Islamiyat · May / June 2022 · Paper 11 · Question 4

Describe the Prophet’s pilgrimage in the final year of his life and his Farewell Sermon.

Use the AO1 Levels of Response

Candidates may include some of the following points. All other relevant points must be credited.

In 631, the Prophet (pbuh) performed his final pilgrimage. The people knew that the Prophet (pbuh) was going for pilgrimage and so many people came to join him on this journey. They numbered 30,000 in total. They performed tawaf at the Ka’ba and then proceeded to ‘Arafah. At ‘Arafah the Prophet (pbuh) addressed the people gathered there; this is considered his farewell speech, in which he indicated he may not be there the following year. In this sermon he asked the Muslims to take their guidance from the Qur’an and Sunna. Revenge was prohibited and usury was forbidden; he gave instructions for unlawful shedding of blood; the obligation towards looking after wives was emphasised as well as the kind treatment of women; sticking faithfully to the pillars of Islam was emphasised; the equality of humankind was highlighted saying no Arab has superiority over a non-Arab and vice versa; brotherhood was established.

He told them the Qur’an and Sunna were left for them and reminded them they would have to answer for their deeds and that no new prophet (pbuh) or faith will come after him. He asked the pilgrims ‘And if you were asked about me what would you say?’ and they replied, ‘We bear witness that you have conveyed the message and discharged your ministry’. He then raised his forefinger to the sky whilst saying, ‘Oh Allah, bear witness’. Then the verses 5.3 were revealed (‘This day I have perfected your religion for you…’). After that, he arrived at Muzdalifah and performed his fourth, Maghrib, and fifth, Isha, prayer. At the break of dawn, he returned to Mina to carry out the ritual of the Stoning of the Devil then ordered the sacrifice of the sacrificial animals that he had brought with him. He then returned to Makka, performed another tawaf and then spent the three days of Tashriq in Mina. It set a precedent for the rites and rituals of Hajj that are to be performed by Muslims. The Prophet (pbuh) completed his pilgrimage and returned to Madina.

In your opinion, what was the most important teaching from the Farewell Sermon? Give reasons to support your answer.

Use the AO2 Levels of Response

Candidates may include some of the following information. All other relevant information must be credited.

The Five Pillars, because this is the basis of Islam and without emphasising it, people may not have practised their religion as much.

The reminder of the Day of Judgment as this would encourage Muslims to act in the best way to ensure they have good deeds when giving their account. The equality of humankind, where no Arab has superiority over a non-Arab and so this can help overcome issues of racism.

The treatment of wives and women in general could help deal with the problems facing the inequality of women.

The sermon focused on a Muslim’s action, ethics and morality so answers related to this can be credited if they have given an explanation of their importance, whether it is related to the financial structure (dealing in interest), adultery, responsibility of actions (particularly in crimes), and worshipping God.