The Time of Farewell and the Last Prayer
“Pray each prayer as if it were your last,” he would advise his companions, just like bidding farewell… As if, in just a moment, life would come to an end and the delicate veil between life and death would be lifted…
And so it was, on a Monday morning at dawn, the curtain that opened toward the Prophet’s Mosque was being drawn back one last time.
Young and old alike rushed to the mosque, wondering, “Will he come out for the prayer?” They were anxious about the imam at the prayer niche, for he had been ill for fourteen days.
For the past four days, since Thursday, he had not even been able to come out for the prayers.
Yet on Wednesday, when his condition had worsened and he had fainted, the moment he regained consciousness, he had water poured over himself and, gathering his strength, had come to the mosque. Clearly, he wished to bid farewell to his companions and to settle any rights anyone might have over him. Memories flooded their minds—was this truly a farewell? They tried to recall what he had said before. One day, he had come out among them and said:
“Do you think that I will be the last one among you to pass away?”
“Yes,” they had replied at that time. But then, he had said:
“Indeed, I will be the first among you to pass away.”
“Without a doubt, I have been invited on a journey, and I have accepted that invitation,” he had said on another occasion.
His uncle, al-‘Abbas, once told him about a dream he had, where he saw a strong rope being lifted up toward the heavens. To this, he had responded: “What you saw signifies the death of your brother’s son,” interpreting it as his own ascension to the Divine Friend.
Just a few days earlier, he had again found an opportunity to steer the conversation toward farewell and said: “Indeed, God has given a servant the choice between the beauties of this world and that which is with Him; and the servant has chosen what is with God.”
He had barely finished his sentence when a heart-wrenching cry erupted from a corner of the mosque: “May our mothers and fathers be sacrificed for you, O Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him)!”
Everyone turned, startled, toward where the voice had come from, saying: “Look at him! They said. The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) is telling us about a man being given a choice between this world and the Divine Presence, and how that man chose what is with God—and yet Abu Bakr stands up, weeping and saying, ‘May our mothers and fathers be sacrificed for you, O Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him)!’” But those who truly understood, understood. The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) was, once again, drawing attention to his loyal companion, Abu Bakr.
That same day, he also said:
“If I were to take a close friend besides my Lord, it would have been Abu Bakr,” and he ordered that all doors opening into the mosque be closed—except the door of Abu Bakr.
When word spread on Wednesday that his illness had worsened, everyone rushed to the mosque and waited outside anxiously, fearing he might pass away. First, his cousin Fadl, then in turn Ali and Abbas, entered to see him, each one telling him about the worried crowd waiting outside. That day, with the help of two men, he came out to address them and said: “O people! I have heard that you fear for your Prophet’s death. But has any prophet before me ever lived forever? Would I be the exception and remain among you forever? Be aware! I, too, will soon meet my Lord—and so will you.”
Then he shared this truth with them:
“Without doubt, my life is good for you—and so is my death!”
The last prayer he had led was the Maghrib (evening) prayer on Thursday, and during that prayer, he had recited Surah Al-Mursalat.
Just as Bilal calls the adhan for the night prayer today, Bilal had called the adhan that night as well. The congregation had rushed to the mosque and stood waiting for their imam.
But they had no idea what was happening inside the Prophet’s chamber. His illness had grown worse, and the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) had fallen unconscious. When he awoke, his first concern was to ask whether the prayer had been performed. He wished to perform ablution and join the prayer, but he had no strength left; he kept fainting again and again.
Last Prayer
Finally, he instructed that Abu Bakr should lead the prayer in his place. Later, with the help of two people, he managed to come out to the prayer himself. When he appeared, it was as though the full moon had risen among them, and a wave of joy and excitement spread through the mosque. Abu Bakr, the man of insight, began stepping back to yield the place to him. But the Prophet motioned with his hands, signaling for Abu Bakr to stay where he was.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), supported through the rows of worshippers, came beside Abu Bakr. He had no strength to stand and completed the prayer while seated. That day, once again turning to his community, he said: “The time for my departure from among you has come. Surely, I am only a human being. Whoever has any right over me, let him come forward today and claim it!”
Since that Thursday, the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) had been unable to lead prayers or act as imam for his companions.
Yet they kept hoping—just as he had come that Thursday, maybe he would come again today. They had gathered for the Fajr (dawn) prayer this morning with that same hope, yearning to see him well and once more standing before them in prayer.
But the truth was, months earlier, he had already received the call and had turned his heart fully toward the Eternal Friend. That is why, while he normally secluded himself in the mosque for ten days during Ramadan each year, this last Ramadan, he had chosen to remain for twenty days. Moreover, that Ramadan, the Trustworthy Gabriel (Jibril) had come to him, and together they had completed two full recitations (khatms) of the Qur’an.
Months earlier, when sending Mu‘adh ibn Jabal to Yemen, he had called him close and said: “O Mu‘adh! Surely, after this year, you will not see me again. When you return, you will find only my mosque and my grave!”
It was clear even then: the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had already begun his farewells, knowing that on this Monday, the day he would soar to the Supreme Companion, he would no longer be among his beloved friends. One by one, he was bidding them farewell. His first and only pilgrimage (Hajj) also carried the signs of this farewell.
That day, he visited the grave of his life companion of a quarter century, our mother, the respected Khadijah, who rested in Hajjun. A man of loyalty, he was teaching his companions a final lesson in faithfulness.
The verse revealed at Arafat had announced the completion of the religion, and God had instructed him to glorify and praise his Lord as he witnessed people entering Islam in great numbers.
Thus, during his sermon at Arafat, he began: “O people, listen carefully to my words! For I do not know whether I shall ever meet you again after this year at this place!”
Hearing these words, many withdrew to a corner, weeping—for they understood: if the religion was complete, then the mission was fulfilled. And if the mission was fulfilled, the journey was near. The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) would soon depart.
There was also the matter of testimony. Allah Almighty placed great importance on the testimony of the Ummah of Muhammad. Thus, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked: “Tomorrow, you will be asked about me. What will you say? Did I fulfill my duty of conveying the message to you?”
The plain of Arafat surged like a boiling pot as they cried out: “Yes! We testify that you have conveyed the message, fulfilled the trust, and given sincere advice!”Their cries echoed back from the mountains of Faran.
The luminous soul of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) radiated peace. Raising his forefinger to the sky, he said: “O God, bear witness! O God, bear witness! O God, bear witness!”
Every word carried the kiss of farewell. Gazing with his blessed black eyes, he was preparing his community for the days after him, ensuring they were ready. At one point, raising his voice, he declared:
“Learn your rites of pilgrimage from me today, for I do not know if I will perform Hajj with you again after this year.”
Even after returning to Medina, he continued his farewells. He visited Uhud, greeted the martyrs—especially Hamzah and Mus‘ab—and said farewell to them as he had to the living. He did not forget his companions resting in Jannat al-Baqi‘ either; he went to them too, speaking to them almost individually, bidding each farewell.
After this visit, he said to Abu Muwayhibah, who was with him:
“O Abu Muwayhibah! Just now, I was offered the keys to the treasures of this world and eternal life here, followed by Paradise. Or, I was given the choice to meet my Lord and enter Paradise. I was left to choose between the two.”
Wishing to express his devotion, the freedman Abu Muwayhibah pleaded: “May my mother and father be sacrificed for you, O Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him)! Choose the treasures of this world and eternal life here, and then Paradise!”
But the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had already made his choice: “By God, O Abu Muwayhibah,” he said, “I have chosen to meet my Lord and to enter Paradise.” About a month earlier, he had gathered his close family and explained to them, one by one, what they should do with his body once his soul had soared and his reunion with the Eternal Friend was complete.
Thus, the companions, who had lived through this entire process with him, were now gathered, attentively waiting in the mosque to pray the dawn prayer (Fajr) with the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) one more time. Little did they know that this would be the last prayer they would perform with him!
The date was the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal. The mosque, which usually gathered its regular worshippers at the call to prayer (adhan) by Umm Maktum, had now overflowed with people following Bilal’s call.
Yet he had not come out; the dawn prayer was once again being led by the appointed imam, the respected Abu Bakr.
At one point, a movement caught everyone’s attention from a corner of the mosque. The curtain of Aisha’s room was slightly lifted, and the Radiant Face of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) appeared to the mosque like a full moon rising.
His blessed head was wrapped in a cloth; he stood at the doorway, gazing at the congregation. His luminous and serene face was as clear as an open Qur’an page, and he looked towards the imam at the mihrab. The gentle smile on his blessed face did not go unnoticed; it was full of peace.
These glances were, in fact, the last worldly looks he would cast upon his companions. The congregation was so overcome with joy that they nearly broke their prayer! They were rising for the second rak’ah when they sensed his arrival and naturally made way for him.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)came forward to where Abu Bakr was leading, placed his blessed hands on Abu Bakr’s shoulders, signaling him to remain where he was and continue leading the prayer. There, behind his appointed imam, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) prayed while seated.
When Abu Bakr concluded the prayer with the final salutation, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) completed the portion he had missed. This was the last prayer of the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him).
Afterwards, leaning his back against one of the mosque’s pillars, he raised his voice to warn his companions against future trials and tribulations and once again directed their attention firmly back to the Qur’an.
He expressed that having two religions coexist in the Arabian Peninsula was not acceptable and that no belief system other than Islam should remain. As he left the mosque, he said:
“A Prophet does not pass away until he has been led in prayer by someone from among his community.”
And so, the curtain that had been drawn open for his brief appearance was now closed once more, never to be lifted again.
He had seemed healthier. Their fears had subsided, and the companions were filled with happiness. It felt as if everything was returning to normal.
A little later, Usama—the young commander he had appointed to lead an army toward the Roman territories—entered to report and bid farewell. Just the day before, he had received the Prophet’s final marching orders, even though it meant separation. When Usama approached and sat close, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) placed his blessed hand on the young man’s head and prayed for him. He had instructed his companions about Usama and his army: “Do not hold back the army I have prepared! Help them fulfill their mission without delay!”
Only a few days earlier, he had publicly affirmed Usama’s capability, just as he had affirmed the worthiness of Usama’s father, defending him against those who doubted his youth.
As the sun rose and the forenoon approached, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) called for his daughter Fatimah. He whispered something into her ear. Upon hearing it, Fatimah, whom he had once called “a part of me,” let out a loud cry and was overwhelmed with sobs. Then he leaned in again and whispered something else. This time, her tears turned into a radiant smile; she seemed overjoyed, almost flying with happiness.
He turned to her once more and said: “From today onwards, your father will suffer no more.”
He had taken his grandsons, Hasan and Husayn, into his arms, kissing and smelling them, offering them words of advice and blessings. At the same time, Abbas had pulled his nephew Ali aside, telling him that the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) was nearing his departure from this world.
He was advising those around him, reminding them that while they still had the opportunity, they should seize it to secure their place in the Hereafter. Everything they possessed should be used for good, clothed in the garment of eternity, so that they could earn their place in the eternal world even while still here.
Just the day before, he had shown the way to freedom for the servants and slaves and set them free. He had also instructed that the six dinars held by the respected Aisha be distributed to those in need. After giving these instructions, he had fainted.
When he regained consciousness, the first thing he asked was whether the gold had been distributed. It had not yet been done. He asked for the coins, held them in his blessed hand, and counted them one by one.
Then he sent them with his cousin and son-in-law Ali, commanding him to distribute them all to the needy, saying: “How can Muhammad meet his Lord while these remain with him?”
He also distributed items like his sword, shield, and other battle equipment among the believers. It was clear: whatever he owned of this world, he was giving it all away, choosing to leave this life with nothing, aiming to enter eternity unburdened.
So much so that that evening, the respected Aisha would send to one of the women, asking: “Could you spare a few drops of oil for our lamp?”
She was seeking just enough to light the small room in the evening. With no other options, they even pawned his armor, used in battles for protection, to a Jewish man in exchange for meeting some immediate needs.
The day was drifting past its zenith; the season for the final meeting was approaching. Suddenly, his pain intensified once more. He shared with the respected Aisha:
— “O Aisha! Never doubt it—I can still feel the pain from the food I ate at Khaybar! It feels as if the effects of that poison are tearing my insides apart.”
Then he covered his blessed face. After a while, struggling to breathe, he uncovered it again. He warned again that those who turned the graves of their prophets into places of worship would be cursed.
And once more, he emphasized prayer, repeating many times: “The prayer! The prayer! And [take care of] those under your authority!”
It was clear he was urging them: “Do not neglect your prayers! Be mindful and just toward those you are responsible for, especially your servants!” These were his final counsels to his companions before bidding farewell to the world and all within it.
On Saturday and Sunday, Jibril (Gabriel), the Trustworthy, came to him again—this time, however, the Prophetic chamber was filled with angels. Each of them had seventy thousand angels under their command! Jibril spoke:
— “O Muhammad! God sends you His greetings and has sent me specifically to honor and exalt you. Although He already knows, He asked me to inquire: How are you feeling?”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied:
— “I am feeling weak and in pain, O Jibril.”
He beckoned Jibril closer.
Jibril continued:
— “Your Lord says: If you wish, He can heal you and extend your life; if you wish, He can welcome you into His presence and envelope you with His mercy.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied:
— “This is a matter that belongs to my Lord. Let Him do with me as He wills.” Then, the Angel of Death, whom Jibril had introduced, asked for permission to enter.
“Peace and mercy of God be upon you, O Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him),” said the Angel of Death.
“God has sent me to you, commanding me to carry out whatever you instruct. O Ahmad! If you command me to take your soul, I will do so. But if you wish, I may leave and depart instead.”
The Prophet’s decision remained unchanged. He replied:
— “O Angel of Death, carry out what you have been commanded to do.” Meanwhile, with his hand lightly moistened, he gently wiped his blessed face, saying:
— “O God, help me through the agonies of death!”
The time had come; the signs of his departure were clear. The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) was now on the brink of crossing that thin veil between this world and the next.
He rested his blessed head on the chest of the respected Aisha, his dark eyes gazing upward toward the ceiling.
At that moment, Abdurrahman, the son of Abu Bakr, entered the room. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) noticed the miswak (tooth-stick) in his hand.
Perceiving that he desired it, Aisha asked:
— “Shall I get it for you?” He nodded, signaling yes.
She took it from her brother and handed it to the Master of the Worlds (peace and blessings be upon him).
But the miswak was too stiff. Seeing this, Aisha offered:
— “Shall I soften it for you?” Again, he nodded.
It was clear now that his blessed tongue had fallen silent, and only his eyes were speaking. Understanding his need, she softened the miswak by chewing it, then offered it to him.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) took it and passed it over his pearl-like teeth. Even as he prepared to meet eternity, he ensured his teeth were clean.
As he did so, he said:
— “La ilaha illallah (There is no god but God)! Truly, death comes with its agonies.”
At one point, when Aisha moved to hold his hand and pray for his recovery, he glanced at her and said:
— “No.”
It was clear that seeking to remain in this world was no longer appropriate; he strongly withdrew his hand. He fainted again, overwhelmed by unbearable pain. After some time, he regained consciousness. Now, he raised his blessed finger toward the heavens. His eyes once again fixed on the ceiling, and his lips began to move. Aisha leaned in close to his blessed mouth to catch his words. He was praying:
— “O God! Forgive me and have mercy on me, and join me with the highest companions — the prophets, the truthful ones, the martyrs, and the righteous, those upon whom You have bestowed Your favor!”
— “O God, I desire the highest companionship! O God, I desire the highest companionship! O God, I desire the highest companionship!”
The path that had begun sixty-three years earlier on a Monday was now drawing to a close — again, on a Monday.
In the twenty-three years since revelation had begun to pour down like rain, he had left behind a perfect model, capable of addressing every need of humanity until the end of time. He entrusted the mission to his followers and prepared to move on. That very morning, when he had drawn aside the curtain and looked at the congregation gathered behind the imam at the mihrab (prayer niche), he had smiled, reassured that the trust would not be lost. He had prayed his final prayer in that peace. The task was complete.
The seal of prophethood that once adorned his blessed shoulders had now disappeared. A beautiful fragrance filled the room. His hand drifted toward the water container beside him, and the miswak slipped from between his fingers. The Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him), who treated every prayer as if it were his last, had now reached the longed-for reunion, soaring to the eternal realm.
Dr. Reşit Haylamaz – January – February – March 2006, Issue: 71, Year: 18
