Zakee Abdul Hakim [Hutchison] P-68859
SSC-202 Due Date: 02-18-16

[grader's comment: Excellent]

Class Contribution #1

Topic: Inspirational Words of "Wisdom"

My quest for "wisdom" began when I discovered the difference between —"that doesn't make sense" and "I don't understand."

My talk is about the last sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conducted in March 632 CE. Muhammad (PBUH) returned to Mecca one last time to perform his Hajjat Al-wada (farewell pilgrimage); and tens of thousands of Muslims joined him where he gave his last farewell sermon. The following are his inspirational words of "wisdom" not only to those Muslims present over 1,384 years ago, but to all of humanity today:

"O people, lend me an attentive ear, for I do not know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you 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 regarded the life and property of every Muslim as a scared 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. Allah (SWT) has forbidden you to take usury (i.e. interest on loans), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived.

Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O people, it is true you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. 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 commit adultery.

O people, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah (SWT), say your five daily prayers ("Salah"), fast during the holy month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. 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 a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety ("Taqwa") and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim, and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. 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 yourself.

Remember, one day you will appear before Allah (SWT) and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O people, no prophet or apostle 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 two things, my Holy Qur'an and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.

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, oh Allah (SWT), that I have conveyed your message to your people."

After the Prophet Muhammad's pilgrimage, he returned to Medina. Three months later on June 8, 632, he died there, after a brief illness. He is buried in the Mosque in Medina. So strong was his message of faith and "words of wisdom" that within 100 years, Muhammad's (PBUH) teachings and way of life had spread from the remote corners of Arabia to as far east as into China and as far west as Morocco, Spain and France.

[graders's comment: Grade: A

As it followed the concept of "wisdom", gave proper citation, with inclusive language. Was clear and concise, and enabled the readers to fully understand the "wisdom" of the PROPHET MUHAMMAD'S final message to mankind.]