struck at the roots of polytheism and ignorance. He commanded to treat as inviolable and
sacrosanct the life, honor and property of every person, as warranted by all the religions,
and declared that all the usages and customs of the pagan past were abolished. The Prophet
(r) abolished the usury of the pre-Islamic days although he allowed the recovery of the
original sums lent to the debtors. In his sermon, the Prophet (r) addressed the rights of
women, threw light on the mutual obligations of the husband and wife and bade the people
to deal kindly and provide food and clothing to their spouses in a fitting manner.
Thereafter, referring to the Book of Allah he told his companions that if they hold fast to it
they would never fall into error. Finally, he told them that on the Day of Judgment, Allah
would ask them about him, so what reply would they give on that day. The entire congrega-
tion chorused, that they would testify that he had conveyed the message and fulfilled his
mission.
Then, raising his finger towards the sky, the Prophet (r) said, “O Allah, be witness”, re-
peating it thrice. He also asked those who are present to spread it out to those who were
absent.
The sermon ended, and the Prophet (r) asked Bilal to give the call to prayer. After the call
was over, he performed the noon and afternoon prayers, making only two Ra’kats for each.
It was then Friday, when the Prophet (r) delivered this sermon.
The Prophet (r) then mounted his camel and came to Mauqif, the place of standing,
where he remained atop the camel until sunset, lamenting, beseeching and glorifying the
Lord. He appeared to be tormented and disconsolate, repeatedly raising his hands in prayer
to his chest, like a man bereaved and an indigent crying for his livelihood.
He was heard saying: “O God, You hear what I say; and see where I am; and know what I
conceal or reveal. Nothing can remain hidden from Thee. I am tormented, indigent and
miserable, seeking refuge with thee as one who is sorrow-stricken and horrified. I acknowl-
edge my sins and confess my faults; I call upon Thee like a beggar and cry unto Thee like an
abased sinner; I beseech Thee like one who is dismayed and harassed, falling prone before
Thee, and shedding tears; like one who has thrown oneself at Your feet and is licking the
dust. O God, cause me not to fail in supplication to Thee; be Kind and Merciful unto me: Lo!
You art the best of all those who are implored and the Most Generous of all the Bestower.”
It was then that God sent down the revelation:
“This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favor unto you, and
have chosen for you as your religion Al-Islam.” [Qur'an 5:3]
When the disc of the sun had disappeared, the Prophet (r) took Usama up behind him
and wended ahead slowly, holding the halter of his camel in a way that his head, lowered in
submission to God, almost touched the saddle. The Prophet (r) was repeating the Talbiya:
“At Your Service, O Allah, at Your Service...” and asking the people to proceed slowly and
gently. He kept raising his voice in Talbiya until he came to Muzdalifa. There he ordered Bilal