Observation

The historical teachings of the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) farewell sermon, stands out to be one of the popular question among the candidates. Most of the candidates who attempted this question got it rightly. The performance generally was very good.However, candidates are to provide the following points in order to score good marks thus:

The Prophet’s (S.A.W.) farewell sermon was delivered at Arafat in 632 C.E. (Introduction).

1. The sermon touched on the duties, obligations and rights of Muslims.
2. A lesson of the sermon is that no one should take the life of another person or his/her property unjustifiably.
3. The sermon also reminds Muslims of the Day of Reckoning when judgement shall be given in respect of human deeds.
4. The sermon proscribed interest on loans given to others (usury).
5. That anything entrusted to a Muslim must be well kept and returned to its rightful owner(s) at the appropriate time.
6. Another lesson of the sermon is that the Islamic calendar should be maintained without any alteration (intercalation).
7. There are twelvemonths in Islamic calendar, fourofthemare sacred (Muḥarram, Shawwal, Dhul-Qidah and Dhul-Hijjah).
8. Revenge in the event of murder as in pre-Islamic times was prohibited.
9. Kind treatment of women and guaranteeing their rights was emphasized.
10. Muslims were to guard against evil and satanic tendencies.
11. The Qur’ān and Sunnah remain the permanent sources of direction to Muslims.
12. Muslims should remain united and treat each other as brothers.
13. All forms of injustice must be avoided.
14. Good treatment of slaves and servants is highlighted.
15. The need to obey Muslim leadership was also emphasized.
16. The need for da‘wah was also emphasized in the sermon.
17. The farewell sermon signified the end of the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) life.