The Last Will

In his last hours, the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.) said to his companions who gathered in his house:

Bring me an inkwell and a shoulder-blade so that I will write for you a letter with which you will never go astray...

Then owing to the heaviness of his sickness, he fainted. One of those who were sitting by his bed noticed that and said: The man speaks deliriously.

Shall we bring you an inkwell and a shoulder-blade?, they asked him shortly after he came around. The Prophet (s.a.w.) turned down their offer saying: After what you have said? But I would like you to behave kindly to my family...

When he felt he would presently depart he confided to Imam Ali (a.s.) all his personal affairs and those related to the ummah, as his last will. Then he calmly and serenely closed his eyes and died, with his head was in the lap of Imam Ali (a.s.). 108

Imam Ali (a.s.) and his family made all the arrangement for his ritual bathing. Then they prayed on him.

Imam Ali (a.s.) ordered the Muslims to go in and pray on their great Messenger (s.a.w.) and pay tribute over him.

Prayers having been offered, the Commander of the Faithful Ali (a.s.) and the family of the Prophet (s.a.w.), in the presence of a number of his companions, laid the Prophet (s.a.w.) to rest in the very room he had passed away.

Thus, humankind lost the greatest among the guides, and the most glorious mentor ever to walk on the earth.

May Allah send His blessings to him on the day be was born, on the day he became the means of guiding people and on the day he departed yearning to meet his Lord.

And all praise is due to Allah.

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108. Manaqab al-Khawarizimi (Outstanding Merits of al-Khawarizmi), quoting A'ishah; Thakha'ir al-Uqba (savings for the Next world), al-Muhib al-Tabari, p.73; Kifayat al-Talib (What suffices the student); al-Kanji al-Shafi'i, p.133; Masnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, vol. 2, p.300.

Adapted from the book: "Muhammad; The Messenger of Allah"