The Last Days of the Holy Prophet, His Sickness and His

Death

When Sūrah al-Nasr was revealed the Companions rejoiced with the glad tidings of help and
victory from Allāh. The chapter depicts a most pleasing scene of people embracing the religion of
Islām in large crowds, fulfilling the prophecy of the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa
sallam), that Islām would spread across the Arabian Peninsula. Ibn Abaas later explained this
chapter in the gatherings of the senior companions who witnessed Badr by saying, ‘This was a
sign for the Prophet to know his time of death.’[1] [1] Saḥiḥ al-Bukhārī

The Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said:

If one of you is afflicted with a calamity, then let him remember his calamity by me (his death); for indeed, it is
the greatest of calamities[2]. [2] Ibn Mājah
To this day the Muslim ummah suffers from the trauma of the death of the Prophet Muḥammad
(sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam).

Anas b. Mālik narrates that “When the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam)
arrived, we felt as if Madīnah had become illuminated; and on the day that the Prophet
Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) passed away, the city of Madīnah never seemed
darker.

The only companion who was explicitly informed of the imminent death of the Prophet
Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) was his beloved daughter Fāṭima. She states that the
Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) whispered in her ear, ‘Jibrīl reviews the
Qur’ān with me once every year, but this year he revised it twice – and I think this is because
the time for my death has come. And you will be the next to die from my family.’ Upon hearing
this she wept, so the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) whispered again, ‘Are
you not happy that you will be the best of all the ladies of Paradise?’, causing Fāṭima to laugh
out of joy.’[4] Saḥiḥ al-Bukhārī and Muslim

But in order to prepare the Companions for his passing the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu
ʿalayhi wa sallam) indeed hinted to his death on a number of occasions. Ibn Rajab cites the
Prophet’s sermon during the ‘farewell pilgrimage’ in which the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu
ʿalayhi wa sallam) said:
“Take from me your rights for perhaps I will not meet you again after the end of this year.”[5] [5] Ibn Hishām

The events leading up to his death began with the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa
sallam) bidding farewell to and making duʿā’ for the deceased Muslims. His freed slave Abū
Muwaihibah narrates that the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) instructed him
to accompany him to al-Baqī (the graveyard of the Muslims in Madīna) where he invoked Allāh
for the deceased. He then informed Abū Muwaihibah:
O Abū Muwaihibah! I was given a choice [by Allāh]; to have control over this world and live in it eternally,
followed by Paradise; or to meet my Lord [now] and be granted Paradise after that. So I said: ‘I would sacrifice
my father and mother for your sake! Choose the control over this world and to live in it eternally, followed by
Paradise’. He (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) replied: “No Abū Muwaihibah! I swear by Allāh that I have chosen to
meet my Lord [now] and be granted Paradise after it.”

In this narration the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) was given the choice of
everlasting life in this world followed by Paradise in the hereafter but he chose the higher
companionship of His Lord. This momentous choice is hugely symbolic for all Muslims – our
Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) chose the Hereafter and gave it preference
over this world and he shunned clinging to this temporary life. In much the same way, he chose
the vessel of milk over the vessel of wine when presented to him by Jibrīl prior to the miraculous
night journey. He chose the pure fitrah (natural disposition) over the carnal desires of this world.
The Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) on both occasions made fundamental
choices for himself and by extension the rest of this ummah. It is our religion which is in perfect
harmony with the natural disposition, and it is our religion which elevates its followers to seek
the abode of the hereafter.

Upon his return the Prophet Muḥammad (Sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) fell ill with his final
illness and deteriorated for a period which Ibn Hājar states to be around 13 days. ʿAbdullāh b.
Masʿūd entered upon him and was taken aback by the suffering of the Prophet Muḥammad (sall
Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) with his illness, to which the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi
wa sallam) responded:
Allāh will remove sins, just as a tree sheds its leaves, for any Muslim who is afflicted with sickness or any other
tribulation[6].
When he regained some of his strength he mounted the minbar for the final time, helped by the
Companions, and stated:
Allāh has given one of his slaves the choice between this life and what He has for him, so the slave chose what
Allāh had for him[7].
Abū Saʿīd al-Khudri narrates that upon hearing this, Abū Bakr (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) began crying.
We were all very surprised as to why this story would make Abū Bakr cry, but later we
discovered that Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) was referring to himself. It
was here that we understood that Abū Bakr (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) understood the Prophet
Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) better than any person[8].
When the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) deteriorated significantly he sought
permission from his wives to remain in the apartment of ʿĀi’sha which they granted him. ʿĀi’sha
narrates:
Whilst the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) was suffering from his death-sickness, the call to prayer was
made. He (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said: “Command Abū Bakr to lead the people in the prayer.” Some
people advised him that Abū Bakr was a soft-hearted man who would not be able to restrain himself from crying
during prayers. The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) repeated his statement and people repeated the
same advice to him. When this happened for the third time, the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) said:
“You people are just like the women who plotted against Yūsuf! Command Abū Bakr to lead the people in the
prayer.” Therefore, Abū Bakr (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) went to lead the prayer, but all of a sudden, the Prophet (sall
Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) felt that he was recovering, so he came out of his house leaning against two men.”
ʿĀi’sha (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanha) continued: “It is as if I am looking at his feet dragging on the floor from pain at this
very moment.” She (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanha) added: “When Abū Bakr (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) felt the presence of the
Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam)he began to retreat from his position, but the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi
wa sallam) signalled for him to continue. Then, he came and sat down next to Abū Bakr (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) and
prayed on that spot.[9]
This is the final prayer that the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) conducted
with his ummah. And it is an unparalleled honour for Abū Bakr that the Prophet Muḥammad (sall
Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) led him in prayer while the Muslims followed the motions of Abū Bakr.
He led the Muslims in the most important deed they can perform. And he would go on to lead
the Muslims in their worldly affairs as the Khalīfah of the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi
wa sallam) and head of state. It is from the compassion of Allāh to the Muslims that He chose a
man to lead them in their religious and worldly affairs who most resembled the Prophet (sall
Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) in conduct and was his intimate friend for over 50 years.
Anas b. Mālik (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) narrated that during the death-sickness of the Prophet (sall
Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam):
The Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) did not come out for three days. After this, when the very next
prayer was due, Abū Bakr (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) came forth to lead the prayer, the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa
sallam) opened the curtain of his house [and looked at us from within his house]. There was nothing more
beautiful than his face when he looked at us on that day. After that, he pointed to Abū Bakr (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu)
to proceed and lead the prayer and then he closed his curtain. He (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) was to never
come out of his house again, until he died’.[10]
In the final moments of his life ʿĀi’sha continued to recite al-Muawithāt (Surah al-Ikhlās, al-Falaq
and an-Nās) upon the palms of the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) and
helped him wipe it over his own body seeking blessings from his own hands. When the Prophet
Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) began to lose consciousness, his daughter Fāṭima
(raḍiy Allāhu ʿanha) exclaimed, ‘What extreme pain my father is suffering!’ The Prophet
Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) heard this and said, ‘Your father will never suffer
again after today.’[11]
Anas b. Mālik (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) said, ‘The predominant matter that the Prophet Muḥammad
(sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) kept repeatedly stressing whilst on his death bed was, ‘Guard
your prayers and watch over what your right hands possess.’[12] He continued to repeat this
until he was no longer able to speak. In fact the last scene the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu
ʿalayhi wa sallam) witnessed of his ummah which caused him to smile radiantly was his
companions independently establishing the congregational prayer. It is as if this was the
symbolic culmination of his message and confirmation that the Muslims would continue his
legacy.
ʿĀi’sha (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanha) narrated:
“It is from the bounties of Allāh [upon me] that the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) died in my house
whilst laying in my lap with me holding him between my chest and neck. ʿAbdur-Rahmān b. Abū Bakr (raḍiy
Allāhu ʿanhumā) went in to see the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) and had in his hand a Siwāk (a
wooden tooth-stick) while I was holding the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) in my lap. I noticed that the
Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) kept looking at the Siwāk so I asked him if he wanted it. He nodded so I
took it and began using it, but it seemed very hard so I asked him if I should soften it for him. Again he nodded,
so I did so. There was a bowl of water next to the Prophet (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) which he kept dipping
his hands in and then wiping them over his head. Whilst doing this, he (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) was
saying, ‘Lā ilāha illa Allāh (there is nothing worthy of worship except Allāh), indeed death contains agony.’ Then
he pointed upwards and kept saying, ‘Let me join the Highest Companions, let me join the Highest Companions.’
until he (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) died and his hand dropped down.”[13]
It is from the etiquettes of the angel of death to seek permission before taking the souls of the
Prophets. Such is their stature and superiority. The Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa
sallam) final decision in this world was to seek the companionship of his Lord and so he
vigorously used his miswāk in preparation for this glorious meeting.
Politicians, media outlets and religious leaders have all sought to ‘revise’ the guidance of this
great Messenger so that Muslims can occupy a predetermined position in society and ‘adapt’ to a
new world order. Considering the status of this great man, the suggestion is almost laughable.
The imagery used to describe this in the Qur’ān is of a person trying to extinguish the light of
Allāh by blowing at it furiously with their lips.[14] This light is not a flame but a radiant light
emanating from the heavens. The efforts of those trying to extinguish it are utterly self-defeating
causing them only to tire and become frustrated.
There is not a single moment that passes in the world today except that there is caller to the
prayer proclaiming across the skyline, ‘I bear witness that Muḥammad is the Messenger of Allāh’.
There is not a single moment that passes in the world today except that there is a faithful
believer, individually or in a gathering, sending salutations on the Prophet Muḥammad (sall
Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam). There is not a single moment that passes in the world today except
there is a Muslim re-enacting a sunnah of the Prophet Muḥammad (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam)
in speech or in action. So let today be a poignant reminder to all Muslims that there is not a
single aspect of his guidance (sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) that we will abandon, compromise
on or dilute.
The Prophet Muḥammad (Sall Allāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam) is truly the most magnificent individual
to walk the earth and we, as Muslims, should feel a surge of self-respect, dignity and honour
that our leader is the leader of all humanity. His guidance supersedes all other attempts by
human beings to manage their affairs through laws, doctrines and culture. His message is the
culmination and perfection of all divine messages revealed since the time of the first man and
Prophet, Ādam (ʿalayhi al-Salām). He has led all the Prophets in prayer in Masjid al-Aqsa as their
Imām in the most noble congregation to ever assemble for prayer in the entire history of
humanity. Even though his death is the greatest calamity to strike the Muslim nation, his life is
the most profound source of guidance, mercy and hope for all human beings.
Source: www.islam21c.com
Notes:
[1] Saḥiḥ al-Bukhārī
[2] Ibn Mājah
[3] Saḥiḥ Muslim
[4] Saḥiḥ al-Bukhārī and Muslim
[5] Ibn Hishām
[6] Saḥiḥ al-Bukhārī
[7] Saḥiḥ al-Bukhārī and Muslim
[8] Saḥiḥ al-Bukhārī and Muslim
[9] Saḥiḥ al-Bukhārī and Muslim
[10] Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim
[11] Sahih al-Bukhari
[12] Ibn Majah
[13] Saḥiḥ al-Bukhārī and Muslim
[14] Al-Qur’ān, 61:8

After his return to Madina from the Farewell Pilgrimage, Prophet Muhammad’s health began to
decline. During the days of his illness he visited the graves of the Uhud martyrs and performed
the funeral prayer. Leaving his house on another night, he went to Madina’s graveyard and
entreated God’s forgiveness for those buried there.

In the eleventh year after the Emigration, towards the end of the month of Safar (May, 632),
Prophet Muhammad decided to dispatch an army under the command of Usama ibn Zayd to the
Byzantine land where the battle of Mu’ta had taken place. The army set up base in the Juruf
region outside of Madina. When the Prophet’s condition deteriorated even further in the
meantime, Usama decided not to advance, but to wait.

During this time, Prophet Muhammad suffered from headaches that intensified from time to time
as well as high fever. During his illness, he went to lead prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque with the
help of his Companions. On one such occasion, he climbed to the pulpit and said: “A servant has
been allowed to choose this world or his Lord. He chose his Lord.” Immediately understanding
that the Prophet was referring to himself, Abu Bakr began to cry, exclaiming, “My mother and
father be your ransom, O God's Messenger!” The Prophet consoled him and told him that he was
very pleased with him. Thereafter reminding the Emigrants and Helpers of their mutual sacrifice
and virtues, advised them to act in unison. He later instructed those who had rights over him to
come to him to ask for their rights. He counseled scrupulousness regarding the rights of others
and paying debts on time, and cautioned against turning graves into temples, as witnessed
throughout history.
The Prophet’s last will to his daughter Fatima and his aunt Safiyya is noteworthy: “Perform acts
of goodness valuable in the eyes of God. Otherwise, I cannot save you from God’s holding you to
account in the Hereafter in matters of the permissible and the prohibited.”

Prophet Muhammad spent his last days with ‘A’isha and when his illness intensified three days
before his demise, he asked Abu Bakr to lead the prayers. At a point at which he felt better, he
went to the Mosque with the assistance of ‘Ali and Fadl ibn ‘Abbas and when Abu Bakr, who was
leading the prayers, retreated to allow the Prophet to return to his place, the Prophet indicated for
him to continue and stood for prayer by his side. Following the morning prayer of the day the
Prophet passed away, Abu Bakr visited him and upon seeing his situation slightly improved,
sought his permission and retuned to his home. However, the Prophet’s condition deteriorated
suddenly. According to ‘A’isha’s account, before Prophet Muhammad passed away, he said
softly, “There is no god but God, how difficult it is to surrender the soul!” and passed away in her
arms, with the words, “To Rafiq al-A'la! (the Highest Abode)” (13 Rabi’ al-Awwal, 11/Monday 8
June, 632).

The Prophet’s demise caused immeasurable sorrow for the Muslims, with some like ‘Umar even
saying that he was not dead, in their stupor. Receiving news of the situation, Abu Bakr came
directly to the Prophet’s side, raised the veil covering his face and kissed the Prophet saying, “O
God’s Messenger! You were beautiful while alive and are beautiful in your death”. Then going to
the Prophet’s mosque, he declared, “O people, if any among you worshipped Muhammad, then
let them know that Muhammad is dead, but whosoever worshipped God, God is alive and will
never die.” Then he recited the following Qur’anic verse: “Muhammad is but a Messenger, and
Messengers passed away before him. If, then, he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your
heels? Whoever turns back on his heels can in no way harm God. But God will (abundantly)
reward the thankful ones” (Al-‘Imran, 3:144). The Prophet’s body was washed on Tuesday by ‘Ali
with the help of the sons of the Prophet’s uncle ‘Abbas, Fadl and Qusam, as well as Usama ibn
Zayd and was kept in the room he was in. The funeral prayer was not performed in congregation;
first the men and then the women, and then children came into the room where the Prophet’s
body lay, in as big as groups as were possible and performed the funeral prayer individually. His
body was placed in a grave – by ‘Ali, Fadl, Qusam and Usama – dug at the precise place of his
death, in accordance with a hadith related by Abu Bakr.

Living a simple life, using all the material means at his disposal in the path of God, Prophet
Muhammad left behind a completely modest inheritance. As he himself has declared, “The
community of the Prophets does not leave anything to be inherited.” (Ibn Sa’d II, p. 314; Bukhari,
‘Khumus’, 1). At his passing, he had under his ownership a white mule, some weapons and a
certain amount of land. He ordered that the income from these lands be used for his family with
the rest to be handed over to the public treasury. Stating a short time before his demise that he
would be ashamed to face God with these, he wanted the seven dirhams that he had in his
possession to be distributed among the needy. A suit of armor that belonged to him was given to
a Jew as security for the payment of money borrowed from him.

As for Prophet Muhammad’s spiritual legacy, it is very great and valuable both for his community
and indeed for all humanity. As he himself stated in his Farewell Sermon, he left behind the
Qur’an and the sunna as his most precious legacy, and the religion and civilization of Islam which
crystallized around these two key sources has taken its place in the history of humanity, having
its influence felt for centuries across a diverse and expansive geography.

Ayeshah (may Allah be pleased with her) said,

‘When the Prophet was healthy, he used to say, “No soul of a Prophet is taken
until he has been shown his place in Paradise and then he is given the
choice.” When death approached him while his head was on my thigh, he
became unconscious and then recovered consciousness. He then looked at
the ceiling of the house and said, “O Allah! (with) the highest companions.” I
said (to myself), “He is not going to choose (to stay with) us.” Then I
understood what he meant when he said that to us when he was healthy. The
last words he spoke were, “O Allah! (with) the highest companions.”’ Narrated
by al-Bukhaari, 4463; Muslim, 2444.

Question Dear Sheikh! As-Salam `Alaykum! Could you enlighten me on

the details of the last moments in the life of our beloved Prophet,
peace and blessings be upon him?

Date 8/Jul/2002

Mufti
Islam Online Fatwa Editing Desk

Answer

Wa `Alaykum As-Salam Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

All thanks and praise are due to Allah and peace and blessings be
upon His Messenger.

Dear questioner, thank you for your good question that reflects your
keenness on understanding the teachings of Islam and understanding
its glowing history.

In fact, every committed Muslim feels indebted to Prophet Muhammad,

peace and blessings be upon him. It is through him Allah's light and
guidance reached us.

As regards your question, it is to be noted that the last moments of

the Prophet's life are remarkable. In fact, no one can imagine those
moments without shedding tears, being overwhelmed with grief and
sorrow for this great loss. It is really a remarkable event in the
history. To have a detailed description of those moments, we would
like to cite for you the following:

"Madina was totally engulfed in confusion and anxiety. The Companions

of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, had gathered round
his house with tearful eyes and grieved hearts. The reports which
were pouring out from the house showed that his condition was
extremely serious, and there was very little hope of his recovery.
This showed that only a few moments of his precious life were left.

A number of the Companions of the Prophet were desirous of seeing him

from near, but his serious condition would not permit that anyone
except the members of the family should visit the room in which he
was lying.

The honoured daughter and the only souvenir of the Prophet viz Lady
Fatimah was sitting beside her father's bed. She was looking at his
sacred face and could see that the perspiration of death was flowing
down his face and forehead. With a heavy heart, tearful eyes, and
choked throat, she was reciting the following verse which Abu Talib
had recited in praise of the Prophet :

"The luminous face in whose honour rains are sought from the clouds.
The person who is the asylum for the orphans and the guardian of the
widows".

At this moment the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, opened
his eyes and said to his daughter in a low voice: "This is a verse
which Abu Talib recited about me. It will, however, be better if,
instead of the same, you recite this verse of the Holy Qur'an:
Muhammad is but a messenger. The messengers have already passed away
before him. Will it be that, when he dies or is slain, you will turn
back on your heels? He who turns back does no hurt to Allah, and
Allah will reward the thankful. (Al-`Imran:144)

The Prophet Speaks to His Daughter:

Experience shows that on account of excessive preoccupations the

sentiments of big personalities with regard to their children become
dim, because absorption in world affairs keep them so busy that their
sentiments for their children remain suppressed. However, great
spiritual personalities are an exception to this rule.
Notwithstanding their great targets and universal ideals and ever-
increasing activities they possess such extensive and great souls
that inclination towards one part does not keep them from the other
parts.

The Prophet's love for his only child was one of the most sublime
manifestations of human sentiments, so much so that he never
proceeded on a journey without saying farewell to his daughter and
when he returned from a journey he first of all went to see her. He
accorded her great respect as compared with his wives and used to
tell his Companions: "Fatimah is a part of my body. Her pleasure is
my pleasure and her anger is my anger."

Throughout the period of the Prophet's illness Fatimah remained by

the side of his bed and was not away from him even for a moment.
Suddenly the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, made a sign to
her asking her to speak to him. The Prophet's daughter bent a little,
brought her head near him and conversed with him in low tones. The
persons who were present round the Prophet's bed did not become aware
of what they talked about. When the Prophet ceased talking, Lady
Fatimah wept bitterly. However, soon after this the Prophet made a
sign to her again and spoke to her in low tones. This time she raised
her head in a happy mood and with smiling lips. Those present were
surprised to observe these two antithetical conditions at one and the
same time and they requested Fatimah to inform them of her
conversation with the Prophet. She replied: "I am not going to
divulge the secret of the Prophet of Allah ".

After the passing away of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon
him, Fatimah informed them of the factual position on account of the
insistence of A'isha and said: "In the first instance my father
informed me about his death and stated that he was not likely to
recover from his illness. Hence, I began weeping. However, when he
talked to me for the second time he told me that I would be the first
person from amongst his Ahl al-Bayt who would join him. This made me
happy and I understood that I would be joining my dear father very
soon''.

Excerpted, with slight modifications, from http://www.al-islam.org

Shedding more light on this, the following is what the erudite Muslim
writer and author, Sheikh Safiur-Rahman Al-Mubarakfuri wrote in his
book `The Sealed Nectar'

"Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates: "While the
Muslims were performing the Dawn prayer (Fajr) on Monday — led by Abu
Bakr, they were surprised to see the Prophet, peace and blessings be
upon him, raising the curtain of `Aisha's room. He looked at them
while they were praying and smiled cheerfully. Seeing him, Abu Bakr
withdrew to join the lines and give way to him to lead the prayer,
for he thought that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him,
wanted to pray with them. The Muslims, who were praying, were so
delighted that they were almost too enraptured at their prayers. The
Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, made them a gesture to
continue their prayer, went into the room and drew down the curtain."

On his last day, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, asked
that his grandsons, Al-Hasan and Al-Husain be brought to him. He
kissed them and recommended that they be looked after. He asked to
see his wives. They were brought to him. He told them to stick to the
remembrance of Allah. Pain grew so much severer. He turned to `Aisha
and said: "I feel as if death is approaching." He ordered the people
to perform the prayers and be good to slaves. He repeated it several
times.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, breathes his Last:

When the pangs of death started, `Aisha leant him against her. She
used to say: It was a great Divine favor on me that the Prophet,
peace and blessings be upon him, died in my room, while I am still
alive. He died between my chest and neck while he was leaning against
me. Allah mixed his saliva with mine at his death. For `Abdur-Rahman
ibn Abu Bakr came in with a Siwak (tooth stick) in his hand, while
the Prophet's head was in my lap. I noticed that he was looking at
the Siwak. So I asked him: "Would you like me to have it?" He nodded
in the affirmative. I took it and gave it to him. As it was too hard
for him, I asked him again: "Shall I soften it for you?" Again, he
nodded in the affirmative. So I softened it with my saliva and he
passed it (on his teeth). There was a water container available at
his hand with some water in. He put his hand in it and wiped his face
with it and said: "There is no god but Allah. Verily, death is full
of agonies." (Reported by Al-Bukhari)

As soon as he finished brushing his teeth with the Siwak, he raised

his hand or his finger up, looking upwards to the ceiling he mumbled
some words. So `Aishah listened attentively. A voice, as if coming
from Paradise, could be heard reciting: "With those on whom You have
bestowed Your Grace, with the Prophets and the Truthful Ones, the
martyrs and the good doers. O Allah! forgive me and have mercy on me
and join me to the Companionship on high. To Allah is our return and
to Him we supplicate for help." This event took place at high morning
time on Monday, the twelfth of Rabi` Al-Awwal, in the eleventh year
after the Hijrah

Burial and Funeral Service:

On Tuesday, the Prophet's body was washed with his clothes on. Al-
`Abbas, `Ali, Al-Fadl and Qathm — the two sons of Al-`Abbas, as well
as Shaqran — the Messenger's freed slave, Osama bin Zayd and Aws bin
Khauli carried out the washing. Al-`Abbas, Al-Fadl and Qathm turned
his body round, whereas Osamah and Shaqran poured out water. `Ali
washed him and Aws leant him against his chest.

As recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim, they shrouded him in

three white cotton clothes which had neither a head cloth nor a
casing and inserted him in. A sort of disagreement arose with regard
to a burial place. Abu Bakr said: "I heard the Messenger, peace and
blessings be upon him, saying: `A dead Prophet is buried where he
dies.' So Abu Talhah lifted the bed on which he died, dug underneath
to make the tomb.

People entered the room ten by ten. They performed the Prophet's
funeral prayer. The first to pray for him were people of his clan.
Then the Emigrants, then the Helpers. Women prayed for him after men.
The young were the last to pray. This process continued from Tuesday
to Wednesday night (i.e. the night which precedes Wednesday morning).
`Aishah said: "We did not know that the Prophet, peace and blessings
be upon him, was being buried till we heard the sound of tools
digging the ground at the depth of Wednesday night."

In his renowned book `The Life of Muhammad', Dr. Muhamad Husain

Heikal, wrote:

"Thus, Muhammad left this world just as he had entered, without

material gains. His only inheritance left to mankind was the religion
of truth and goodness. He had paved the way and laid the foundation
for the great civilization of Islam which had covered the four
corners of the globe. It is a civilization in which monotheism was
the cornerstone; and an order in which the word of Allah and His
commandments are always uppermost, while those of unfaith are
nethermost. It is a civilization that has purged absolutely clean of
all paganism and of all idolatrous forms and expressions, a
civilization in which men are called upon to cooperate with one
another for the good and moral felicity of all human beings, not for
the benefit of any group or people.

One of the last sermons which the Prophet delivered to the people
during his illness contained the following words: "O People! If I
have lashed the back of anyone, let him come forward and lash my back
in return. If I have insulted anyone, let him come forth and revenge
for himself. If I have dispossessed anyone of any wealth, let him
come forth and take back his wealth from me."

The Prophet left this world an inheritance of a great spiritual

legacy whose light continues to illumine the world and will continue
to illumine the world until Allah completely makes this religion
victorious. May Allah's peace and blessing be upon Muhammad!"

Almighty Allah knows best.

.‫ال نريد زعيما يخاف البيت اإلبيض‬
‫نريد زعيما يخاف الواحد األحد‬
‫دولة اإلسالمية باقية‬

The Last Days

The Last Days of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him), His
Sickness and His Death

[audio:seerah_53. THE LAST DAYS – CD19.mp3]

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) became ill after he had returned
to Medina from the Farewell Pilgrimage. During these days, he visited the martyrs of Uhud and
performed funeral prayers for them. One night, he went to the Jannatu al-Baqi graveyard and
requested Allah to show forgiveness to them. Meanwhile, Aswad al-Ansi from the Mazhij tribe
proclaimed his false prophethood in Yemen. Aswad marched through Sana’a with about 600
cavalry that he had collected from his tribe. He killed Shahr, the son of Basan, the first Muslim
governor of Yemen, a man who had opposed Aswad. Aswad had forcibly married Shahr’s wife
Azad and took the control of the region. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be
upon him) sent letters to the governors of the region and prominent people to stop Aswad.
Eventually Aswad was killed with the help of Azad (Rabi’ al-awwal 8, 11/June 3, 632). At the
same time, Musaylima al-Kadhdhab from the Banu Hanifa had sent a delegation to Medina; he
apostatized after the delegation returned to Yamama and began to claim his prophethood.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) sent him a letter, inviting him to
Islam again. In his answer, Musaylima proposed a partnership with Prophet Muhammad (peace
and blessings of Allāh be upon him), claiming half the world belonged to him and the other half
belonged to the Quraishis. In his reply Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be
upon him) stated that the world belongs to Allah, and He lets whom He will of His creatures
inherit it and it is for the pious. Musaylima was killed during the caliphate of Abu Bakr.
In the last days of the month of Safar in the 11th year of the hijrah (May, 632), Prophet
Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) decided to send an army, led by Usama
ibn Zayd, to the land of Byzantines to fight the Battle of Muta. The army established its
headquarters in the Juruf region outside of Medina. Meanwhile Prophet Muhammad (peace and
blessings of Allāh be upon him)‘s condition deteriorated and Usama decided not to march but to
wait.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was suffering from headaches
that sometimes became unbearable and a high fever. He was leading the prayers in al-Masjid al-
Nabawi during his sickness with the help of his Companions. One day, he climbed to the pulpit
and said, “Behold, Allah gave to one of His bondmen the choice between this world and that
which is with Him; he chose that which is with Allah.” Abu Bakr understood the significance of
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him)‘s words, for he knew that it was
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) himself who had been given this
choice. Abu Bakr broke into tears and exclaimed, “May our own fathers and mothers be your
ransom”. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) calmed Abu Bakr and
told him that he was pleased with him. Then, he reminded the ansars and the muhajirs of their
mutual altruism and virtues and advised them to act together. Prophet Muhammad (peace and
blessings of Allāh be upon him) asked for those people to whom he owed something to take their
rights. He warned people to care about the rights of the believers, to pay their debts in time, and
to avoid from making his tomb into a temple like the tombs of some historical figures.
The will left by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) to his daughter
Fatima and to his aunt Safiyya is interesting. “Do good deeds that are valuable for Allah.
Otherwise, I cannot save you from the judgment of Allah on issues of the lawful and the
unlawful.”
One of the last wills left by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) to
the Muslims contains the following points: to treat people who are under their responsibility well,
to take care that the necessary preparations are made with a good conscience, as they will be held
accountable before Allah, and to treat foreign messengers well and give them presents.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) spent his final days with Aisha;
his health deteriorated three days before his death and he commanded Abu Bakr to lead the
prayers. When he felt better, he went to the masjid with the help of Ali and Fazl ibn Abbas; when
Abu Bakr, who was leading the prayer, saw the Prophet he wanted to retreat and give the place to
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him); however, the Prophet nodded
towards Abu Bakr to continue and stood next to him during the prayer. After the morning prayer
of the next day he passed away; Abu Bakr visited him and when he saw that Prophet
Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was getting better, he asked for
permission to go home. But the health of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be
upon him) suddenly deteriorated. According to Aisha Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings
of Allāh be upon him) said “La ilaha illallah, how hard it is to give away your soul!” in a low voice,
and then he abandoned his soul in her arms saying “ila’r-rafiq al-a‘la” (to the most divine friend)
(13 Rabi’al awwal 11 / June 8th 632 Monday)
The death of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) deeply saddened
all the Muslims; some Companions, such as Umar, felt that the polytheists were happy about this
situation and for this reason said that the Prophet had not died. After Abu Bakr received the news
of the Prophet’s death, he came before the corpse, lifted the veil that was over his face and kissed
the Prophet, saying “O Messenger of Allah, may my own father and mother be your ransom! You
were beautiful when you were alive; you are still beautiful though you are dead”. Then, he went to
the masjid and said the following: “O People! If there is anyone who wants to worship
Muhammad, he should know that Muhammad has died. He who worships Allah should know
that Allah is immortal” (Ibn Hisham, II, 655-656). Then he read the following verse:
“Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers have passed away before him. Will it be that, when
he dies or is slain, you will turn back on your heels? He who turns back on his heels will not be
able to harm Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful.” (Al Imrân 3/144). The body of the
Muhammad was washed on Tuesday by Ali with the help of Fadl and Qutham, the sons of Abbas.
The funeral prayer was not performed in a congregation; first the men, then the women and later
the children came in groups before the body of Muhammad and performed the prayer one by
one. In accordance with the hadith conveyed by Abu Bakr from Prophet Muhammad (peace and
blessings of Allāh be upon him), his body was put in the grave by Ali, Fadl, Qutham and Usama,
which had been dug where he had died.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) lived a simple life, spending his
wealth in the way of Allah; he left behind an extremely moderate heritage. As a matter of fact, he
had said “We prophets do not leave a will. The only kind of wealth that we leave is sadaqas” (Ibn
Sa‘d, II, p. 314; Buhari, “Humus”, 1). When he died, he had a white mule, weapons and lands. He
had ordered that the income of his lands be spent for his family and the rest be handed over to
the treasury. Shortly before his death, the Prophet said that he would be embarrassed before
Allah and thus commanded that his remaining 7 dirhams be distributed among the poor. Some
armor that belonged to him was held in pawn by a Jew in return for his debts. The spiritual
heritage of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) is extremely great
and valuable both for his ummah (community) and indeed for all of mankind. As he stated in his
Farewell Sermon, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) left us the
Quran and the sunnah. The religion of Islam and Islamic civilization have been shaped around
these two sources; a vast geography has been influenced for centuries and has taken its place in
the history of mankind.

Narrated Anas: The Prophet did not come out for three days. The people stood
for the prayer and Abu Bakr went ahead to lead the prayer. (In the meantime)
the Prophet caught hold of the curtain and lifted it. When the face of the Prophet
appeared we had never seen a scene more pleasing than the face of the Prophet
as it appeared then. The Prophet beckoned to Abu Bakr to lead the people in the
prayer and then let the curtain fall. We did not see him (again) till he died.

Narrated Sahl bin Sa'd As-Sa'idi: Allah's Apostle went to establish peace among
Bani 'Amr bin 'Auf. In the meantime the time of prayer was due and the Mu'adh-
dhin went to Abu Bakr and said, "Will you lead the prayer, so that I may
pronounce the Iqama?" Abu Bakr replied in the affirmative and led the prayer.
Allah's Apostle came while the people were still praying and he entered the rows
of the praying people till he stood in the (first row). The people clapped their
hands. Abu Bakr never glanced sideways in his prayer but when the people
continued clapping, Abu Bakr looked and saw Allah's Apostle. Allah's Apostle
beckoned him to stay at his place. Abu Bakr raised his hands and thanked Allah
for that order of Allah's Apostle and then he retreated till he reached the first
row. Allah's Apostle went forward and led the prayer. When Allah's Apostle
finished the prayer, he said, "O Abu Bakr! What prevented you from staying
when I ordered you to do so?" Abu Bakr replied, "How can Ibn Abi Quhafa (Abu
Bakr) dare to lead the prayer in the presence of Allah's Apostle?" Then Allah's
Apostle said, "Why did you clap so much? If something happens to anyone
during his prayer he should say Subhan Allah. If he says so he will be attended
to, for clapping is for women."

Narrated 'Ubaid-Ullah Ibn 'Abdullah bin 'Utba: I went to 'Aisha and asked her to
describe to me the illness of Allah's Apostle. 'Aisha said, "Yes. The Prophet
became seriously ill and asked whether the people had prayed. We replied, 'No.
O Allah's Apostle! They are waiting for you.' He added, 'Put water for me in a
trough." 'Aisha added, "We did so. He took a bath and tried to get up but
fainted. When he recovered, he again asked whether the people had prayed. We
said, 'No, they are waiting for you. O Allah's Apostle,' He again said, 'Put water
in a trough for me.' He sat down and took a bath and tried to get up but fainted
again. Then he recovered and said, 'Have the people prayed?' We replied, 'No,
they are waiting for you. O Allah's Apostle.' He said, 'Put water for me in the
trough.' Then he sat down and washed himself and tried to get up but he
fainted. When he recovered, he asked, 'Have the people prayed?' We said, 'No,
they are waiting for you. O Allah's Apostle! The people were in the mosque
waiting for the Prophet for the 'Isha prayer. The Prophet sent for Abu Bakr to
lead the people in the prayer. The messenger went to Abu Bakr and said, 'Allah's
Apostle orders you to lead the people in the prayer.' Abu Bakr was a soft-
hearted man, so he asked 'Umar to lead the prayer but 'Umar replied, 'You are
more rightful.' So Abu Bakr led the prayer in those days. When the Prophet felt a
bit better, he came out for the Zuhr prayer with the help of two persons one of
whom was Al-'Abbas. while Abu Bakr was leading the people in the prayer. When
Abu Bakr saw him he wanted to retreat but the Prophet beckoned him not to do
so and asked them to make him sit beside Abu Bakr and they did so. Abu Bakr
was following the Prophet (in the prayer) and the people were following Abu
Bakr. The Prophet (prayed) sitting." 'Ubaid-Ullah added "I went to 'Abdullah bin
'Abbas and asked him, Shall I tell you what Aisha has told me about the fatal
illness of the Prophet?' Ibn 'Abbas said, 'Go ahead. I told him her narration and
he did not deny anything of it but asked whether 'Aisha told me the name of the
second person (who helped the Prophet ) along with Al-Abbas. I said. 'No.' He
said, 'He was 'Ali (Ibn Abi Talib).