Nearly two million Muslims  gathered in the vast Saudi plain of Mount Arafat on Sunday to partake in  the most important ritual of the Hajj, a scene  that re-enacts the actions of the Prophet Muhammad from more than 1,400 years ago.

Worshippers from more than 150 countries converged at the 70-metre hill at sunrise , some 15km from Mecca, for "wukuf," a high point of the Hajj which all pilgrims must attend in the mid-afternoon.

Wearing two white, unstitched pieces of cloth for men known as the "ihram", and any loose-fitting clothing for women, the pilgrims climbed steps built into the hill where the Prophet Muhammad gave his final sermon.

In what looked like an unbroken sea of white the pilgrims marched to the top, reciting prayers and supplications.

There was an extremely somber mood at the plain with many spending their time in prayer and introspection.

Many of  have been reflecting on the Prophet's final sermon and how poignant it is today. A message that was about the sanctity of life, forbidding oppression and calling for greater love and unity."

Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) on Monday with pilgrims performing the  casting pebbles at a pillar on the Jamaraat Bridge in Mina, in a symbolic renunciation of the devil.

After a successful visit at mount Arafa, ghanaguardian.com takes a look at the contents of the Holy Prophets message to the world, about 1400 years ago.

arafat

Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) delivered his last sermon (Khutbah) on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah (12th and last month of the Islamic year), 10 years after Hijrah (migration from Makkah to Madinah) in the Uranah Valley of mount Arafat. His words were quite clear and concise and were directed to the entire humanity.

After praising, and thanking Allah 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 to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be presesnt here today.

WEARY OF SATAN
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, 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. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib (Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived… RIGHTS OF WOMEN
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 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. 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, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. RACISM/DESCRIMINATION
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 supe1riority over black nor a black has any superiority over 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 yourselves.
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   THE LAST PROPHET
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 may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people”.

watch the video from the


credit: aljazeera.com

By Fiifi Abdul Malik/ghanaguardian.com