The last pilgrimage

Adopted from the book : "Story of the Holy Ka’aba And its People" by : "S.M.R. Shabbar"

On the 25th Zeeqaad of the 10th year of Hijra the Holy Prophet left Madina for a pilgrimage to the Holy Ka’aba at Makka. This was to be the last pilgrimage of the Holy Prophet.

A very large number of people were with him who performed this last pilgrimage with the Prophet. At the mount of Arafat the Prophet gave his last sermon and came out of Makka towards Madina. Half way through their route the caravan arrived at a place called Khadeer-e-Khum. It was 18th of Zilhijja 10th year of Hijra. The Prophet stopped there and made a general announcement to stop all those pilgrims with him. When all companions were assembled at the place the Prophet announced, “ Know all my followers that I am about to leave this mundane world. I am leaving behind two valuable things for your future guidance. One is the Book of Allah and the other is my Ahlulbayt, that is my family. If you follow these two you will never be misled." After this the Holy Prophet took Ali by his hand, raised him up so that all can see him. The Prophet said, “ Do you accept that my Self is above your Selves. When all the companions replied in unison, "Yes, O’Prophet of God, we accept, "then he announced that who ever accepted him as his master, then Ali is to be their master. "O’ God, be witness that I have passed your message as thou have ordered. Those who have love for Ali will have love for me and those who will love me will love Allah."

After this Kutba the Prophet arrived back in Madina at the end of the month of Zilhijja.