Jummah Tul Wadi, also known as the Friday of the Valley or Friday of Farewell, holds a special place in Islamic history. It was on this day, during the Prophet Muhammad’s farewell pilgrimage, that he delivered a historic khutbah (sermon) to thousands of his followers. This sermon is often referred to as the First Jummah Tul Wadi Khutbah, and it contains profound teachings and guidance that continue to resonate with Muslims around the world. In this essay, we will delve into the significance of this remarkable event, the key themes of the khutbah, and its enduring relevance.
The Context of Jummah Tul Wida:
The year was 632 CE, and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, had completed his final pilgrimage, known as the Hajj. This was a momentous occasion, as it marked the first time that the Prophet had performed the pilgrimage since the advent of Islam. The Muslim community had grown significantly during this time, and the pilgrimage provided an opportunity for the Prophet to address a large gathering of his followers.
Thousands of Muslims, from various tribes and backgrounds, had assembled for the pilgrimage. They had traveled from different parts of the Arabian Peninsula to be part of this historic event. This diverse gathering of Muslims was a testament to the inclusive message of Islam that transcended tribal and ethnic boundaries.
The Key Themes of the Khutbah:
In his khutbah on Jummah Tul Wadi, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, touched upon a variety of themes that remain central to Islamic teachings and principles. These themes are as relevant today as they were back then.
- Brotherhood and Equality: The Prophet emphasized the equality of all Muslims, regardless of their background or social status. He said, “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.”
This message of equality remains one of the core principles of Islam, and it continues to be a source of inspiration for efforts to promote social justice and harmony.
- Human Rights: The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, emphasized the sanctity of human life and the rights of every individual. He said, “Your lives, your property, and your honor are as sacred to one another as this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this city of yours.”
This declaration underscored the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, a fundamental concept in Islam that is reflected in modern discussions of human rights.
- Social Justice: The khutbah also addressed issues of social justice, emphasizing the importance of economic fairness and the eradication of usury (riba). The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “All usury is abolished, but your capital belongs to you. Treat others justly.”
This message remains pertinent in today’s world, where economic disparities and issues of financial exploitation are ongoing challenges.
- Women’s Rights: The khutbah also addressed the rights of women, emphasizing their protection and dignity. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “O people, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you.”
This statement underscored the importance of gender equality and women’s rights, concepts that continue to be central to discussions on gender equity and justice.
The Enduring Relevance of Jummah Tul Wida Khutbah:
The First Jummah Tul Wadi Khutbah has left an indelible mark on Islamic history and remains a source of inspiration for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Its key themes, centered on human rights, equality, justice, and compassion, continue to be relevant in today’s world.
- Interfaith and Intercommunity Relations: The khutbah’s emphasis on the equality of all human beings and the rejection of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or social status resonates with contemporary discussions on interfaith and intercommunity relations. It encourages mutual respect and cooperation among diverse groups.
- Social Justice Movements: The call for social justice and economic fairness in the khutbah aligns with modern movements advocating for equitable distribution of resources and the eradication of economic exploitation. It serves as a reminder of the moral imperative to address issues of poverty and inequality.
- Gender Equality: The khutbah’s acknowledgment of women’s rights and dignity serves as a source of inspiration for ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. It reinforces the idea that women’s rights are an integral part of the broader struggle for justice and human rights.
- Human Rights and Dignity: The khutbah’s assertion of the sanctity of human life and the protection of individual rights continues to inform contemporary discussions on human rights and the importance of safeguarding the dignity of all people.
The First Jummah Khutbah.
According to the narration of Ibn Jarir, Prophet Muhammad PBUH delivered the first Jummah Khutbah (sermon) at Masjid Al Jummah. Prophet Muhammad PBUH said, “Praise belongs to Allah. I praise Him, ask for His help and seek His Forgiveness and beseech Him for Guidance. I believe in Him and do not reject Him.
I despise those who disbelieve Him. And I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, the One, Who has no partner, and that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger who is sent with guidance and true religion, light and admonition, when there has not been a Messenger for a long time, when knowledge is but little, men are misguided, and end of time is near, death being at hand. He who obeys Allah and His Messenger is indeed guided and he who disobeys them is lost on the wrong path, is fallen down to a terrible misguidance. And I urge you to fear Allah – the best advice a Muslim may give to another Muslim, urging him to prepare for the Hereafter and to fear Allah.
O People; keep away from that which Allah has asked to shun. And there is no counsel greater than that and no remembrance greater than that. Know! For him who fears Allah in his pursuits, the best course is taqwa (righteousness) in affairs of the Hereafter. He who keeps his relationship with Allah, both secret and open, correct – being sincere – that will be an asset for him after death more than zikr in this world. But if anyone fails in that then he would wish that his deeds were kept away from him.
As for him who believes and fulfils his promise then; “The word is not changed with Me, nor do I wrong (My) servants.” [50:29] Muslims! Fear Allah in what concerns you now and what will follow, in what is hidden and what is open, for, “And he who fears Allah, He will acquit him of his evil deeds and He will magnify reward for him.” [65:5] And those who fear Allah will gain a mighty success. It is fear of Allah that keeps away His disapproval, punishment and wrath. It is taqwa (fear of Allah) that brightens the countenance, pleases the Lord and raises ranks. O Muslims! Pursue good fortune but do not lag behind in rights of Allah. He taught you His Book and guided you on the path that the righteous and the false may be distinguished. O People! Allah has been good to you and you should be like that to others.
Keep away from His enemies and strive in His cause with determination. He has chosen you and named you Muslims so that he who perishes, does so for worthy cause and he who lives, follows a worthy cause. And every piety is done with His help People! Remember Allah. Strive for the Hereafter. As for him, who corrects his relationship with Allah then Allah corrects his relationship with other people. Know! Allah judges over people but is not judged by anyone. He is their Master but they have no power over Him. Allah is the Greatest. And there is no power (to do good) except with Allah the Mighty.”The First Jummah Tul Wadi Khutbah.