The Farewell Pilgrimage: In the last year of his life, the Prophet (SAW) performed the Farewell Pilgrimage. He gave a sermon in which he reminded people of the rights of women, of the poor, and of each other. He said his message was complete.
The declaration at Ghadir Khumm: On the way back, at a place called Ghadir Khumm, he gathered the people and, taking Ali's hand, declared: "Whoever I am the master of, Ali is his master" (as commonly narrated).
Ghadir in Shia understanding: In Shia Islam, this is understood as the Prophet's (SAW) declaration that Ali (as) would lead the community after him — the first Imam. This is why Shia Muslims mark the Day of Ghadir every year.
His passing in 11 AH: Shortly after, in 11 AH (632 CE), the Prophet (SAW) passed away in Madina, at the age of 63. He was buried in his room, next to his mosque.
What he left behind: What did he leave behind?
- The Quran, complete and preserved.
- His Sunnah — his way of life, his words and his actions.
- His Ahlul Bayt (as), to guide the community after him.
- A community of believers who carried his message across the world.
His legacy is living: His legacy is not only history. It is a living example — how to be honest, kind, patient, just, and close to Allah.
Example
The last lesson is simple: A great teacher's last lesson is often the simplest one: take care of each other, be just, and hold fast to the Quran and the family of the Prophet (SAW).
- Learn the names and lives of the Twelve Imams, one by one, after this subject — they are the continuation of this story.
- When you feel far from the Prophet (SAW), read a page of the Quran, or a story of his life, and act on one small part of it today.
Key Terms
- Ghadir Khumm (غدیر خم) — the place where the Prophet (SAW) declared Ali (as) as his successor, as understood in Shia Islam
- Farewell Pilgrimage (حجۃ الوداع) — the Prophet's last Hajj, 10 AH
- Sunnah (سنت) — the way, words and actions of the Prophet (SAW)
Quran or Hadith
- Quran 5:3 — "Today I have completed your religion for you…" (as commonly translated; in Shia Islam, understood as revealed at Ghadir). — to be checked.
- Hadith of Ghadir — "Whoever I am the master of, Ali is his master." — to be checked (source and wording).
Fresh diagram to be drawn: A timeline of his last year: Farewell Pilgrimage → Ghadir Khumm → return to Madina → passing in 11 AH. In Project Desk colours.
- At Ghadir Khumm, the Prophet (SAW) declared Ali (as) as his successor — in Shia understanding, the first Imam.
- He passed away in Madina in 11 AH, at the age of 63.
- He left the Quran, his Sunnah, and his Ahlul Bayt (as) — hold fast to them.