Aug 28
Death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Friday 14 Rabi Al Awwal, 1448
Aug 28
Friday 14 Rabi Al Awwal, 1448
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the final Messenger of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, the last of the Prophets whose presence changed the world in ways still felt today. He lived his life with humility, yet through his words, deeds, and steadfast leadership. He gathered the scattered tribes of Arabs under the message of Tawheed. The community he nurtured valued justice, showed mercy, and held faith at its very core.
Centuries have passed, more than fourteen of them, and still his life remains a guiding light for over a billion Muslims across the globe. The day he departed this world is considered one of the saddest days in Islamic history. It was not merely the loss of a beloved leader, but it also marked the end of direct divine revelation to humankind. In Madinah, the grief was raw and overwhelming; many of his companions struggled to accept the reality.
Yet, even in that moment of heartbreak, a profound truth became clear that Islam’s strength is the everlasting guidance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, safeguarded in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). That moment still speaks to believers today, calling them to be patient in trials, to place their trust in Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, and to carry forward the mission the Prophet (ﷺ) entrusted to his people.
In the tenth year after the Hijrah, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) set out to perform his first and also his last Hajj after the migration to Madinah. This journey is now also remembered as the “Farewell Pilgrimage.” People from different areas came to join Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in this journey. By the time the caravan reached Makkah, over a hundred thousand Muslims had gathered, hearts eager to see the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), hear his voice, and learn directly from him. For him, this pilgrimage was more than an act of worship; it was a moment to speak to the entire Ummah together.
On the plains of Arafat, with the crowd stretching as far as the eye could see, the Prophet (ﷺ) delivered the Sermon, which is known as the Farewell Sermon of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). His words carried the weight of truth and served as a guiding light for the Muslim Ummah. He reminded the people that every life is sacred, property and honor are to be protected, and that the old injustices of the pre-Islamic era should be left behind forever. He declared the equality of all, Arab and non-Arab, are alike, with only piety as the measure of superiority. These were not mere instructions; they were the moral foundation of a just and compassionate society.
It felt in his speech that there were hints that his mission is complete as he said, “I have conveyed the message. O Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, bear witness,”. It felt like a final seal of his work. There is a verse in Surah Al-Ma’idah : 3 which was revealed soon after this final sermon:
“Today I have perfected your system of belief and bestowed My favours upon you in full, and have chosen submission (al-Islam) as the creed for you.”
It was kind of bittersweet knowing that the religion is now complete, while the time of the Prophet (ﷺ) was coming close, made it sad.
After the Hajj, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى stated in the Quran (Surah An-Nasr:1-3):
“WHEN THE HELP of God arrives and victory, And you see men enter God's discipline horde on horde, Then glorify your Lord and seek His forgiveness. Verily, He is relenting.”
It felt like a moment of victory for the Muslim Ummah after years of struggle. But for the Prophet (ﷺ), it was a sign from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى that the mission was complete, and the time to return to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى was coming close.
After that, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) began to speak in ways that afterward indicated that He was bidding farewell. In one gathering, He said, “Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى has given a servant the choice between this world and what is with Him, and the servant has chosen what is with Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.” But Abu Bakr رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ understood instantly. His eyes filled with tears as he understood that He Saw was talking about himself.
In those final days, the Prophet’s (ﷺ) devotion seemed to deepen even further. The time duration of his night prayers increased, while his voice intensity also escalated. His supplications were filled with humility, gratitude, and there was a longing felt to meet Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
Not long after returning from Hajj, the Prophet (ﷺ) became unwell. It began with a sharp, persistent headache and a fever so strong that it took all of his energy. Even in his weakness, his heart remained with the Ummah, and his concern for their well-being never faded.
For several days, he continued to lead the prayers, walking slowly with the help of his companions. The effort was clear, but so was his determination. When the illness increased and he was unable to stand, he asked Abu Bakr رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ to lead the congregation. Many understood that this was an indication that Hazrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ would be the next leader as assigned by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself.
The fever at times was so severe that drops of sweat rolled down his blessed face. He would place his hand in cool water, pass it over himself, and whisper, “La ilaha illallah, truly death has its agonies.” Even in those moments, he kept on advising that you protect your prayers and be kind to the ones who come under your care.
His final days were spent in the home of Aisha رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. He kept guiding those who were coming for guidance. Friends and companions kept on visiting with teary eyes, but his smile gave them comfort. He remained patient throughout the illness and remained dignified till the end. He left this world, but his message wi stay forever that true faith is not only spoken but lived, especially in times of hardship. Always have complete trust in Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
In the last days of his illness, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stayed quietly in the home of his beloved wife, Aisha رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. That small room was filled with a mix of worry and care. Aisha رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا sat close by, fanning him softly, reciting verses from the Quran, and gently wiping the sweat from his forehead.
Even during those moments, his thoughts remained with the Ummah. He repeated his heartfelt advice: “Guard your prayer, guard your prayer, and be kind to those under your care.” Though his voice was weak, each word carried deep love and a sense of responsibility. He spoke often of unity, advising his followers not to divide after his departure.
Family and companions came quietly to visit and meet him. Some sat in silent sorrow, tears filling their eyes, while some sought to seek guidance. He welcomed them all with a soft greeting, reminding them of Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى boundless mercy.
On his final morning, he lifted the curtain of his room to look upon the companions gathered in prayer behind Abu Bakr رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. His face brightened, and he took a sigh of relief that his Ummah is united and offering prayers. He felt a great sense of happiness and let the curtain fall.
In his final moments, he rested his head in Aisha’s رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا lap. Looking up toward the sky, he whispered: “With the highest companion… with the highest companion.” These were his final words, and his soul departed this world in remembrance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, returning to the Lord who sent him as a mercy to all creation.
After the news of the Prophet's (ﷺ) passing broke, the whole Madinah fell into grief and sorrow. Some showed grief by weeping openly, while some showed silent grief. Umar bin Khattab رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ announced that if anyone said that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is no more, that person will have to face the wrath of his sword, as he was in immense grief and he found it difficult to accept the passing of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Abu Bakr رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ entered the room of Aisha رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا. He uncovered the face of the Prophet (ﷺ) and kissed his forehead with tears in his eyes. Then he went to the mosque and addressed the people and announced the death of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). His voice was filled with sorrow, and he recited the verse of the Quran (Surah Al-Imran:144):
“Muhammad is only a messenger, and many a messenger has gone before him. So what if he dies or is killed! Will you turn back and go away in haste? But he who turns back and goes away in haste will not harm God. But God will reward those who give thanks (and are grateful).”
The words struck the Sahabah as an awakening in the moment of grief that we must continue the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and lead our lives accordingly. His message should continue to live forever.
After the initial shock of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) passing, his closest companions gathered to perform his final rites with great care. Ali ibn Abi Talib رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, Al-Fadl ibn Abbas رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, and Usamah ibn Zayd رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ gently washed his blessed body, following his instructions closely, which he had already given. They used water mixed with lote leaves, handling each step with deep reverence and tenderness, making sure everything was done with the utmost respect.
He was then wrapped simply in three plain white cloths, without any cap or turban, a humble reminder that even in death, he remained the epitome of modesty. Instead of one big funeral prayer, small groups of companions came in turns to his room, quietly offering prayers for him. In keeping with the tradition for prophets, he was laid to rest right where his soul left this world, that is, inside Aisha’s رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهَا chamber. Today, this sacred place lies within Masjid an-Nabawi, where millions come from all over to visit and send their blessings upon him.
The passing of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was one of the deepest losses humanity has ever known. It was grief not just for the companions in Madinah, but for every believer who came after. Even though he is no longer with us physically, his guidance is still alive and clear for anyone who truly seeks it.
He lived as a mercy for all people, leading life with kindness, patience, and unwavering trust in Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. His death did not mean the end of his mission; rather, it marked the start of carrying it forward through the Muslim Ummah he loved and raised. The message remains the same: hold tight to the Quran, follow the Sunnah, and try to walk the path he showed us. When we do that, we stay connected to him until, Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى willing, we meet him in the Hereafter.