UNDERSTANDING SIRAT-UN-NABI (PBUH)

(SS1019)

ASSIGNMENT-I

by:
Name: HANIA ZAHRA
Roll Number: 24L-3065
Section: BS SE-1B

Submitted to:
SIR NASEER AHMED

FAST SCHOOL OF COMPUTING

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF COMPUTING AND
EMERGING SCIENCES
 "The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬: An In-
Depth Exploration with Illuminating Quranic References"

One of the most profound sermons in the history of Islam was given by Prophet Muhammad
‫ ﷺ‬during the Last Sermon (Khutbah), which he delivered on the 9th day of Dhul-Hajjah,
during his final pilgrimage to Mount Arafat in the 10th year of hijra (632 CE). He summed
here the essence of teachings of Islam within the envelopes of equality, justice, human rights,
and societal values. This reminder message pertains to the ethical and moral backgrounds
established by the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬, thus directing Muslims on how to lead their lives according to
the Islamic principles.

Historical Context

a. The Farewell Pilgrimage:

It was the last Hajj that Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬performed and undoubtedly one of the most
important events in the history of Islam. More than 100,000 Muslims followed the Prophet on
this journey. At that time, it was a chance for unification and power on behalf of the Muslim
Ummah. He knew that his time was coming to an end; so, he utilized this opportunity to
provide a message that would serve as the guiding principle for the community for centuries.

b. Relevance of Arafat Mountain:

Arafat Mountain is a place that possesses extreme religious significance because it transforms
into an area where pilgrims arriving for Hajj collect to seek repentance and pray. The Prophet
‫ ﷺ‬chose this place to drive home the message to the people in the best possible way. Arafat is
the place where Muslim's wishes have a likelihood of getting accepted, and standing on the
mountain Wuquf means reflection, humility, and pardon. Its importance and sanctity are even
more translated as it was pronounced here.
 Main Themes of Last Sermon

a. Equality and Brotherhood:

In the Last Sermon, the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬said that basically, all of humanity is equal without
distinction, regardless of their racial, color, or social difference.

For this purpose, he said:

" An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over
an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a
white; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action."

This great statement reflects the Quranic principle of comparing human beings at equal
stature before Allah. The only difference between people and one another lies in the fact that
people may differ according to the various levels of righteousness:

َ َّ ‫َللا أَتْ َقاك ْم ِإ َّن‬

"‫َللا عَلِيم َخ ِبير‬ ِ َّ َ‫" َيا أَ ُّيهَا النَّاس ِإنَّا َخلَ ْقنَاكم ِ ِّمن ذَكَر َوأنثَى َو َج َعلْنَاك ْم شعو ًبا َوقَ َبائِ َل لِتَ َعا َرفوا ِإ َّن أَك َْر َمك ْم عِند‬
Translation:

"O mankind, indeed, We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and
tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is
the most righteous of you."

(Quran 49:13).

This verse again clearly declares human diversity is for the sake of mutual recognition and
not for discrimination or superiority attitude. The Last Sermon once again reaffirmed this
message of universal brotherhood through a call on Muslims to recognize the equality of all
and act according to righteousness.
b. Sanctity of Life and Property:

The Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬said that life, property and honor were forbidden being violated.

"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."

This principle is in consonance with many Quranic verses that encourage this aspect of
sanctity of human life. For example:

‫ل ابِالْ َح ِا‬
"‫ق اۗا‬ ‫س االَّتِي ا َح َّر َام اَللاَُّا اإِ َّ ا‬
‫ل اتَقْتُلُوا االنَّفْ َا‬
‫" َو َ ا‬

Translation:

"And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right."

(Quran 17:33)

This is teaching that gives much importance to human life and the protection of private
property, both of which are at the very heart of a just society. Linking the sanctity of life and
property with concepts like the holy month, the sacred day that is Friday, and the holy city of
Mecca makes all these convolutions highly important in protecting them in societies
belonging to Islam.

c. Rights of Women:

Treat women with dignity, honor and respect as the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬elaborates,

"O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also
have rights over you. Treat them well and be kind to them for they are your partners and
committed helpers."
The Quran further underlines the very same principle in mutual rights and responsibilities
existing between men and women:

‫ن ا ِبالْ َم ْع ُرو ِا‬

"‫ف اۗا‬ َ ‫ل االَّذِي ا‬
‫علَيْ ِه َّا‬ ‫ن ا ِمثْ ُا‬
‫" َولَ ُه َّا‬

Translation:

"And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them in kindness."
(Quran 2:228)

The verse of equality and mutual obligation has been mentioned here. The Prophet ‫ﷺ‬
reminded the mankind to treat women with kindness in a time when rights of women were
ignored. It is still one of the foundational teachings of gender justice in Islam.

d. Abolition of Interest (Usury):

One of the most important economic reforms instituted by the Last Sermon was the abolition
of interest (riba):

"All dues of interest (usury) are abolished. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity."

This dictate is the straightforward translation of Quranic prohibitions against usury, as an

exploitative system:

‫َللا الَعَلَّكُ ْام اتُفْلِ ُحو َا‬

"‫ن‬ ‫ضاعَفَةًا اۗا ا َواتَّقُوا ا ََّا‬
َ ‫ضعَافًا ا ُّم‬ ِ ‫ل اتَأْكُلُوا ا‬
ْ َ‫الربَا اأ‬ ‫"يَا اأَيُّهَا االَّذِي َا‬
‫ن اآ َمنُوا ا َ ا‬

Translation:

"O you who have believed, do not consume usury, doubled and multiplied, but fear Allah that
you may be successful." (Quran 3:130)

Prohibition of usury intends to remove all types of exploitation of the poor and the weak in
society, which will influence justice and balance in economic activities. The Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬wiped
all sorts of interest off the face of the earth and laid down a just economic system where
everybody's welfare is taken care of.
e. Unity and Brotherhood:

The Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬emphasized the unity of the Muslims, and abolished all other practices that
would divide the people, such as tribalism:

"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."

True to the word, this is the call for unity deeply rooted in the Quran:

‫َللا الَعَلَّكُ ْام اتُ ْر َح ُمو َا‬

"‫ن‬ ‫ن اأَخ ََويْكُ ْام ا َواتَّقُوا ا ََّا‬ ْ َ ‫ن اإِ ْخ َوةا افَأ‬
‫صلِ ُحوا ابَيْ َا‬ ‫"إِنَّ َما االْ ُم ْؤ ِمنُو َا‬

Translation:

"The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah
that you may receive mercy." (Quran 49:10)

The prophecy of the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬was a direct call to go beyond tribalism and look forward to a
bond that unifies Muslims: faith. This will also make the Muslim Ummah enjoy peacefulness
and harmony within the community by removing the pre-Islamic tribal wars.

f. Renewed Devotion to Quran and Sunnah:

The Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬reminded the Muslims to remember the Quran and his sayings, Sunnah:

"I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow
these, you will never go astray."

These are the Quranic injunctions to cling tenaciously to divine guidance:

"‫ل اتَفَ َّرقُوا اۗا‬

‫ل اَللاَِّا ا َج ِميعًا ا َو َ ا‬
‫َص ُموا ابِ َحبْ ِا‬
ِ ‫" َوا ْعت‬
Translation:

"And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." (Quran 3:103)

In this regard, he emphasized the use of them as guidelines for final personal and social
behavior by giving instructions to the Muslims concerning their dependency on the Quran
and his Sunnah.

Analysis of the Main Messages in the Sermon

a. Equality and Human Dignity:

The Prophet’s (‫ )ﷺ‬emphasis on equality in the Last Sermon reinforces the Quranic message
of universal human dignity. The notion that no one is superior based on race, color, or
ethnicity underscores the inclusive nature of Islam. The only criteria for superiority in the
eyes of Allah is piety and good action (taqwa). This teaching serves as a powerful reminder
of the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their background.

b. Social and Economic Justice:

The abolition of usury and the emphasis on the sanctity of life and property highlight the
Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬commitment to social and economic justice. By forbidding exploitative practices
like interest, the Prophet sought to create an economic system rooted in fairness and equity.
This commitment to justice is a central theme in both the Quran and the Last Sermon, which
continue to inspire efforts to address issues such as poverty and economic exploitation in
contemporary society.

c. Rights and Status of Women:

The Last Sermon’s focus on women’s rights was groundbreaking for its time and continues to
be relevant in discussions on gender equality today. By emphasizing the importance of
treating women with kindness and recognizing their rights, the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬laid the foundation
for gender justice in Islam. This message, along with Quranic teachings on the mutual rights
and responsibilities of men and women, provides a basis for challenging gender inequality in
all its forms.

d. Unity and Brotherhood:

The call for unity and the abolition of tribal conflicts were essential for building a cohesive
Muslim Ummah. The Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬message transcended tribal, racial, and ethnic boundaries,
promoting solidarity, mutual respect, and cooperation among believers. This principle of
unity is deeply embedded in the Quran and remains vital for fostering peace and harmony
within the global Muslim community.

Effect on Islamic Civilization

a. Ethical and Legal Framework:

The Last Sermon provided an ethical and legal framework that continues to shape Islamic
jurisprudence (fiqh) and governance. Principles of equality, justice, and human dignity are
integral to Sharia law and influence the moral and legal conduct of Muslims around the
world.

b. Human Rights:

The Last Sermon’s emphasis on human rights has inspired numerous declarations, including
the Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights (1981), which draws heavily from the
principles outlined in the sermon. These teachings continue to be relevant in discussions
on human rights, especially in the context of Islamic jurisprudence and the global human
rights discourse. The Last Sermon is often cited as an early declaration of universal human
rights, advocating for the sanctity of life, property, and individual dignity. The Prophet’s ‫ﷺ‬
emphasis on equality, justice, and respect for women’s rights directly challenges many
contemporary human rights abuses and remains a foundational reference for Muslims in
advocating for justice and fairness across societies.
c. Social Reforms:

The social reforms outlined in the Last Sermon, including the rights of women, the abolition
of exploitative practices like usury, and the sanctity of life and property, are essential for
building a just and equitable society. These teachings laid the foundation for the development
of Islamic civilization, promoting the welfare of individuals and the community at large.
Throughout Islamic history, these principles have informed governance, economic policies,
and social conduct, fostering a society based on mutual respect, responsibility, and justice.

Legacy and Relevance Today

The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬remains profoundly relevant in today’s world,
offering timeless guidance for individuals and communities facing challenges related to
equality, social justice, and ethical behavior. Below are some of the ways the sermon
continues to impact and inspire modern societies:

a. Addressing Racism and Discrimination:

The Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬unequivocal rejection of racism and tribal superiority resonates in a world
still grappling with racial and ethnic discrimination. The Last Sermon’s message that “an
Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an
Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a
white” serves as a powerful reminder that the only measure of worth is piety, not race or
ethnicity. This message of universal brotherhood is crucial in promoting peace, mutual
respect, and cooperation among diverse communities in the modern world.

b. Women's Rights and Gender Equality:

The Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬insistence on the fair treatment of women was revolutionary at the time and
continues to serve as a foundation for gender equality within Islam. The Last Sermon made it
clear that women have rights over men, just as men have rights over women, and that men
should treat women with kindness and respect. This call for equitable treatment remains
essential in ongoing efforts to advance women’s rights in Muslim societies, ensuring that
women are afforded dignity, respect, and equal opportunities in all areas of life.
c. Economic Justice and the Abolition of Exploitation:

The Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬abolition of usury (riba) remains a central pillar in Islamic economic
thought, with many modern Islamic finance systems being built on this principle. The
prohibition of interest is intended to prevent economic exploitation and promote a fairer
distribution of wealth, fostering economic justice. As global financial systems grapple with
issues of inequality and exploitation, the Last Sermon’s message of economic fairness offers
a model for more just and equitable economic policies.

d. Sanctity of Life and Human Rights:

The Last Sermon’s emphasis on the sanctity of life and property resonates strongly in
contemporary human rights frameworks. The Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬message that the life, property, and
honor of each Muslim is sacred underpins the protection of individual rights in Islamic
thought. These principles continue to influence discussions on human rights, particularly in
advocating for the protection of life, freedom, and dignity in the face of injustice or
oppression.

e. Promoting Unity and Avoiding Division:

The call for unity in the Last Sermon is especially relevant in today’s world, where
divisions—whether along racial, ethnic, or sectarian lines—continue to cause conflict and
violence. The Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬urged Muslims to see themselves as part of one brotherhood,
transcending narrow tribal loyalties and focusing on the unity of the Ummah. This message
of unity is crucial for fostering harmony, peace, and mutual understanding both within the
Muslim community and in the broader global context.

Conclusion

The Last Sermon by Prophet Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬is the ultimate and universal guidance towards the
moral, social, and legal precepts that form the foundation of the Islamic faith. This sermon
carries a message quoted from the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬, stating the very essence of faith: equality,
justice, and compassion. What His teaching based apparently in the Quran does today is act
as a moral guide to Muslims as they 'go through' society, socially and try for an even better
just equitable society.
Not just today, but over 1,400 years ago, are the sermons' themes: equality, social and
economic justice, gender rights, and the sanctity of life; with them, the articulation of
principles declared by the Last Sermon outline most of the problems facing us today, such as
racism, unequal gender distinctions, and exploitation, and design a roadmap to guide
Muslims through living their lives in an ethical and moral way based on Islam's tenets.

Holding onto the Quran and the Sunnah taught by the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬, Muslims will find surety
that they would be on the straight path, Sirat al-Mustaqim, never deviating from the
principles that give form to their faith. The Last Sermon presents a universal message of
equality and justice in unison and becomes an inspiration for Muslims to lead them through
the intricacies of modern life while staying true to the core values of their faith.

As the Last Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬once had it:

"I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah; and if you follow
these, you will never go astray.

Perhaps it is only the message of the Last Sermon that makes the Muslim Ummah peaceful
and righteous while its words of wisdom continue to inspire each generation to seek justice,
compassion, and faithfulness to Allah.
 Bibliography

1. Armstrong, Karen. Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time. HarperCollins, 2006.

2. Guillaume, Alfred. The Life of Muhammad: A Translation of Ibn Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah.
Oxford University Press, 1955.

3. Lings, Martin. Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources. Inner Traditions, 1983.

4. Watt, W. Montgomery. Muhammad at Mecca. Clarendon Press, 1953.

5. Watt, W. Montgomery. Muhammad at Medina. Clarendon Press, 1956.

6. The Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights. Islamic Council, 1981.

7. Esposito, John L. The Oxford History of Islam. Oxford University Press, 1999.