Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) last speech

     After the Qur'an was completed, Muhammad died on 8 June 632. Just before the death, there was a group of companions of Muhammad near him when Muhammad asks that he wants to write a will and hence requires a pen and paper. Umar said that Muhammad is seriously ill. Later Muhammad passed away. Umar was full of grief upon hearing the news of demise of Muhammad‎. Umar, the devoted disciple, could not accept the reality that the Messenger of God has died.

     According to the Qur'an, "Muhammad is but a messenger; messengers have passed away before", i.e. died or killed. It is said that Umar promised to strike the head of any man who would say that Muhammad died. At this point Abu Bakr is reported to have come out to the Muslim community and gave his famous speech which included: "Whoever worshipped Muhammad let them know that Muhammad is dead, and whoever worshipped Allah, let them know that Allah is alive and never dies." Abū Bakr then recited these verses from the Qur'an:

     "Muhammad is but a messenger; messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. If, then, he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heel?". —Qur'an, sura 3 (Al-Imran), ayah 144.

     Hearing this from Abu Bakr, the most senior disciple of Muhammad‎, Umar then fell down on his knees in great sense of sorrow and acceptance of the reality. Sunni Muslims say that this denial of Muhammad death was occasioned by his deep love for him.
He was buried in Medina in his house now the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Prophet's Mosque).

Hajj Islamic Pilgrimage

     Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world make the journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual pilgrimage (or Hajj). Dressed in the same simple white clothing to represent human equality, the pilgrims gather to perform rites dating back to the time of Abraham.

     Hajj is considered one of the five "pillars" of Islam. Muslims are required to make the pilgrimage once in a lifetime, if they are physically and financially able to make the journey to Mecca.

     After the completion of Hajj, Muslims around the world observe a special holiday called "Eid al-Adha" (the Festival of Sacrifice).

The Rituals of celebrating Eid Al-Adha

     Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in places such as the Indonesia, Jordan, Egypt, Malaysia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. It is not a nationwide public holiday in countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States.

     However, some Islamic organizations may be closed or offer a reduced level of service and there may be some local congestion around mosques in countries where Eid al-Adha is not a public holiday.

     At Eid al-Adha, many Muslims make a special effort to pray and listen to a sermon at a mosque. They also wear new clothes, visit family members and friends.

Eid Al-Adha

     Eid Al-Adha or "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Greater Eid" is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son ismael as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead. The meat is divided into three parts. The family retains one third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the other third is given to the poor and needy.