Today, we speak about the demise of Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny), and the developments throughout the last year of Prophet Mohammad’s life.

Upon returning from Hajj pilgrimage, gradually the signs of weakness and illness of the Prophet of Islam emerged. The Prophet had realized that his life was coming to an end. In the last year of his life, the Prophet addressed the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (Peace be upon him), noting: “Gabriel recited Holy Quran for me once a year. However, this year, Gabriel recited Holy Quran for me twice. I realize that the reason behind this development is that I am living the last year of my life. Dear Ali, I have chosen meeting God Almighty and Heavens.”

The Prophet of Islam deeply contemplated in the waning days of his life. He observed that many have converted to Islam. However, ambitions could derail his community from the righteous path and could cause the resurgence of the Age of Ignorance. The Prophet was concerned over the fate of the Islamic Ummah after his era. He remembered that in the Battle of Ohod, the enemy spread baseless rumors about the alleged demise of the Prophet in order to drive a wedge among Muslims. This hearsay demoralized some Islamic troops, and led them to flee the scene.

Concern over the future of Islamic Ummah propelled the Prophet to inform people about the necessities for the survival of Muslims and to warn them about the possible seditions after his life.

As it was said last week, the Prophet of Islam, in his last Hajj pilgrimage, in an address to a large crowd of Muslims, who were returning from Mecca, appointed Imam Ali as his successor, and called on people to pave the way for their prosperity upon following Imam Ali. Now, a while had passed since that event and the Prophet of Islam was going through the waning days of his life. Islam had nearly been spread across all of the Arabian Peninsula. However, the Prophet still sensed a threat posed by Romans. Hence, the Prophet organized a large Islamic force, and chose Osama bin Zaid as the commander of Muslim troops for dispatch to the Roman front. Although there were a number of seasoned and well-known individuals among the Prophet’s disciples and followers, the Prophet chose the 20-year-old Osama as the commander of Muslim forces. Upon this instatement, the Prophet showed that key social and political posts should be occupied by merited individuals. The Prophet also told his followers to continue his tradition and to resort to his infallible household.

When the Prophet fell ill, people gathered in mosque and were deeply saddened. In the meantime, some denied the possible demise of the Prophet. The Prophet called on Imam Ali to take him to the mosque.

When the Prophet sat on the pulpit, he praised God Almighty and noted: “Dear people, what has made you to deny the demise of your Prophet? If it was for someone to remain eternal, I would have remained among you for good. Be aware that I will join God Almighty. If you resort to Holy Quran and my infallible household, you will never be misguided.”

This was the last meeting which was held in the presence of Prophet of Islam. On that day, the Prophet once again depicted the future path of Islamic Ummah. He addressed people, noting: “Be aware that no prophet will emerge after me and there will be no tradition after my tradition. Anyone who would claim prophet hood, thereafter, shall reside in Hell. Dear people maintain your unity and remain as Muslims to become eternal.”

Finally, the bitter day arrived. Prophet’s health deteriorated, by the minute. At times, he closed his eyes and passed out, and whenever he regained consciousness, he addressed people about his testament. Imam Ali was next to the Prophet’s bed. Imam Ali’s infallible sons, Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein were tearful. They stood up and approached the Prophet. The Prophet’s venerable daughter, Hazrat Fatemeh (SA), sat next to her father, while tears welled in her eyes. She looked at her father and addressed the Prophet, noting: Divine blessings are bestowed thanks to your presence. You have been a shelter for orphans and needy people.

The Prophet heard his venerable daughter’s voice and opened his eyes, calling on her to recite an ayah of Holy Quran, which pointed out: “Muhammad is but an apostle; other apostles have passed before him. If he dies or is slain, will you turn back on your heels?...”

The main message conveyed by this ayah was for people to continue the Prophet’s path after his era, and not to return to the Age of Ignorance.

The sorrow of the associates of the Prophet mounted upon seeing that the Prophet of Islam thought about their prosperity, even in the final moments of his life.

Finally, the Prophet of Islam passed away on the 28th of the Islamic month of Safar in the year 11th AH. Tearful Imam Ali carried out the ritual bath of the body of the Prophet and kissed the face of Prophet of Islam for the last time, and then covered the Prophet’s face.

Imam Ali observed prayers on the Prophet’s body and urged people to do so. Thereafter, he tearfully laid the Prophet’s body to rest.

The Prophet of Islam guided people to the righteous path so that they would attain prosperity. In the Age of Ignorance, when evil prevailed, he alerted and informed people. He was persecuted but never gave up. He glittered like the sun in darkness, such that God, in Holy Quran, pointed out: “O Prophet! Indeed We have sent you as a witness, as a bearer of good news and as a warner and as a summoner to Allah by His permission, and as a radiant lamp.”

Although a long time has passed since the demise of the Prophet of Islam, the righteous path which he showed has remained eternal; and undoubtedly the present and future generations of mankind are in need of the Prophet’s elevated teachings.

MR/ME