The Farewell Sermon at Mount Arafat

On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the Prophet delivered his farewell sermon at the plain of Arafat from atop his camel, al-Qaswa'. The sermon was relayed in sections by Rabi'ah ibn Umayyah ibn Khalaf, who had a powerful voice, repeating each statement to the massive gathering. The Prophet declared all pre-Islamic blood feuds and usury canceled, starting with his own family. He commanded the just treatment of women, saying: 'Fear Allah regarding women, for you have taken them as a trust from Allah.' He established the sanctity of life, property, and honor: 'Your blood, your property, and your honor are sacred to you as sacred as this day, in this month, in this city.' He abolished all distinctions of race and lineage: 'An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab. A white person has no superiority over a black person, nor a black person over a white person, except by piety.' He confirmed the lunar calendar and left the community with the Quran and Sunnah as guides. He asked the gathering: 'Have I conveyed the message?' They roared: 'Yes!' He said: 'O Allah, bear witness.'