The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the last messenger of Allah, was not

only a religious leader but also a great teacher. He dedicated his life to teaching and guiding
his followers in all aspects of life, including faith, morality, ethics, and social justice. The
Prophet (PBUH) was known for his exceptional teaching abilities, which were grounded in
his profound knowledge of the Quran and the teachings of Islam. He was a firm believer in
the power of education to transform individuals and society, and he tirelessly worked to
spread the message of Islam to all corners of the world.

َ ‫َو َما َأرْ َس ْل َنا‬

َ ‫ك ِإاَّل َرحْ َم ًة لِّ ْل َعالَم‬
‫ِين‬

“We have sent you (O Prophet) only as a mercy for the whole world.”

(Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107)

The Phases of Teaching:

The teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) can be divided into different
phases, each characterized by unique challenges and achievements. The message of Islam
that he conveyed transformed the Arabian society and laid the foundation for the Islamic
civilization. Here are the different phases of the Prophet's teaching:

1. Early Revelation and Private Teaching:

The first phase of the Prophet's preaching began in 610 CE, when he received the first
revelation from Allah through the Angel Gabriel. At this time, he was living in Makkah and
spent much of his time in solitude and meditation. The message of the revelation was
clear: there is only one God, and Muhammad is His messenger. The Prophet was hesitant
to share the message at first and only taught to his close family members and friends in
private.

The Holy Quran says:"And warn your nearest kinsmen"

"And warn your kinsmen" is the entire verse, and warn does not mean to be given a
warning but to advise, so Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) only called his kinsmen from his
clan of Bunu Hashim, which included Abu Lahab and Abu Talib. The Holy Prophet PBUH
picked the house of Arqam for this secret teaching, which is why the house was named
Dare Arqam. Because it was remote from Makkah, the prophet PBUH picked this dwelling.
Some important companions chose Islam as a result of this secret teaching: Hazrat Yasir,
Hazrat Usman, Hazrat Umar, and others. The teachings were so hidden that when the
Prophet PBUH was worshipping in the walls of the Holy Kaabah and Hazrat Ali questioned
what he was doing, he told him about his religion and invited him to join Islam. He claimed
he'd consult his father, but the Prophet PBUH told him not to.

Public Teaching in Makkah:

The second phase of the Prophet's teaching began in 613 CE when he was commanded to
publicly preach the message of Islam through a verse : “And warn others”. He started to
preach in public places, such as the hills of Safa and Marwa, the Kaaba, and the markets of
Makkah. His message was simple but powerful: worship one God and rejects idolatry. He
requested that Hazrat Ali prepare meals so that he might welcome guests. The prophet
PBUH discussed the new religion, and Abu Jahl forbade him from speaking any further, so
everyone dispersed. But the Holy Prophet PBUH never gave up hope, and this time he
requested Hazrat Ali to arrange for food on Mount Safa. The Prophet discussed the new
religion, but the people said that they believed he was Sadiq and Ameen, but not the
Prophet of Allah. However, his message was met with hostility and opposition from the
leaders of Makkah who feared that his message would threaten their social and economic
status. Despite facing persecution and violence, the Prophet remained steadfast in his
mission.

2. Persecution in Makkah:

As Islam gained more followers, the opposition to the Prophet and his followers grew
stronger. The leaders of Makkah persecuted the Muslims, forcing some to flee to
Abyssinia. They also subjected the Muslims to physical and verbal abuse, social boycott,
and economic sanctions. The Prophet himself faced assassination attempts, harassment,
and mockery. However, he continued to teach Islam with patience and perseverance,
relying on the support of his family, companions, and Allah.

3. Migration to Madinah:

The fourth phase of the Prophet's teaching began in 622 CE when he migrated to Madinah
with his companions, an event known as the Hijra. The people of Madinah welcomed the
Prophet and his followers, and they established a bond of brotherhood between the
Muhajirun (the emigrants) and the Ansar (the helpers). In Madinah, the Prophet
established the first Islamic community, which included both Muslims and non-Muslims.
He drafted a constitution, known as the Constitution of Madinah, that provided for the
rights of all citizens, regardless of their religion.

4. Establishment of a Community:

In Madinah, the Prophet established the first Islamic community, which was based on the
principles of justice, equality, and compassion. He organized the Muslims into a
community that was responsible for social welfare, defense, and governance. The
community thrived under his leadership, and it became a model for other societies to
follow. The Prophet also emphasized the importance of education and encouraged the
Muslims to seek knowledge.

5. Defensive Wars:

The leaders of Makkah continued to oppose Islam and launched several attacks on the
Muslims. The Prophet and his followers defended themselves in several defensive wars,
including the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud, and the Battle of the Trench. These wars
were fought to protect the Muslim community and to establish the sovereignty of Islam in
the Arabian Peninsula. The Prophet always emphasized the importance of peace and
diplomacy, and he sought to avoid war whenever possible.

6. Last Sermon:

The final phase of the Prophet's teaching was his last sermon, which he delivered during
the Hajj pilgrimage in 632 CE, just months before his death. In his last sermon, the Prophet
reminded the Muslims of their obligations to Allah and to each other.

The last sermon of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was delivered during the Hajj
pilgrimage in 632 CE, just months before his death. This sermon is considered to be one of
the most important and comprehensive teachings of the Prophet, as it covers many
essential aspects of Islamic belief and practice. Here are some of the teachings imparted
by the Prophet in his last sermon:

 Oneness of God: The Prophet reminded the Muslims of the importance of the
belief in the oneness of Allah, and that there is no partner with Him. He
emphasized that Allah is the only God, and that all worship and obedience should
be directed to Him alone.

 Equality of Humanity: The Prophet emphasized the importance of the equality of

all human beings, regardless of their race, color, or social status. He stated that all
human beings are equal, and that the only distinction among them is their piety
and good deeds.

 Women's Rights: The Prophet also spoke about the rights of women and their
dignity. He stated that women are entitled to the same rights as men, and that
they should be treated with kindness and respect.

 Social Justice: The Prophet emphasized the importance of social justice and urged
the Muslims to uphold it in all aspects of their lives. He reminded them that all
forms of oppression and injustice are forbidden in Islam, and that they should
strive to establish a just society.

 Importance of Good Deeds: The Prophet emphasized the importance of

performing good deeds and seeking Allah's pleasure. He urged the Muslims to be
mindful of their actions and to seek forgiveness for their sins.

 Brotherhood: The Prophet reminded the Muslims of the importance of

brotherhood and unity. He stated that all Muslims are brothers and sisters, and
that they should support and care for one another.
  Prohibition of Interest: The Prophet also prohibited the practice of charging
interest on loans, stating that it is a form of injustice and exploitation. He urged the
Muslims to be honest in their business dealings and to avoid all forms of
oppression and exploitation.

 Respect for Life and Property: The Prophet emphasized the importance of
respecting the life and property of others. He stated that taking the life or property
of another person is a grave sin and that it is forbidden in Islam.

Thus, the last sermon of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) contains many essential
teachings of Islam that continue to guide Muslims today. It emphasizes the importance of
the belief in the oneness of Allah, the equality of humanity, social justice, good deeds,
brotherhood, and respect for life and property. These teachings continue to inspire
Muslims to strive for a just and peaceful world, guided by the principles of Islam.

The following are some of the Holy Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) last sermon sayings,
which emphasised some of the Holy Prophet's (PBUH) most essential teachings:


"O people, listen to my words carefully, for I know not whether, after this year, I
shall ever be amongst you again." This opening statement of the sermon
highlights the gravity and importance of the message that was to follow.

 "All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab,
nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority
over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety and good
action." This statement emphasizes the equality of all people, regardless of their
race or ethnicity, and highlights the importance of good deeds as the only criterion
for distinction.

 "Behold! Everything pertaining to the Days of Ignorance is under my feet, and

completely abolished. Abolished are also the blood-revenges of the Days of
Ignorance." This statement highlights the eradication of pre-Islamic practices and
customs, including the practice of seeking revenge for past wrongs.

 "Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you." This statement emphasizes the
importance of nonviolence and non-harming, which is an essential aspect of the
Islamic faith.

 "You will meet your Lord, and He will ask you about your deeds. So, beware! Do
not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone." This statement
emphasizes the importance of accountability and the need to remain steadfast on
the path of righteousness even after the Prophet's departure.
These sayings, along with the other teachings of the Prophet in his last sermon, continue
to guide and inspire Muslims around the world to this day.

Conclusion:

The teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are vast and cover all aspects of
human life. His teachings are based on the principles of monotheism, morality, justice,
compassion, and kindness. The Prophet (PBUH) taught that the purpose of human
existence is to worship and serve Allah, and that true success lies in obeying His
commands and following His guidance.

The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of good character and conduct, and he
set an example of the highest standards of ethics and morals. He taught that honesty,
trustworthiness, kindness, and compassion are virtues that are essential for a successful
and fulfilling life. The Prophet (PBUH) also emphasized the importance of seeking
knowledge and education, and he encouraged his followers to seek knowledge from a
variety of sources. He taught that knowledge is the key to success in this world and the
Hereafter.

In addition, the Prophet (PBUH) taught the importance of social justice, equality, and
fairness. He taught that all human beings are equal in the sight of Allah, regardless of their
race, ethnicity, or social status. He also taught that the strong have a responsibility to
protect and support the weak and vulnerable members of society.

Today, the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) continue to inspire millions
of Muslims around the world. His legacy as a teacher lives on, and his methods of teaching
remain relevant and effective to this day. Through his teachings, he left a profound impact
on the world, and his message of love, peace, and compassion continues to resonate with
people of all faiths and backgrounds