General Proclamation

from all over the world. It is here that they are to assemble, it is here that they are to announce their significant decisions, and it is from here that they are to undertake the global planning necessary according to the commands of God and His Messenger. Another prominent example in this context is the sermon of the Farewell Pilgrimage (Khutbah al-Wada’). This was the most important sermon of the Prophet Muhammad. Before his death, he wished to inform people of the fundamental requirements of the faith clearly. However, he did not announce them at any other time but delayed the announcement until the Hajj of 10 AH. The following are the words at the beginning of the sermon: “O people, listen to my words, for I do not know if I will ever meet you again after this year in this place.” (Seerah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 2, p. 603) Afterwards, the Prophet Muhammad conveyed all the essential teachings to the people and finally asked, “Have I conveyed the message? Have I conveyed the message?” The people testified that, yes, he had conveyed it. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 105 and 1741) After the conquest of Makkah in 8 AH, the entire Arabian Peninsula had been brought under the control of the Prophet Muhammad. He could have made these announcements from any place in Arabia. At that time, Madinah was the political centre of Islam. The Prophet could have summoned people to Madinah and made the proclamations there, which he later announced during