A Review of the Last Sermon from Muhammad

This sermon caught me by surprise, I must admit. I expected a two-hour reading filled with the typical religious chatter with perhaps some talk of how to convert "non-believers." This sermon was full of respect for all people, which is not common in the context of the time.

Given the readings for this module, the sermon is highly important: we are covering that point in time where Islam began, and the whole later life of Muhammad is spent starting the Muslim faith. The audience is clearly the followers that came to hear his sermon, and the subject of the sermon is also very clear; Muhammad wanted to outline some things for his followers to remember after he was to pass-on. He reminded them of everything from equality between Arabs and non-Arabs to how to properly treat wives.

One of the issues discussed by Muhammad is that of interest accrued with Muslim debtors. It is taught that believers should not take usury, and Muhammad not only talks about how all Muslims should waive their interests, but he also states that his uncle's interests are waived. This is a good way to give an example for future and current generations.

The astounding part about this sermon is the fact that is seems to be without bias. Muhammad's sermon discusses that wives are to be treated well for being good wives, and equality amongst races is preached as well. An issue of contention comes from the statement about Arabs and non-Arabs being equal; many could assume that Muhammad meant Muslims and non-Muslims, but this is not what he says, therefore his words are left for interpretation.