The world has a history, dating back to ancient Egypt of 3100 BC and beyond, of ages, times and regions where and when women (and others) had rights concerning their own money, and ownership of property. These rights went through many ups and downs through the ages and regions of the world, yet so much of the time, even as recent as early and mid-20th century Britan and USA, women were prevented from having or maintaining their own bank account, driving their own vehicle, or owning any real estate in their own name
As far as blacks and other non-white races, they have faced slavery and discrimination in most of the more self-proclaimed modern and domesticated countries of the world. Even today, in the 21st century, non-whites in these same region are still facing the rippling effects of the mindset that 18th century slavery imprinted upon the societies.
Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) delivered a sermon, his last sermon, as his message to mankind from Mount Arafat, during his presence in what is commonly and affectionately referred to as “hajjat-ul-widaa” (which means, translated, the farewell pilgrimage). This sermon is called in Arabic, “khutbat hajjat-ul-widaa”.
Earlier, when the Muslims entered Makkah and conquered it for the Muslims, he then proclaimed that this region will be prohibited from then onward to non-Muslims (meaning not only the Kaaba and the surrounding mosque, but as well the surrounding area including the village/town of Makkah, and extending somewhat into the outlaying areas. He (PBUH) also had proclaimed that from that day forward no non-Muslims were to circumambulate the Kaaba as was the practice previously, where not only did non-Muslims perform the circumambulation, but idolators and others who were not of any monotheistic faith had done so.
It is only normal to assume that those attending the gatherings for the haj for this year, the year in which the Prophet (PBUH) performed not only his first haj, but his last – that the ones in attendance were all Muslims.
It is amazing, and quite a message to us all even today, that in his sermon on that Mount Arafat on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijja, most likely in the year 632 AD, (i.e. the 10th year of the hijri Islamic calendar), that he made his address (multiple times throughout the sermon) to the people as “O People!” – and not “O Muslims!” or “O fellow worshippers” or even “O brethren” (which is also indicative he would have been addressing only the Muslims).
No – he addressed the people throughout his sermon as “O People!” – a clear indication he was speaking and addressing mankind – and that his message, the message from Allah, was and is to all of mankind, and not a particular portion of the world or region.
Let us read on to see for ourselves this ultimate Universal Charter for Human Rights. Within this khutbah al-widaa (the Farewell Sermon), he expressed the essence of Islam, which is the declaration of belief in the one-ness and unity of Allah, and the prophethood of Mohammed.
He covered the topic of basic human rights, dispelling any unjust beliefs or practices of preference of any race or nationality one above the other. He highlighted and acknowledged the rights of women, and also gave an emphasis on the need to follow the Quran and Sunnah. He also advised the people to treat their slaves with mercy and kindness, to feed them and clothe them the same as their masters.
The whole sermon itself is a perfect roadmap to establish peace and harmony in society and to develop the world and to fill it with justice, piety and righteous deeds.
The Most Basic and Important Parts of The Hajjatul-Widaa Sermon
O People!
Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People!
Just as you regard this month, this day, this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest); therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity.
Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd al Muttalib (the Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived.
Beware of Satan for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People!
It is true that you have certain rights in regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives, only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never be unchaste.
O People!
Listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat.
Perform Hajj if you can afford to.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over a white – except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim, which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember that one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone. People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand the words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah (hadith), and if you follow these things you will never go astray. All those who listen to me shall pass on my words better than those who listened to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people.
Islam – True Social Unity and Brotherhood
There is little left to say after reading the words above from the Prophet’s Farewell Sermon. However, it should be noted how Islam, and in particular the sermon delivered by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) on the Day of Arafat in the 10th hijri year, that this made the greatest impression of true brotherhood of men, and that it was a truly reveling message which resulted eventually total abolishment of slavery and towards more fair and just treatment of all.
It was even during the Prophet’s (PBUH) lifetime that former slaves became governors of provinces and generals in war-fields. Quality was exercised quit practically in society, and differences and prejudices among the people began to vanish and became replaced with the true sense of brotherhood and love for one another. Whoever came to the mosque first, took his place naturally in the front rows. And whoever came late, regardless of his race or station in life or profession, his place was in the back. If you looked at any row among the rows in the mosque, you would (and still will) find the rich and poor mingled and situated according to their time of arrival, not according to their monetary worth or profession. The scholars would be intermingled with the ignorant and illiterate. And so on and so forth.
For those (men) performing haj or umrah, the mandatory state of ihram commands that all wear the same thing and in the same manner – a very simple attire consisting of two separate simple measures of white cloth, not sewn in any manner or affixed even with zippers or snaps. Two simple garments to be draped over the body to cover the necessary private parts and middle section. Regardless of wealth or ability to afford better or fancy clothing, this is the mandatory uniform of dress for men entering into the state of ihram to perform the haj or umrah. Rich or poor, governor or governed, scholar or illiterate, all are wearing the same garment to present themselves to the same Lord, seeking His forgiveness and mercy.