PhD on the Prophet’s last sermon

I’ve always pondered about getting a PhD, beyond finding time, the challenge was connecting with a dissertation topic that would be both aspiring and inspiring!

But I am not smart enough for Islamic economics or econometrics. Nor jurisprudential enough to come up with an Islamic jurisprudential topic.
And definitely not "CFA and CA enough" to do whatever it is they do in Islamic finance!

For me, one of the pre-requisites for a proposed PhD is the desire for the family and friends to read, not gloss over, it and may be even connect with it. The general connecting common denominator is religion, but not just about Islamic history per se. The specific is about the beloved Prophet Muhammad, but not just his life, as there are many books on the two areas by people with much higher pay grade than myself!

There are many articles on the Prophet's last sermon, but not sure how many PhDs on the topic.

It’s a timely topic, as the Muslim world, from Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, and so on are encountering human crisis, and some are our own doing. Furthermore, the fate of Muslims in non-Muslim countries like Myanmar ("cleansing"), China (fasting not permitted), etc., requires humanitarian/diplomatic intervention.

Like many others, I have read the Last Sermon, ending Prophet Muhammad's mission. Like others, I actually have the text mounted in a picture frame and conspicuously placed on the mantle where family and guests will be curious enough to read. His 563 words not only act as a beautiful reminder, but also provide an admonition to his followers.

Prophet Muhammad’s last sermon, witnessed by many Muslims, was delivered during the haj of the year 632, the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the lunar year at Arafat, summarises the Quran beautifully.

As we are in the middle of Ramadan and haj is near, I want to share the Last Sermon and link to chapter/verses in the Quran (italics) with the intention that it will inspire (myself and others) to look at it as deeper PhD topic.

The Last Sermon

"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 present here today.

O Prophet, We have sent you as a witness, news bearer and a warner and as someone who invites people to God by His permission and a shining Lamp (33:45-46).

"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.

If one of you entrusts (something) the one who has been entrusted with it should hand over his security and he should heed God and not hide any testimony. Anyone who hides it has a sinful heart (2:283).

"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.

If anyone killed a person unless it is for a murder or spreading mischief on earth it would be as it he killed the whole mankind, and if anyone who saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of whole mankind (5:32).

Then on that day not a soul will be wronged in the least and you shall but be prepaid in the needs of your past deeds (36:54).

"God 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. God has Judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Al-Abbas ibn Abd’al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived...

You who believe fear God and write off anything that remains outstanding from lending at interest if you are (true) God and His Messenger If you repent you may retail your principal do not wrong and you will not be wronged (2:278).

"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.

Verily Satan is an enemy to you so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his followers that they may become companions of the blazing fire (35:6).

"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.

Provide for them the rich according to his income and the poor according to his means, a provision according to the custom. This is an obligation for those who act kindly (2:236).

Treat them politely even if you dislike them. Perhaps you dislike something in which God has placed much good (4:19).

"O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat. Perform Hajj if you have the means.

And establish the prescribed prayer, practice regular charity and bow down with those who bow down (2:43).

O you who believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint (2:183).

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.

The most honoured among you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you and God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things) (49:134).

Who can be better in religion than he who submits his whose self to God, does good and follows the ways of Abraham for God did take Abraham for a friend (4:125).

"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.

Believers are but brothers so set things right between your brothers and fear God so that you may find mercy (49:10).

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.

Act kindly just as God treated you kindly (28:77).

God has favoured some of you over their provisions to those whom their right hand controls so that they become equal (partners) in it. Would they thus disclaim God's favour (16:71).

"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.

Muhammad is not the father of any of you men but he is God's Messenger and the Seal of Prophets. God is aware of everything (33:40).

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."

O Messenger, communicate whatever has been sent down to you by your Lord. If you do not do so, you will not have conveyed his message (5:67).

Thus, the beloved Prophet completed his Last Sermon, and upon it, near the summit of Arafat, the revelation came down:

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)

As an Eid gift, to children and friends, a picture frame text of the Last Sermon would be the ideal present to remind us of the blessings of who we are and the ideals we stand for today and tomorrow!

From there someone will, insha Allah, consider a PhD on the Last Sermon! – July 16, 2014.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.