The Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajjat al-Wada')
حجة الوداع
Summary
The Prophet (peace be upon him) performed his only Hajj, known as the Farewell Pilgrimage, with over 100,000 Muslims. He delivered the Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada') at Arafat, establishing fundamental principles of justice, equality, and human rights.
Details
The Prophet set out from Madinah on 25th Dhul-Qi'dah in the 10th year. He taught the Muslims every rite of Hajj, saying: 'Take your rites from me, for I do not know if I will perform Hajj after this year.' In his sermon at Arafat on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, he declared: the sanctity of blood and property, the abolition of pre-Islamic blood feuds and usury, the rights of women, the brotherhood of all Muslims, and the authority of the Qur'an and Sunnah as guidance. He asked: 'Have I conveyed the message?' and the people testified. He said: 'Let those present convey to those absent.' The verse was revealed: 'This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen for you Islam as your religion' (5:3).