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THE FAREWELL SERMON

1562

“Time is running in the same manner as it did on the day Allah created the heavens and the earth.

A year has twelve months, four of which are sacred, three are consecutive; Dhul Qa'ad, Dhul Hajj and Muharram. Rajab falls between Jumadi and Sha'aban. Then the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, Asked, ‘What month is this?’ We replied, ‘Allah and His Messenger, praise and peace be upon him, know best.’ He remained silent and we thought he would rename it. Then he said, ‘Isn't it Dhul Hajj?’ We answered, ‘Yes, indeed.’ Then he asked, ‘Which city is this?’ We answered, ‘Allah and His Messenger, praise and peace be upon him, know best.’ He remained silent and we thought he would rename it. Then he said, ‘Isn't it the Sacred City?’ We replied, ‘Yes, indeed.’ Then he asked, ‘What day is this?’ We replied, ‘Allah and His Messenger, praise and peace be upon him, know best.’ He remained silent and we thought he would rename it. Then he said, ‘Isn't it the Day of Sacrifice?’ We replied, ‘Yes, indeed.’ Then he said. ‘Your blood, possessions and honor are as sacred as this Sacred Day, this City and this Month. Soon you will meet your Lord and He will call you to account for your deeds. So do not return to disbelief after I am gone, slaying each other. Let those present convey this to those who are absent. Perhaps, he who is told may remember it better than one who hears it today.’ Then he asked: ‘Have I conveyed the command of Allah; have I conveyed the command of Allah?’ We replied, ‘Yes.’ Then he supplicated, ‘Allah, bear witness.’”

Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Nufai' son of Harith who related that the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said this.