The final words of a person often reveal their deepest concerns, beliefs, and legacy. In the case of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his last words were not only a personal farewell but a spiritual declaration of the highest truth. They reflected his life’s mission and his readiness to meet his Lord.
To understand the significance of the Prophet’s last words1, we must begin with his final journey, the Farewell Pilgrimage, a remarkable event that carried profound meaning for the entire Muslim Ummah.
The Final Pilgrimage Begins
In the tenth year after Hijrah, Prophet Muhammad announced that he would perform Hajj. This news spread rapidly across the Arabian Peninsula, and thousands of Muslims gathered in Madinah to accompany him. This would be his first and final Hajj, later called Hajjat al-Wada.
He left Madinah on the 25th of Dhul-Qa’dah, accompanied by his wives, companions, and people from many tribes. The caravan moved in harmony. There were no weapons, no disputes, and no destruction of nature. It was a journey of peace, devotion, and submission to Allah.
At Dhul Hulayfah, the Prophet entered the state of Ihram and said the Talbiyah:
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk. Labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Inna al-hamda wal-ni’mata laka wal-mulk. La sharika lak
This unified declaration was repeated by the caravan, filling the desert with the sound of pure devotion.
Along this sacred journey, the Prophet continued to remind the people of the core values of Islam — love, mercy, justice, and unity. He emphasized that no Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, and no white over a black, except by righteousness and good deeds.
During these final days, many companions asked questions about repentance, Quranic meanings, and raising children. Topics like How To Repent To Allah, the Benefits Of Surah Al Kausar, and the Surah Taha Benefits were part of these teachings. People also asked, Does Islam Allow Hitting Children? The Prophet clarified that Islam promotes gentleness, compassion, and education, not harm.
The Prophet also explained challenging concepts. When asked why does Allah refer to Himself as We, he explained this was a form of majestic plural, not multiplicity. His teachings helped believers understand how to Pronounce Difficult Arabic Letters when reciting Quran, and how essential it is to Face Qibla While Reading Quran, respecting the direction of prayer even when reading at home.
The companions also discussed the Benefits of Surah Yaseen, which the Prophet called the “heart of the Quran,” recommending its recitation for ease in difficult matters and for the dying.
Arrival in Makkah
The Prophet reached Makkah on the 4th of Dhul-Hijjah. After resting for the night, he bathed and entered the city. Upon seeing the Ka’bah, he raised his hands and prayed for its honor and sanctity to be preserved.
He performed Tawaf, offered prayer at Maqam Ibrahim, and completed Sa’i between Safa and Marwah. Those without sacrificial animals were instructed to temporarily exit Ihram until the day of Hajj.
The Day of Arafah and the Farewell Sermon
On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the Prophet stood on Mount Arafat and gave his historic Farewell Sermon. It was a speech filled with wisdom, guidance, and universal principles for Muslims to follow forever.
He began by saying:
“People, listen to me. I do not know if I will meet you again in this place after this year”
He then asked:
“Do you know what day this is and what city this is?”
When they confirmed it was a sacred day in a sacred city, he said:
“Your blood, your property, and your honor are sacred to one another just like this day, this month, and this city”
He declared the abolition of usury and tribal revenge, saying:
“All forms of interest from the pre-Islamic era are now cancelled. All revenge killings are wiped out”
He emphasized women’s rights:
“You have rights over your women, and they have rights over you. Treat them well. You took them as a trust from Allah”
He stressed equality among humans:
“All of you are from Adam, and Adam was created from dust. No Arab is better than a non-Arab, and no white is better than a black except through righteousness”
He asked the crowd multiple times:
“Have I conveyed the message?”
They replied: “Yes”, and he responded:
“O Allah, bear witness”
He concluded with a timeless instruction:
“Let those who are present deliver this message to those who are absent. Perhaps someone who receives it second-hand will understand it better”
What Was Prophet Muhammad’s Last Words2
After returning to Madinah, the Prophet fell ill with a fever that lasted for several days. During his illness, he continued to advise his followers and lead them in prayer when able. His final words and concerns were focused on two essential elements:
“The prayer, the prayer, and those whom your right hands possess”
On the last day of his life, while in the house of his wife Aisha, the Prophet raised his eyes to the sky and said:
“O Allah, with the highest companion”
These were his last words
With these words, he expressed his desire to return to his Lord. It was the ultimate sign of submission and contentment after a lifetime of delivering the message of Islam. He passed away peacefully, resting on the chest of Aisha.
At Madrasat El Quran, we teach students not only to recite the Qur’an correctly but to understand the life and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad. Learning about his final moments helps us internalize the values he lived by and the message he delivered completely.
The Meaning Behind His Last Words3
The phrase “the highest companion” refers to Allah, the angels, and the righteous souls in Paradise. The Prophet had the choice between remaining in the world or returning to his Lord. He chose nearness to Allah, reminding us that this life is temporary and true success lies in returning to our Creator.
Key Lessons from the Sermon and Final Words
Both the sermon and the Prophet’s last words offer eternal guidance:
For the Individual
- Submit fully to Allah
Live a life centered on worship and sincerity - Avoid sin in all forms
Even seemingly small mistakes can lead us away from the truth
For Society
- Promote justice and equality
True honor is based on piety, not race or wealth - Support the weak, especially women
Women’s dignity and rights are emphasized in Islam - Protect unity among Muslims
Avoid division and uphold the bonds of brotherhood
The Legacy of the Prophet
The Prophet’s Farewell Pilgrimage, his Farewell Sermon, and his last words form a complete guide for all Muslims. They reflect a life of dedication, humility, and truth. He conveyed his message with clarity and left behind a path for us to follow.
At Madrasat El Quran, we encourage every student and parent to study the life of the Prophet and memorize the Qur’an as a means to draw closer to Allah. Understanding what was Prophet Muhammad’s last words is not just a matter of history. It is a source of spiritual reflection and practical guidance.
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FAQ About What Was Prophet Muhammad’s Last Words
What were the last words of the Prophet?
The last words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were:
“O Allah, with the highest companion.”
(اللهم الرفيق الأعلى)
This was a reference to his longing to return to Allah and to be in the company of the righteous, angels, and prophets in the Hereafter. It symbolized his complete submission and spiritual fulfillment.
What did Prophet Muhammad say before he died?
Before his passing, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave several important instructions. Among them, his repeated words were:
“As-salah, as-salah, and those whom your right hands possess.”
(الصلاة الصلاة وما ملكت أيمانكم)
This means: “The prayer, the prayer, and treat your servants or dependents with kindness.”
He stressed the importance of maintaining prayer and caring for the vulnerable under one’s responsibility.
What did the Prophet say three times before he died?
The Prophet ﷺ repeated three times:
“As-salah, as-salah…”
Which means: “The prayer, the prayer…”
This repetition emphasized the central importance of salah (prayer) in Islam. It was a final reminder that even in his dying moments, he prioritized the connection between the believer and Allah.
What was the last advice of the Prophet Muhammad?
The final advice of the Prophet ﷺ combined multiple messages, including:
Maintain your prayers (salah).
Be kind to those under your authority.
Uphold unity in the Ummah.
Hold fast to the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
He said:
“I have left behind you that which, if you hold fast to it, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.”
- http://hrlibrary.umn.edu/arab/IS-4.html ↩︎
- https://www.dar-alifta.org/ar/fatwa/details/13956/%D8%B4%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%A9-%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%B6-%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%B6-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%B5%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%AF%D9%86%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%8A-%EF%B7%BA ↩︎
- https://kalemtayeb.com/ahadeeth/section/160 ↩︎
