The Prophet's Last Sermon in the Mosque

Five days before his death, the Prophet, despite his severe illness, came out to the mosque with his head bandaged and delivered what would be his final public address. He ascended the minbar, praised Allah, and said: 'Allah gave a servant the choice between this world and what is with Allah, and the servant chose what is with Allah.' Abu Bakr, understanding this was a reference to the Prophet himself, wept profusely, and the Prophet comforted him, saying: 'Abu Bakr has done more for me with his companionship and his wealth than any other person. If I were to take a khalil (intimate friend) from this ummah, it would be Abu Bakr, but the brotherhood of Islam is sufficient. Close every door that opens onto the mosque except the door of Abu Bakr.' He also warned against taking graves as places of worship, saying: 'Allah cursed the Jews and Christians for taking the graves of their prophets as places of worship. Do not let my grave become an idol that is worshipped.'