(Muhammad) On the 9th of Dhil-Hajj of 10 A.
(Muhammad) On the 9th of Dhil-Hajj of 10 A.H., the Prophet gave a historic speech in the plain of Arafat in which he summed up the main points of his teachings. The Prophet first thanked God for His countless mercies and blessings, and then said: “O Muslims! Listen to me with attention. This may be the last occasion when I am with you, and I may not be alive to perform another Hajj. God is One and He has no partners. Do not associate anyone or anything with Him.
I disclaim the right of retaliation for the blood of my cousin, Ibn Rabi'a; and I disclaim the interest on the loans given by my uncle, Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib. I call upon you all to show respect to the honor, life and property of each other in the same manner as you show respect to the sanctity of this day. All believers are brothers of each other. If something belongs to any one of them, it is unlawful for others to take it without his permission.
Be sincere in your words and deeds, and be sincere to each other, and remain united at all times. You have rights in regard to women; so also you have duties toward them. Treat them with love, kindness, respect and affection. The slaves you own were also created by God. Do not be cruel to them. If they err, forgive them. Give them to eat what you eat and give them to wear the same kind of clothes as you wear. The members of my family are like the pole-star.
They will lead to salvation all those who will obey them and follow them. I leave among you a composite heritage – the Book of God (Qur’an) and the members of my family. Both of them are complementary to each other and are inseparable from each other. If you defer to both of them you will never go astray. And remember that I am the last of the Messengers of God to mankind.