Broadly speaking, human history is basically all about the detailed record of the great personalities who changed the fate of mankind by their intellectual, practical and spiritual attributes and transformed the lives of numerous people. In the words of Michael Hart, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) tops the list of the most effective personalities of all times with his flawless and unparalleled character. According to him, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the one 'supremely successful' in both the religious and secular realms. The Prophet (SAW) freed mankind from the shackles of servitude and ignorance and taught the lessons of God-consciousness, philanthropy and enlightenment. He ensured that man becomes the crown of the creation in real sense and works as the vicegerent of God on the earth. For twenty-three years, he sacrificed almost everything for the propagation of Islam which came as an emancipator and liberator of mankind and finally the day came when this holy mission was accomplished.
A few months before his death, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) performed his last Hajj, and on the ninth day Dhul Hijjah 10AH, in the Uranah Valley of Mount Arafat, he delivered his last sermon. This last sermon stands unparalleled in eloquence, aphorism and effectiveness in the history of the world. Luckily, more than one lac companions of the Prophet (SAW) preserved and conveyed every word of it for the coming generations. Although countless sermons have been delivered on this planet so far by some great people, like the Sermon on the Mount of Olives by Jesus Christ, the Sermon at Benares by Buddha etc. but the last Sermon of Prophet (SAW) remains unique in every respect. The famous author of present times, Karen Armstrong writes,
"Today, the Nimrah Mosque stands near the place where the Holy Prophet stood in Arafat in 632 AD and delivered his farewell sermon. The sermon was aimed at eradicating the blood feuds and vendettas inspired by the spirit of Jahiliyyah. He was a practical person and he knew well that he was asking for something revolutionary. "
Even today, this sermon is conveyed to every Muslim in every corner of the globe through all possible media as it sums up the main tenets of Islam. It is said that if the Prophet (SAW) did nothing else but read the last sermon you will get essence of his teachings that is why Muslims are reminded of this in mosques and sermons. In fact, the meanings found in this sermon are astonishing, it mentions the rights that God has over the human world, and it also explains the rights that human beings have over each other. It maintains a beautiful balance between the rights of God and the rights of the people. Although, the Prophet (SAW) has passed away, his revolutionary and inspiring words are still alive in the hearts of the people.
The noted Islamic scholar, Dr Hamidullah says, "History has fortunately preserved the speech delivered by the Holy Prophet (SAW)...this sermon is not only an important historical and religious document, but also a "charter of human rights."
In this sermon, the Prophet (SAW) introduced Islam as the perfect code of life. He emphasized the human equality and accountability to Allah. He stressed on the sanctity of life and property of human beings, good treatment of women and the economic exploitation of the people.
Building a perfect rapport with the audience, the Prophet (SAW) said,
"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city, as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. 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.
In order to put across the concept of human equality, the Prophet (SAW) said:
"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also, a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood."
Obliterating the racial pride, he said:
"O the people from Quraysh! God has put an end to your false pride and there is no room for your pride in the deeds of your forefathers.”
In order to eradicate economic exploitation from the society, the Holy Prophet (SAW) abolished the usury and first abolished the usury on account of his uncle Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib.
Today, we often talk of women's rights but Prophet Muhammad (SAW) talked of then some fourteen hundred years ago. He said, "
"O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.”
Talking about justice and rule of law, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,
"Be aware! Now the culprit will be responsible for his own crime, be aware! Now the son will not be caught for the father and the son will not be avenged for the father...nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves."
Towards the end, the Prophet (SAW) concluded his sermon as follows:
"All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people."
“O people,” he cried suddenly, “have I faithfully delivered my message to you?” There was a powerful murmur of assent from the assembled crowd: “Yes!” (Allahumma na‘m). In a touchingly human plea for reassurance, Muhammad (SAW) asked the same question again—and again; and each time the words “Allahumma na‘m” rumbled through the valley like thunder. Muhammad (SAW) raised his forefinger to the heavens, and said: “O Allah, bear witness.” (Muhammad: Karen Armstrong)

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