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On the “Farewell Sermon” (k̲huṭbah al-wadā‘) of the Prophet Muḥammad

https://doi.org/10.22311/2074-1529-2026-22-2-197-214

Abstract

   The article analyzes the key directions of the theological interpretation of the ritual narrative of the “Farewell Sermon” (khuṭbah al-wadā‘) of the Prophet Muḥammad.

   The study focuses on the content and moral signifi cance of the sermon’s text, the question of its authenticity, and the specific representation of this corpus in hadith literature and in classical sīrah genre devoted to the Prophet’s biography.

   Khuṭbah al-wadā‘, the Prophet’s last public speech, was delivered in the Plain Arafat (present-day Saudi Arabia) on the 9th day of the month of Dhu al- Hij jah in the 10th year of the Hij rah (6 March 632 CE) during the Farewell Pilgrimage (ḥajjat al-wadā‘). It contains key ritual, ethic, and legal principles of Islamic doctrine: the establishment of the sacred status of certain days and places; the inviolability of life, property, and honor; human equality; women’s rights; and the prohibition of usury (ribā) and blood feud. The article summarizes the main theological discussions related to this text and outlines potential directions for its further study, particularly in the context of interreligious dialogue.

About the Author

I. A. Nurimanov
Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation
Russian Federation

Ildar A. Nurimanov, MA in Islamic Studies, MA in Theology, Chief of staff and deputy сhairman

129090; 7, Vypolzov Lane; Moscow



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Review

For citations:


Nurimanov I.A. On the “Farewell Sermon” (k̲huṭbah al-wadā‘) of the Prophet Muḥammad. Islam in the modern world. 2026;22(2):197-214. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22311/2074-1529-2026-22-2-197-214

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ISSN 2074-1529 (Print)
ISSN 2618-7221 (Online)