Final Year of the Prophet (S.A.W)’s Life
Eleventh Year of Hijra
Describe the events of the final year of the Prophet (S.A.W)’s life. / The Prophet died in 632. Write about the events of the final year of his life.
The last year of the Prophet (S.A.W)’s life is marked by several important events. In that year (i.e. 10 A.H.), He (S.A.W) announced his intention for the major pilgrimage (Hajj). It is reported that a hundred and fourteen thousand followers came to the city of Madinah to offer rituals of Hajj under his guidance.
On 26th Dhil-Qad, mounting on his she-camel, Prophet (S.A.W) departed from Madinah for Makkah. He stayed a night at Dhul Hulaifah, and the following morning after performing the noon prayer, Prophet S.A.W proclaimed the intention of Hajj and recited Talbiyah.
After the journey of eight days, He (S.A.W) reached Makkah on the 4th of Dhil Hajj. When he entered the Sacred Mosque, he circumambulated Al-Kaaba (Tawaf) and walked between Safa and Marwa hills (Sai). Later, He (S.A.W) left for Mina on the 8th of Dhil Hajj. He (S.A.W) stayed there till the morning of the 9th Dhil Hajj to offer five prayers (from noon prayer of 8th till morning prayer of 9th Dhil Hajj).
Islamic Education
Quranic Stories are a reliable source and valuable asset for Muslims as they are based on truth and are distinct from other fables.
Battle of Badr
The Quraysh were jealous of the growing power of the Prophet (S.A.W). For this reason …
Battle of Uhad
Quraish prepared a well-equipped army of 3000 men under the leadership of Abu Sufyan …
Battle of Trench
In 4 A.H, the Holy Prophet S.A.W led a force of 1500 men with merchandise to the caravan …
Battle of Hunain
Huwazin and Thaqeef tribes were rivals of Quraish and had remained quiet during …
The Last Semon/Farewell Speech
After sunrise, He left Mina for Arafat, where Prophet S.A.W delivered his farewell speech. In this Farewell Sermon, He (S.A.W) presented guidelines to Muslims on how to spend their lives.
Worth of Muslim Value
He (S.A.W) spoke about the worth of Muslim values and reminded them of the possibility of him not being there the following year, He (S.A.W) said: “O people! Listen to what I say. I do not know whether I will ever meet you at this place after this year. Your blood, your property and your honour are as sacred as this Day, this month and this city.”
He (S.A.W) discouraged unlawful blood-shedding by saying, “The blood revenge of the Days of Ignorance is cancelled. 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. 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.”
Abolition of Usury
The Prophet (S.A.W) restated the abolition of usury and strictly forbade his followers from this practice of exploiting the weak. He categorically declared, “All interest obligations shall henceforth be waived …”
Equality Among Humans
He (S.A.W) highlighted the rights of women and instructed others to be kind and just to them. He (S.A.W) said to his followers, “Your wives have certain rights over you and you have certain rights over them. Do treat them well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers.”
He (S.A.W) stressed the equality of entire humans in the sight of Allah. The Prophet (S.A.W) said: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve; an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab any superiority over an Arab, also a white has no superiority over black, nor a black any superiority over white, except by piety and good action.” Furthermore, he established brotherhood among the Muslims when He (S.A.W) said: “Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.”
Advice to Ummah
He (S.A.W) instructed believers to be regular in offering their obligations. He (S.A.W) said, “Worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.”
He (S.A.W) mentioned that the Quran and Sunnah were left for their supervision after him as no apostle would follow him. He (S.A.W) said: “No prophet will come after me and no new faith will be born. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.”
“Today I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favour upon you, and I have chosen Islam as your religion.”
(5:3) Surah Al-Maida
Testify and The Last Revelation
In the end, He asked thrice to those gathered, ‘O people have I faithfully delivered my message to you?’ and the crowds replied, ‘Yes!’ then Prophet (S.A.W) raised his forefinger to heaven saying ‘O Allah, bear witness.’ After the Prophet (S.A.W) had finished addressing the people, He received a revelation from Allah: “Today I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favour upon you, and I have chosen Islam as your religion.” (5:3) Surah Al-Maida
Rituals After the Sermon
After the address, the Prophet (S.A.W) offered Dhuhr and Asr prayers combined and stayed there till after the sunset. Then, The Prophet (S.A.W) left for Muzdhalifa, where he performed Maghrib along with Isha prayers and progressed to rest until dawn.
On the 10th Dhil Hajj, soon after the Fajr prayer, he came to the Mash’ar al-Haram, the sacred site at Muzdalifah, and made supplications for his ummah. He (S.A.W) moved to Mina before sunrise for pelting seven pebbles at Jamarat-ul-Uqbah. The stoning being completed, the Prophet (S.A.W) went to his camp in Mina and sacrificed 100 camels, 63 with his hands and 37 by Hazrat Ali (R.A). Next, he shaved his head and rode his camel to the Sacred Mosque for Tawaf-al-Ifadah. He returned to Mina on the same day and spent there the next three days. During his stay, he performed Rammi by stoning Satan.
On the 13th Dhil Hajj, He (S.A.W) left Mina and stayed at the high place of Makkah to offer prayers. Followed by this, He performed Farewell Circumambulation (Tawaf-e-Wida) and ordered his companions to do the same. Upon accomplishment of pilgrimage, He (S.A.W) headed to the city of Madinah.
Prophet (S.A.W)’s Illness & Demise
Two months later, in Madina, the Prophet (S.A.W) fell ill with a headache and fever. The pain grew so severe that the symptoms of poison He had at Khyber came to light. He (S.A.W) said to Hazrat Aisha (R.A): “I still feel the painful effect of that food I tasted at the Khyber. I feel as if death is approaching.”
In the same year, his son Ibrahim also died. On the other hand, the Prophet (S.A.W)’s health started failing continuously. In that Ramadhan, He (S.A.W) increased his seclusion (I’tikaf) for twenty days in opposition to ten and recited the Quran twice with Hazrat Jibrail rather than once.
The total number of his sick days was thirteen. On 29th Safar, he had a headache, and his temperature rose so high. He (S.A.W) led Muslims in prayer for eleven days, although He was ill. During the last week of his demise, his wives consented to move him into the apartment of Hazrat Aisha (R.A).
Instructions of Prophet S.A.W Before His Death
The health of Prophet S.A.W was getting worse gradually. Five days before his death, He instructed his wives to pour water from various wells on him. Next, he went to the Mosque and gave a speech to his people. He (S.A.W) instructed: “Do not make my grave a worshipped idol.”
Four days back to Prophet S.A.W’s death, while He tried to come to the Mosque to lead in prayer, He (S.A.W) fell conscious. Therefore, He (S.A.W) ordered Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) to lead the prayers. Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) led 17 prayers in the life of the Prophet (S.A.W).
On his last day, He (S.A.W) called his younger daughter Hazrat Fatima (R.A) and whispered into her ear that he would not recover from his illness which got her lamented. Soon, He whispered to her again that she would be the first to accompany him after his death. Further, the Prophet (S.A.W) notified her that she would be the Sayyidah (leader) of the women of Paradise. Then, Prophet S.A.W called Fatima’s sons, Hazrat Hasan (R.A) and Hazrat Hussain (R.A), and kissed them and told everyone to look after them. He (S.A.W) asked for his wives and preached to them to remember Allah.
Islamic Stories
The study of Islamic education assists you to comprehend the history of Muslims. These stories of the noble companions of Prophet Mohammad S.A.W are a great source of knowledge for us. Study these non-fictional stories to get aware of them. Furthermore, answer the questions about the topic to check how much you learned.
The Last Day of Prophet (S.A W)
On the last day of his life, the Prophet (S.A.W) came into the Mosque supported by his attendants and joined the congregational prayer behind Abu Bakr (R.A). As Abu Bakr heard him coming, he tried to retreat, but Allah’s Apostle motioned him to carry on. (The Prophet (S.A.W) sat on his left side. Abu Bakr was praying while standing, and Allah’s Apostle was leading the prayer while sitting.)
He (S.A.W) begged forgiveness from his hearers and advised them to follow the path of Allah. He (S.A.W) ordered the people to perform prayers and be merciful to slaves. A day before his death Prophet (S.A.W) set his slaves free, paid 7 Dinars he owned as a charity and gave his weapons to the Muslims as a present.
Moments of the Death of Prophet (S.A.W)
Prophet (S.A.W) ordered to shut all doors of his house that opened to the Mosque, except the door of Abu Bakr’s house. At the close time of death, Hazrat Aisha (R.A) made him rest his head on her lap and softened Miswak for him. Prophet (S.A.W) brushed his teeth. As soon as he finished brushing his teeth, he raised his hand, looked upwards and said:
“With the blessed from among the prophets, the even-truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous! O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me. I choose to be with the exalted companions! O Allah, the exalted companions!”
At the same time, his hand came down, and he joined the Most Exalted Companionship on High. He (S.A.W) was buried in the apartment of Aisha (R.A). At the time of death, His age was 63. According to history, it was Monday, 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal 632 A.D / 11 A.H.
The Outcome of Prophet (S.A.W)’s Death
The death of the Prophet (S.A.W) came as a big shock to his followers. Everyone was stunned with grief. Hazrat Umar stood fiercely denying the news of the Prophet’s demise. At that moment, Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) addressed them. Hazrat Umar calmed down as he heard the following verse of the Quran:
“Muhammad is but a messenger, and many other messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you return to disbelief? Truly, those who abandon belief do not hurt Allah. Indeed, Allah rewards those who are grateful.” (3:144)
Later, Umar (R.A) was to describe his reaction in the following words: “By Allah, when I heard Abu Bakr reciting the verse, I was taken aback and fell as if I did not have any legs. It was at the moment that I comprehended that the Prophet had died.”