Dirty politics is at its peak among all parties as the general elections draw near. Nawaz Sharif and his daughter seem to be under the illusion that the public can be easily influenced. They cannot. They already know why Nawaz was sent home. The next sword is still hanging over his head. He should have learnt a lesson. Nothing of what he has been accused of could have happened without his knowledge.
The MQM is in tatters, and all for the sake of access to an ATM. What is worse are the internal quarrels within the party. Meanwhile, Imran Khan has set his heart on becoming the next prime minister and Sheikh Rashid Ahmed wants to be the next interior or foreign minister.
Instead of discussing this form of political mudslinging, I want to draw attention to the very important last sermon given by our Holy Prophet (pbuh). This is not for those who already know about the sermon, but for those who are not aware of its importance.
All of us know that the Holy Quran offers a complete code of conduct and our Prophet (pbuh) was a living example of how to live according to this code. Even his worst opponents had no hesitation in accepting that he was an honest and upright person. Shortly before his death, he delivered a sermon during Haj, which later became known as Khutbatul Widah. This final sermon took place in 10 AH and was significant because it was the first and the last Haj performed by the Prophet (pbuh). This is what he 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 very carefully to what I am saying to you 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. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived.
“Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Al-Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib shall henceforth be waived…
Beware of Satan, for the 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 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 a trust from God 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 any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
“O people, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, perform your daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramazan, and offer zakat. Perform Haj if you have the means.
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; (none have superiority over another) except by piety 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 yourselves. Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray 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 words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran 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 it may be that the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”
The Prophet (pbuh) delivered his final sermon near the summit of Mount Arafat: “This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My Grace upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion” (Quran 5:3). Even today this last sermon is communicated to Muslims in every corner of the world. The meanings found in this sermon explore some of the most important rights Allah has over humanity and humanity has over each other.
The Prophet (pbuh) gave another short sermon at Mina. Here he said: “O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Listen carefully! Worship Allah, offer prayers [five] times a day, fast during the month of Ramazan, pay zakat and perform Haj (if you have the means). O People, obey your rulers and those in power”.
It is unfortunate that most Muslims do not closely follow the best religion given to them by the Almighty. Divine edicts are very clear about this. Those indulging in wrongdoing will be severely punished.
To be continued
Email: dr.a.quadeer.khangmail.com