Farewell SermonSocial Studies for 10th EGBTeacher: Mauricio Torres

Background

▪ A decade after the migration to Medina, the Prophet Muhammad returned to Mecca for a final pilgrimage. Over a hundred thousand Muslims gathered on the Plain of Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage to hear him speak.

▪ Those gathered may not have realized that this would be his final address, as he passed away just a few weeks later. In this sermon, he encouraged Muslims to embrace racial equality, to treat women well, and to remain steadfast in faith.

Contents

▪ Respect for others and Final Judgement

▪ Women

▪ Muslim Duties

▪ The Last Prophet

Respect for others and Final Judgement

▪ “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. ”

▪ What I the main issue here? ▪ Why do you think Muhammad need to tell

this to his followers?▪ Is this message alike someone else’s you

may know of?

Women

▪ “Oh, people! It is true that you have certain rights with regard to 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”.

▪ Why is Muhammad telling his followers that women also have rights over men?

▪ What kind of treatment is Muhammad expecting men to give to their women?

▪ Are all Muslims following this advice?

Muslim Duties

▪ “Oh, people! Listen to me in earnest! Worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat (charity). Perform Hajj if you can afford to. Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone”.

▪ What is he instructing his followers to do?

▪ Why is this important?

The Last Prophet

▪ “Oh, people! No prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, oh people, and understand the words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah. If you follow these you will never go astray”.

▪ Why is he telling them to follow the Qur’an and Sunnah?

▪ What does he mean when he says there will be no more prophets or apostles after him?

Ask Yourself

▪ Recall:▪ What is the Zakat?▪ Where did Muhammad give his last sermon?

▪ Interpret:▪ What is the importance of the Farewell Sermon?

▪ Relate:▪ Is the mainstream image of the way Muslims treat women in

tune with what Muhammad taught?

▪ Describe:▪ How is the relationship among people supposed to be according

to Muhammad?

Compare and Contrast

Are the ideas of Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon in conflict or in tune with Catholic ideas?

Compare and Contrast

Farewell Sermon topics

▪ Respect for others and Final Judgement

▪ Women

▪ Muslim Duties

▪ The Last Prophet

Are these ideas in conflict or in tune with Catholic beliefs?

1. ______________

2. ______________

3. ______________

4. ______________