RENAISSANCE NOVEMBER 2019

26 Monthly Renaissance November 2019 Biography The Unlettered Prophet (49) Khalid Masud The Farewell Sermon During the Rama ḍā n of the year of 10 AH, Gabriel recited the complete Qur’ ā n in its final form to the Prophet (sws) and the latter recited it back, twice to Gabriel (asm) in the same format during that month. This was a sign of the completion of religion, which indicated to the Prophet (sws) that his mission was about to come to fulfillment. A massive increase in the number of people accepting Islam occurred after the Battle of Tab ū k and delegations from Arab tribes came to Mad ī nah in rapid succession. This was the sign which made the Prophet (sws) recognize that his time of moving towards eternal life was near. He had been instructed: When comes the help of Allah, and victory, And thou dost see the people enter Allah’s religion in crowds, celebrate the praises of thy Lord, and pray for His forgiveness: For He is Oft-Returning [in Grace and Mercy]. (110:1-3). Since the Arab tribes had joined Islam recently, the Prophet (sws) decided to offer ḥ ajj the same year so that he could address them collectively. He had a general announcement made in the tribes that he would be proceeding to Makkah for ḥ ajj and that as many Muslims should join him in this worship as possible. The Idolaters had been forbidden to come and perform the Hajj according to their own rites a year before. Thousands of Muslims resolved to go for ḥ ajj as soon as the announcement reached them. A large number started for Makkah before the Prophet’s departure, either on foot or riding on animals so that they could receive the blessings of Hajj in his