The Farewell Sermon: The Ultimate Human Rights Declaration

In the year 632 CE, just a few months before his passing, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stood on Mount Arafat during his first and only Hajj. Before a gathering of over 100,000 companions, he delivered what would become known as Khutbat al-Wida—The Farewell Sermon.

This sermon was not merely a set of religious instructions; it was a profound, timeless declaration of human rights, justice, and equality, delivered centuries before modern equivalents like the Magna Carta or the UN Declaration of Human Rights.

Here are the revolutionary principles laid out in the Prophet's final public address.

1. The Sanctity of Life and Property

The Prophet ﷺ began by establishing the absolute sanctity of human life and wealth.

"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."

He abolished all blood feuds and tribal vengeance that had plagued pre-Islamic Arabia, declaring that all claims of murder and revenge from the days of ignorance were cancelled.

2. The Abolition of Economic Exploitation

Before Islam, the rich heavily exploited the poor through exorbitant interest (Riba). The Prophet ﷺ struck down this system entirely.

"Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity."

To prove he was not above the law, he began by waiving all the interest owed to his own uncle, Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib.

3. Women's Rights

In a society where women were previously treated as property, the Prophet ﷺ explicitly used his final platform to secure their rights and demand their good treatment.

"O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you... Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers."

4. The Eradication of Racism

Perhaps the most famous and powerful segment of the Farewell Sermon was the Prophet's total annihilation of racism and ethnic superiority.

"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 black nor does a black have any superiority over white except by piety and good action."

This statement, made in the 7th century, remains the most powerful anti-racist manifesto in religious history. It established that the only metric of human worth in the eyes of God is character and righteousness (Taqwa).

5. The Brotherhood of Humanity

He cemented the concept of the global Islamic community (Ummah), warning against internal division and violence.

"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. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves."

6. The Finality of Prophethood

Knowing his time was near, the Prophet ﷺ made it explicitly clear that the religion had been perfected and no new revelation would follow him.

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

The Culmination of the Mission

As he concluded his sermon, he asked the massive crowd, "O people, have I faithfully delivered unto you my message?"

The valley rang with the collective shout of 100,000 voices: "Yes, you have!"

The Prophet ﷺ then raised his index finger to the heavens and said, "O Allah, bear witness!"

Shortly after this, the final verse of the Quran regarding Islamic law was revealed: "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion." (Quran 5:3).

Conclusion

The Farewell Sermon encapsulates the very essence of Islam. It is a manifesto of justice, equality, and human dignity. For Muslims, reading and reflecting upon these final words is a constant reminder of the heavy moral responsibility they carry as followers of the final Prophet.