Khutbat Al-Wadaa’ (The Farewell Pilgrimage and The Farewell Pilgrimage Sermon of Prophet Muhammad)

Introduction
Pilgrimage (Hajj) was made obligatory for Muslims in the 6th year after Hijra. Prior to this, Muslims and non-believers alike would participate in the pilgrimage rituals. However, in the 9th year after Hijra, Allah revealed the verse:

“O you who have believed, indeed the polytheists are unclean, so let them not approach the Sacred Mosque after this, their [final] year. And if you fear poverty, Allah will enrich you from His bounty if He wills. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Wise” (Surah At-Tawbah: 28).

In response, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ performed Hajj in the 10th year after Hijra. Accompanied by over 100,000 Muslims, this pilgrimage became known as the Hajjat al-Wadaa’ (Farewell Pilgrimage). It earned this title because the Prophet bid farewell to his followers, saying:

“I do not know if I will meet you again after this year in this place.”

The pilgrimage is also called Hajjat al-Balagh (Pilgrimage of Conveyance) because the Prophet repeatedly asked, “Have I conveyed the message?” and received confirmation from his companions.

During the farewell pilgrimage, the farewell sermon of prophet Muhammad ﷺ was delivered over three key occasions:

1. The Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah)
2. The Day of Sacrifice (10th of Dhul-Hijjah) in Mina
3. The Middle of the Days of Tashreeq (11th–13th of Dhul-Hijjah)

These sermons encompassed foundational Islamic teachings and principles.

Farewell Sermon on the Day of Arafah

On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, a vast congregation gathered at Mount Arafah, and the Prophet addressed them:

“Your blood, your wealth, and your honour are sacred to you as this day, this month, and this city are sacred. All matters of Jahiliyyah (ignorance) are abolished under my feet. The first blood I abolish is that of Rabi’ah ibn Al-Harith. Fear Allah in your treatment of women. For you have taken them under Allah’s trust and made lawful relations through His word. You have rights over them, and they have rights over you.”

He also emphasized:

“I leave with you something that, if you hold firmly to it, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah.”

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Farewell Sermon on the Day of Sacrifice (Yawm al-Nahr)

On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, the Prophet addressed the congregation again, reiterating the sanctity of life and property:

“Indeed, your blood, your wealth, and your honor are sacred to you, like the sanctity of this day, this month, and this city. Do not return to misguidance after me, striking the necks of one another.”

He further instructed:

“Let those present convey this message to those absent, for it may be that someone who hears it secondhand understands it better than those who were here.”

Farewell Sermon During the Days of Tashreeq

In the middle of the Days of Tashreeq, the Prophet reiterated key lessons:

• The sanctity of life, wealth, and honor.
• The accountability before Allah for one’s deeds.
• The importance of unity and brotherhood.
• The need to convey the message to those absent.

The Prophet reminded his followers that his death was near, as he bid farewell to the community.

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8 Lessons from The Farewell Hajj and The Farewell Sermon of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

1. Sanctity of Life, Wealth, and Honor: The Prophet declared the inviolability of human life and dignity, equating their sanctity to the sacredness of the day of Arafah and the holy city of Makkah.
2. Abolishment of Jahiliyyah Practices: Pre-Islamic customs such as blood feuds and usury were abolished. The Prophet emphasized that revenge and personal justice must be replaced by lawful authority and justice.
3. Prohibition of Riba (Usury): The Prophet forbade all forms of interest, reinforcing Allah’s command: “Allah has permitted trade and forbidden interest” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 275).
4. Rights of Women in Islam: The Prophet urged men to treat women with kindness, stating that they were entrusted to them by Allah. He advised understanding and compassion in marital relationships.
5. Brotherhood of the Ummah: He proclaimed that all Muslims are equal, irrespective of race or ethnicity: “There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab or a non-Arab over an Arab except through piety.”
6. Holding Firm to the Quran and Sunnah The Prophet instructed his followers to adhere to the Quran and his teachings, emphasizing that they are the means of guidance and salvation.
7. Accountability Before Allah
   The sermons reminded Muslims that they would meet Allah and be accountable for their deeds.
8. Conveying the Message
   The Prophet instructed those present to convey his words to others who were not in attendance, as the message was for all humanity.

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This final sermon emphasised unity, justice, equality, and adherence to Islam and sharia law. The Farewell Pilgrimage Sermon (Khutbat Alwadaa’) of prophet Muhammad marked not just a goodbye to his companions but a lasting legacy for future generations, demonstrating true leadership and reminding them to hold fast to the teachings of Islam.

The profound lessons from the farewell sermon remain a timeless call to uphold the values of peace, justice, and faithfulness to the Quran and Sunnah.