (the most intimate friend), I would choose Abu Bakr ...
" You Muhajirun, I command you to help the Ansaar in all good things."

The speech had been a tremendous strain on Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). As a result of this, he fainted about 3 times. He was unable to lead the Salaah. He ordered Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) to lead the Salaah. This was a clear indication to the Sahaba that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) wanted Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) to be the next leader of the Muslims.

60.4 RECOVERY

On Sunday, the 11th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam's) condition improved. He was able to walk to the Masjid. He sat beside Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) and read his Salaah. The Sahaba were overjoyed to see him recover from his illness. Sayyiduna Usamah (radi Allahu anhu) was given permission to march to Syria. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, Sayyiduna Umar and Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhuma), who were constantly at his side, returned to their daily duties.

60.5 LAST WORDS

Suddenly, Sayyyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) fell very ill. He looked through his window to have a last glimpse of his Ummah. It was Monday, the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal 11 A.H. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) left this world and went into the company of his Friend, Almighty Allah. He was 63 years old. He passed away in his house.

His last words were, "O Allah, The Companion, Most High."

60.6 REACTION FROM SAHABA

The Sahaba were shocked and heart-broken when they heard that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) passed away.

Sayyiduna Umar (radi Allahu anhu) became so emotional that he threatened to kill anyone who said that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had passed away.

Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu), pale and stricken with sorrow, went into the house and kissed Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam's) forehead. He came out weeping and addressed the crowd with a firm voice: "O Men, if you have been worshipping Muhammad, then know that Muhammad has passed away, but if you have been worshipping Allah, then know that Allah is Living and never passes away."

He then read the following verse of the Holy Quran: "Muhammad is but the Messenger of Allah and Messengers have passed away. Will it be that when he passes away or is killed, you will turn back on your heels? He who turns back does no harm to Allah and Allah will reward the thankful." (Surah Al-Imraan: Verse 144)

The words of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) struck the hearts of the Muslims. They realized that Almighty Allah was there to help them and the Quran and Sunnah were there to guide them.

60.7 ELECTION OF SAYYIDUNA ABU BAKR (RADI ALLAHU ANHU)

The first duty that the Sahaba had to perform was to choose a leader for the Muslim Ummah. The Ansaar and Muhajirun met on the courtyard of the Banu Saidah and pledged their support for Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu). The next day, all the Muslims pledged their support for him in public. The Muslims called him their "Khalifa" or "Successor."

60.8 BURIAL

After the election of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu), the Sahaba began preparations to bury Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

The Ghusal of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was performed by Sayyiduna Ali, Sayyiduna Abbas and his two son's - Sayyiduna Fadl and Sayyiduna Quthman (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in). Sayyiduna Usamah bin Zaid and Sayyiduna Shuqran (radi Allahu anhuma) also helped in the Ghusal. No part of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam's) blessed body was uncovered or seen by any Sahaba.

There was no Janaza Salaah. He was after all the leader of mankind and who was there fit to be the Imam for his Janaza? The Sahaba read Durood and Salaams without an Imam. Then the boys followed in their own Saff. Lastly, the Sahabiyaats followed in their own Saffs. For a short while the Janaza was left for the Malaa'ikah to do the same. His body was not removed from the spot where he had passed away.

Sayyiduna Talha (radi Allahu anhu), a grave digger in Madinatul Munawwarah, dug the grave. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was buried in the same room where he passed away. It was the room of Sayyadah A'isha Siddiqa (radi Allahu anha).

He was buried on Tuesday night, 13th of Rabi-ul-Awwal 11 A.H.

Durood and Salaams be upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Ameen.

"ALLAH AND HIS ANGELS SEND BLESSINGS ON THE PROPHET: O YOU WHO BELIEVE! SEND YOUR BLESSINGS ON HIM AND SALUTE HIM WITH ALL RESPECT." (SURAH AHZAB: 56)