The Passing of the Prophet
وفاة النبي ﷺ
Summary
The Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away on Monday, 12th Rabi' al-Awwal, 11 AH, in the apartment of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) in Madinah. His last words included 'with the highest companion' (ar-Rafiq al-A'la). He was sixty-three years old.
Details
The Prophet's final illness lasted approximately thirteen days. He continued to lead prayers until he could no longer stand, after which he appointed Abu Bakr to lead. He freed his slaves, gave away his remaining money, and counselled the Muslims about prayer and the treatment of those in their care. He gave his final sermon from the mimbar, saying: 'If I owe anyone anything, here is my property, let him take it. If I have hurt anyone's honour, here I am — let him take his retribution.' In his last moments, he repeatedly dipped his hand in water and wiped his face, saying: 'There is no god but Allah, indeed death has agonies.' He raised his eyes toward the ceiling and said: 'O Allah, with the highest companion.' His head was resting on Aisha's chest. Umar initially refused to believe it until Abu Bakr recited: 'Muhammad is no more than a messenger; messengers have passed away before him' (3:144). He was buried where he passed away, in Aisha's room — now part of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.