last sermon

"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 very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

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 (God'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. Treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers.

All mankind if from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab. And a white has no superiority over a black nor does a black have any superiority over a white. Except by piety and good action.

Know that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims are one brotherhood. Therefore, do not do injustice to yourselves.

Remember that one day you will meet Allah (God) and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

And 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.

O People, no prophet or messenger will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my Sunnah(the sayings and examples of the Prophet Muhammad). And if you follow these you will never go astray.

Be my witness, O Allah (O God), that I have conveyed your message to your people."

~Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, From "Last Sermon"

I like reading this, especially during the month of Ramadan. It reminds me of how simple and peaceful Islam really is. It is such a shame that people, including Muslims themselves, have misguided others about Islam. If I could pray for one simple thing, it would be that people could learn the real truth about Islam, the religion that I chose for myself. I am one who works for peace, and I am one who believes that we are all equal regardless of gender, race, or even social status. If we could just pause and listen, our wisdom would be great.