The Final Farewell

On one of the days during his illness, Imam Ali (as) and Fadl ibn Abbas helped bring Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) into the mosque. The Prophet (PBUH) entered with much difficulty dragging his feet. He had tied his head with a piece of cloth. When the Prophet (PBUH) was finally on the pulpit, he said: "O people! The time has arrived that I shall leave you. If I have made a promise with anyone, I am prepared to fulfill it; and if I owe something to somebody, he should speak out, so that I may make payment to him".

At this moment a man stood up and said: "In the past you had promised to help me financially if I got married." The Prophet (PBUH) immediately ordered Fadl to pay the required amount to him. Then he dismounted the pulpit and went home. Thereafter he came to the mosque again on the Friday, three days before his demise.   He said: "Whoever has a right over me should stand and mention it, for punishment in this world is lighter than the punishment on the Day of Judgment."

At this moment, Sawadah ibn Qays stood up and said: "When we were returning from the Battle of Ta’if, you raised your scourge to hit the camel you were riding, but it accidentally struck my stomach.  I want to take revenge now."

It is remarkable that the request of the Prophet (PBUH) was not a mere formality but it was a serious request. He wanted to compensate even for the smallest acts and rights, which were not usually of any importance for the common people. Furthermore, as the Prophet (PBUH) did not hit Sawadah intentionally, Sawadah did not have the right to take revenge. He could only ask for Diya - a prescribed compensation through payment. Regardless of this however, the Prophet (PBUH) wanted to grant his wish.

The Prophet (PBUH) therefore, ordered the same scourge to be brought from his house. He then prepared his clothing in a manner so that Sawadah could take his revenge. The companions of the Prophet (PBUH) were watching the scene with grieved hearts. Their eyes were filled with tears. Everyone wanted to see how the matter would end and whether Sawadah would actually take revenge or not.

Other links:

The Meaning of Salawaat

Famous People Sayings about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

The Last and Final Messenger of God

Mohammad (S.A.W) The Most Influential Person in History