Ibn `Abbas said: "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) delivered a sermon on the Day of Nahr, and said, 'O people! (Tell me) what is the day today?' The people replied, 'It is the forbidden (sacred) day.' He asked again, 'What town is this?' They replied, 'It is the forbidden (Sacred) town.' He asked, 'Which month is this?' They replied, 'It is the forbidden (Sacred) month.' He said, 'No doubt! Your blood, your properties, and your honor are sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this (sacred) town (Mecca) of yours, in this month of yours.' The Prophet (ﷺ) repeated his statement again and again. After that he raised his head and said, 'O Allah! Haven't conveyed (Your Message) to them'. Haven't I conveyed Your Message to them?' " Ibn `Abbas added, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, the following was his will (Prophet's will) to his followers:--It is incumbent upon those who are present to convey this information to those who are absent Beware don't renegade (as) disbelievers (turn into infidels) after me, Striking the necks (cutting the throats) of one another.' "
The Farewell Sermon: A Comprehensive Commentary
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1739, transmitted through the esteemed companion Ibn Abbas, captures the essence of the Prophet's Farewell Sermon during his final pilgrimage. The rhetorical questioning style - asking about the day, month, and city - serves to establish the sacred foundations upon which Islamic ethics are built.
The Fourfold Sanctity
The Prophet established four inviolable sanctities: the sacred day (Day of Nahr), the sacred month (Dhul-Hijjah), the sacred city (Makkah), and most importantly, the sanctity of human life, property, and honor. This deliberate comparison elevates human dignity to the level of divinely protected sanctities.
The repetition emphasizes the critical importance of these principles, ensuring they would be firmly established in the hearts of the listeners and transmitted accurately to future generations.
The Final Testament
The Prophet's declaration "Haven't I conveyed?" demonstrates his fulfillment of the divine trust. Ibn Abbas's solemn oath regarding this being the Prophet's final will underscores its eternal relevance for the Muslim ummah.
The warning against reverting to pre-Islamic ignorance (Jahiliyyah) and mutual fighting serves as a perpetual reminder to maintain unity and preserve the sacred boundaries established by Islamic law.
Scholarly Insights
Classical scholars note that this sermon constitutes the completion of the Islamic message, establishing the fundamental rights that form the basis of Islamic society. The chain of transmission (isnad) through Ibn Abbas gives this narration exceptional authenticity and weight in Islamic jurisprudence.
The obligation to convey knowledge ("those present to inform those absent") establishes the principle of communal responsibility in preserving and transmitting Islamic teachings for all generations to come.