The sermon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave at Mount Arafat during the only Haj he performed in 10H, which is also known as the Farewell Sermon, is a good reminder for us today as only few days remain for the 1430H Haj: “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 Riba (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Beware of Satan, for the 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 fulfil 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 (alone), establish your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, give your wealth in Zakat, and perform Haj 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 through piety and good action. Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray 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. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an and the Sunnah, 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 latter understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness O Allah that I have conveyed Your message to Your slaves.”
