The Prophet (ﷺ) delivered to us a sermon on the Day of Nahr. He said, "Do you know what is the day today?" We said, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He remained silent till we thought that he might give that day another name. He said, "Isn't it the Day of Nahr?" We said, "It is." He further asked, "Which month is this?" We said, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He remained silent till we thought that he might give it another name. He then said, "Isn't it the month of Dhul-Hijja?" We replied: "Yes! It is." He further asked, "What town is this?" We replied, "Allah and His Apostle know it better." He remained silent till we thought that he might give it another name. He then said, "Isn't it the forbidden (Sacred) town (of Mecca)?" We said, "Yes. It is." He said, "No doubt, your blood and your properties are sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this town of yours, till the day you meet your Lord. No doubt! Haven't I conveyed Allah's message to you? They said, "Yes." He said, "O Allah! Be witness. So it is incumbent upon those who are present to convey it (this information) to those who are absent because the informed one might comprehend it (what I have said) better than the present audience, who will convey it to him. Beware! Do not renegade (as) disbelievers after me by striking the necks (cutting the throats) of one another."
Hajj (Pilgrimage) - Sahih al-Bukhari 1741
The Prophet (ﷺ) delivered to us a sermon on the Day of Nahr. He said, "Do you know what is the day today?" We said, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He remained silent till we thought that he might give that day another name. He said, "Isn't it the Day of Nahr?" We said, "It is." He further asked, "Which month is this?" We said, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He remained silent till we thought that he might give it another name. He then said, "Isn't it the month of Dhul-Hijja?" We replied: "Yes! It is." He further asked, "What town is this?" We replied, "Allah and His Apostle know it better." He remained silent till we thought that he might give it another name. He then said, "Isn't it the forbidden (Sacred) town (of Mecca)?" We said, "Yes. It is." He said, "No doubt, your blood and your properties are sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this town of yours, till the day you meet your Lord. No doubt! Haven't I conveyed Allah's message to you? They said, "Yes." He said, "O Allah! Be witness. So it is incumbent upon those who are present to convey it (this information) to those who are absent because the informed one might comprehend it (what I have said) better than the present audience, who will convey it to him. Beware! Do not renegade (as) disbelievers after me by striking the necks (cutting the throats) of one another."
Commentary on the Farewell Sermon
This profound hadith from the Day of Nahr (10th of Dhul-Hijjah) represents the culmination of the Prophet's mission. The rhetorical questioning about the day, month, and city serves to emphasize the sacredness of these entities in Islamic tradition, thereby establishing a powerful analogy for the sanctity of Muslim life and property.
The Prophet's methodology of questioning then confirming demonstrates his pedagogical excellence, ensuring the companions internalized these fundamental principles. His declaration that Muslim blood, wealth, and honor are inviolable establishes the foundation of Islamic social ethics - that the Muslim community constitutes a single body where each member's rights are divinely protected.
The command to convey this message to absent Muslims underscores the principle of tabligh (conveying the message) and the collective responsibility of religious education within the ummah. The warning against post-prophetic discord and civil strife serves as an eternal caution against intra-Muslim conflict, equating such warfare with disbelief in its gravity.
Scholarly Observations
Classical scholars note that this sermon abrogated all previous tribal vendettas and established the principle that no Muslim may be killed except for one of three reasons: murder, adultery after marriage, or apostasy accompanied by warfare against Muslims.
The sanctity mentioned extends beyond physical safety to include honor and dignity, making backbiting, slander, and false accusation major sins. The temporal limitation "till you meet your Lord" indicates these rulings remain in effect until the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet's seeking divine witness after the companions' affirmation demonstrates the gravity of this declaration and serves as a perpetual reminder of our accountability before Allah regarding these fundamental rights.