The need of the hour is for us to follow the tenets and spirit of the sermon....
MY FAITH
Eid-ul-Azha is just around the corner. This week, our focus is on the last sermon of our Holy Prophet (PBUH). The need of the hour is for us to follow the tenets and spirit of the sermon.
In school, we learn about the farewell address of our Holy Prophet (PBUH), popularly known as ‘Khutbah Hajjatul Wida’ or the last sermon of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and are taught about various aspects of this grand sermon, its charter and significance. But, most of the time, students preparing for exams are not focused on understanding the real message and gist of the sermon.
After completing our education, when we start practical life, usually we come across every aspect of life that has been discussed in this great sermon. Today, let’s spare some time to go through the fundamental message of the sermon and remind ourselves the important aspects of lives we have been told about more than fourteen hundred years ago.
During the Hajj (pilgrimage) our Holy Prophet (PBUH) delivered his last sermon on the mount of Jabal-ur-Rahmah Arafah, on 9th Zil Haj 10 A.H. He (PBUH) discussed the code of life that all mankind is supposed to follow in order to lead a prosperous and successful life. He (PBUH) underscored the significance of the sermon by exhorting the people to pay attention. He (PBUH) said: “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.”
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) spoke about the sanctity of the month, the day and the place, and asked the people to regard the life and property of every Muslim as sacred. He told us to be righteous and honest. He wanted us to be sympathetic and not hurt anyone. He strictly forbade taking usury (interest). He thoroughly discouraged injustice and dishonesty. He warned us to beware of the Satan.
The Prophet (PBUH) specifically talked about women rights and said, “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. 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.”
Finally, he strictly directed us to worship only Allah, offer prayers five times a day, fast during Ramazan, and give our wealth in Zakat and perform Hajj if we can afford to.
He (PBUH) further said: “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. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly.”
He (PBUH) finally concluded by saying, “O People! No Prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, o people! And understand words that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.”
There are at least fourteen fundamental directions that have been taught in this grand sermon. As we grow up and gain in experience, we realise that these are the very principles that can make our life good and successful.
We want to exercise the rights given to us, but when it comes to giving the others their rights, we are strangely reluctant. The conclusion: we all know what is right and what is wrong. We must get rid of this negative attitude of ours and bear in mind that we have to be answerable for our deeds one day to the Almighty.
Eid Mubarak.
