The Prophet's Illness and His Death

The Farewell Pilgrimage

The Farewell Pilgrimage had been completed, and it was time for tens of thousands who accompanied the Prophet on it to return to their homes. Among them were the people of Najd, the people of Tihama, and the people of Yemen, Hadramaut, and the surrounding regions. The Prophet and his companions headed back to Medina, ensuring the safety of nearly the entire Arabian Peninsula.

During this journey, the Prophet Muhammad's thoughts extended to the regions under the control of the Romans and Persians, such as Syria, Egypt, and Iraq. He had secured the obedience of the people of the Arabian Peninsula after they had entered the fold of Islam in groups. Delegations came to Yathrib (Medina) one after another, declaring their allegiance and seeking refuge under the banner of Islam. All the Arabs had rallied to him during the Farewell Pilgrimage.

How could the Arab kings not pledge their loyalty to the Prophet and his religion, given that he had left them with the authority and self-governance that he, the unlettered Prophet, had preserved for them? Had there not been a Persian governor in the land of Yemen when he embraced Islam, keen on uniting the Arabs and shunning Zoroastrianism? The actions of some individuals in parts of the Arabian Peninsula, resembling rebellion, did not trouble the Prophet in the slightest. His authority in the new religion had spread far and wide, faces had turned toward the Living and Sustaining One, and hearts had found security in the One Almighty God.

Claimants of Prophethood: Tulayhah, Al-Aswad, and Musaylimah

Therefore, the rise of those who falsely claimed prophethood did not concern or distract Muhammad. It is true that some distant tribes from Mecca were quick to listen to the claimants of prophethood among their own people after learning about Muhammad and the success of his mission. They wished they could have the same fortune as Quraysh had. These tribes, being far from the epicenter of the new religion, were unaware of all its aspects. However, the true call to Allah had taken root in the Arab lands, and resisting it was not an easy matter.

Muhammad's reputation had spread far and wide, and nobody except Abdullah's son could withstand his message. Any claim to prophethood based on deceit was bound to be exposed as falsehood. Tulayhah, the leader of the Banu Asad and one of the renowned warriors of the Arabs, even claimed to be a prophet and a messenger. He supported his claim by predicting the location of water on a day when his people were dying of thirst. Yet, he remained hesitant to openly confront Muhammad during Muhammad's lifetime and only declared his rebellion after Allah had taken his messenger.

In his rebellion, Ibn al-Walid defeated Tulayhah, who then rejoined the ranks of the Muslims and embraced Islam. Musaylimah and Al-Aswad al-Ansi were no more successful than Tulayhah during the Prophet's lifetime. Musaylimah sent a message to the Prophet, claiming to be a prophet like him, saying, "We have half the land, and Quraysh has half, but Quraysh is a people who do not act justly". When the Prophet read the letter, he looked at his messengers and expressed his intention to order their execution if it weren't for the sanctity of messengers. Musaylimah replied that he had received revelations as well, and that the land belongs to Allah, who bestows it upon whomever He wills among His righteous servants, and he wished peace upon those who followed the guidance.

As for Al-Aswad al-Ansi, after the death of the Yemeni ruler, he falsely claimed to be a sorcerer and secretly called people to his cause. When his influence grew, he marched from the south, expelled Muhammad's agents from Yemen, advanced to Najran, killed Ibn al-Walid (the successor of Ibn Abi Hadrad), married his widow, and established his authority in those regions. However, his actions did not draw Muhammad's attention, nor did they prompt more than a message to his agents in Yemen to either capture or kill Al-Aswad. The Muslims eventually succeeded in inciting rebellion against Al-Aswad in Yemen, and his widow avenged her first husband's death by killing him.

Considering the Conquest of the Romans

After returning from the Farewell Pilgrimage, Muhammad's thoughts and concerns turned northward, while the southern regions remained safe and secure. It is true that since the Battle of Mu'tah and the Muslims' return with contentment, satisfied with the booty they had acquired and impressed by Khalid ibn al-Walid's strategic withdrawal, the Prophet Muhammad had been contemplating an expedition towards the Roman territories.

He saw the necessity of consolidating Muslim authority on the borders of the Levant to prevent those who had migrated from the Arabian Peninsula to Palestine from returning and causing trouble among its inhabitants. For this reason, he prepared the Muslim army, which he had equipped when news reached him of the Romans' intention to attack the borders of the Arabian Peninsula. He personally led this army, marching until they reached Tabuk, causing the Romans to withdraw into their own lands and fortresses due to the fear he instilled.

Despite this, he continued to consider the northern front, fearing that the memories of Christian zeal and the influential figures of the Byzantine Empire might stir up trouble in the Arabian Peninsula, leading to a war for the cause of Christianity in regions like Najran and beyond. Therefore, shortly after the Muslims' return from the Farewell Pilgrimage to Mecca, Muhammad did not delay in ordering the preparation of an army for a campaign to the Levant. This army included some of the early Migrants, including Abu Bakr and Umar, and it was commanded by Osama ibn Zaid ibn Haritha.

The Prophet's Instructions to Osama

At that time, Osama bin Zaid was a young man barely in his twenties, and his appointment as a leader over some of the early Muslim immigrants and senior companions astonished many minds were it not for their sincere faith in the Prophet of Allah. Muhammad's intention in appointing Osama bin Zaid was to honor him and establish his position, reminiscent of his father, Zaid, who had been martyred at the Battle of Mu'tah. He also wanted to grant him a share of the victory and responsibilities, instilling in the youth ambition and determination, preparing them to bear the weighty responsibilities of leadership.

Muhammad instructed Osama to lead the cavalry to the borders of Balqa and Daraum in the land of Palestine, near the area where his father had been killed. He was to launch a surprise morning attack against the enemies of Allah, engage in fierce combat, and use fire against them. Osama was ordered to carry out this mission meticulously, ensuring that news of their attack would not reach the enemy before their arrival. Once Allah granted them victory, they were not to linger among the enemy but return as victors.

Osama and his army prepared for their journey to Palestine, but they had not yet set out when Muhammad fell ill, and his illness intensified, preventing their departure. One might wonder how the Prophet's illness could delay the journey of an army he had prepared for and ordered to travel. However, the journey to the Levant involved crossing vast deserts and difficult terrain, a journey that was not easy for the Muslims. The Prophet loved his companions more than himself and did not want to send them on a challenging expedition while he was ill, especially when they were unaware of the seriousness of his condition. Furthermore, it was the first time they had seen Muhammad suffer from an illness, as he had been generally healthy throughout his life.

From the moment he began his mission in Mecca, calling people to worship Allah alone, abandoning idols that their ancestors had worshiped, he faced severe opposition that caused his early companions to migrate to Abyssinia and later forced him to seek refuge in the mountain pass. When he emigrated from Mecca to Medina after the Pledge of Aqaba, he did so under the most trying circumstances and with great danger. In the early days of his residence in Medina, there were attempts by the Jews to undermine his mission and harass him. When Allah granted him success and allowed people from all over the Arabian Peninsula to embrace Islam in groups, his work increased, and his efforts multiplied. All of this required the commitment of the best of the youth who were most capable of handling the responsibility.

Therefore, the Messenger Muhammad wanted to secure the position of Osama bin Zaid, who was the son of his loyal companion Zaid, who had died in the battle of Mu'tah. He also wanted to honor him by allowing him to share in the victory and responsibility. He wanted to instill in the youth ambition and determination, preparing them to bear the weighty responsibilities of leadership.

Muhammad had given specific instructions to Osama bin Zaid to lead an expedition to the Levant. However, before the army could set out, Muhammad fell seriously ill, and his condition deteriorated. The journey to the Levant involved crossing vast deserts and challenging terrain, and the Prophet did not want to send his companions on such an expedition while he was in poor health. Additionally, this illness was a departure from the norm, as the Prophet had previously experienced minor illnesses, such as the alleged poisoning in the sixth year of the Hijra and the illness he suffered after eating poisoned meat in the seventh year. However, his overall health had been robust, and he had maintained his spiritual and physical strength through his devotion to prayer, his simple way of life, his complete hygiene, and his commitment to continuous worship and physical activity.

Muhammad's dedication to his mission and his personal example of leading a life of piety, simplicity, cleanliness, and physical activity helped him maintain good health. Therefore, when he fell ill, it was natural for his companions to be concerned, especially considering the hardships they had endured during the twenty years of his mission. His journey had begun with the call to worship Allah alone in Mecca, facing opposition that forced some of his companions to migrate to Abyssinia and led him to seek refuge in the mountain pass. After emigrating to Medina, there were continued challenges, including attempts by the Jews to undermine his mission.

As Allah granted success and allowed people from all over the Arabian Peninsula to embrace Islam in groups, his responsibilities grew, and his efforts multiplied. All of this required the commitment of the best of the youth, who were capable of handling the responsibilities of leadership.

The Prophet's Address to the Inhabitants of the Graves

A significant event occurred that heightened the fear of the companions. Muhammad had a night of restlessness and insomnia, and his insomnia persisted. Troubled by his condition, he decided to leave the city during one of those nights in the serene summer breeze that surrounded Medina. He ventured out with only his freedman Abu Muwayhiba as his companion.

Do you wonder where he went? He went to Baqi' al-Gharqad, the burial place of the Muslims, situated near the city. When he arrived among the graves, he addressed the inhabitants: "Peace be upon you, O people of the graves. Today, you are in a state that distinguishes you from the rest of the people. Trials have come one after another, like pieces of dark night following each other. The latter trials are worse than the former ones".

Abu Muwayhiba reported that the Prophet said to him when they reached Baqi' al-Gharqad, "I have been commanded to seek forgiveness for the people of this cemetery. Accompany me". After seeking forgiveness for them, the time came for the Prophet to return. He turned to Abu Muwayhiba and said, "O Abu Muwayhiba, I have been given the keys to the treasures of this world and the eternity within it, then the keys to Paradise. I was given the choice between that and meeting my Lord and entering Paradise".

Abu Muwayhiba responded, "By my father and mother, I choose the keys to the treasures of this world and the eternity within it, then Paradise".

Muhammad replied, "No, by Allah, O Abu Muwayhiba! I have chosen to meet my Lord and Paradise".

Abu Muwayhiba shared what he had witnessed and heard. At this time, the Prophet had begun to suffer from illness the morning after his visit to Baqi' al-Gharqad, and this increased the fear among the people. The army led by Osama had not yet set out. It is true that some historians express doubt regarding this hadith narrated by Abu Muwayhiba. They argue that Muhammad's illness was not the sole reason for the delay in Osama's army marching to Palestine. They suggest that the appointment of a young leader like Osama over a force comprising many of the early Muslim immigrants and Ansar was a more significant factor in the delay. These historians base their views on various events detailed in this chapter.

While we do not delve into a discussion of these views or the specific details of the hadith narrated by Abu Muwayhiba, we do not see any justification for denying the core of the incident—the fact that the Prophet went to Baqi' al-Gharqad, sought forgiveness for its inhabitants, and had a profound awareness of his approaching time, a time where the boundary between the living and the deceased blurs.

Today, many people acknowledge the spiritual connection between the living and the deceased. This unity transcends time and place and is confirmed through various experiences. If such phenomena are recognized today and supported by scientific research, there is no basis for denying the incident narrated by Abu Muwayhiba. Furthermore, it aligns with the profound spiritual and metaphysical connection that Muhammad had with the cosmos, allowing him to comprehend aspects of his destiny that others could not fathom.

Playful Banter Despite Illness with Aisha

One morning, Muhammad passed by Aisha and found her complaining of a headache, saying, "Oh, my head!" In response, he jokingly told her, even though he was beginning to feel the pain of his illness, "Indeed, I have a headache too, Aisha, even worse!"

Aisha's complaint of a headache was not severe enough to confine her to bed or prevent her from engaging in the customary playful banter with her family and husband. When she repeated her complaint upon hearing Muhammad's words, he playfully responded, "What harm would it do to you if I were to die before you, and then you could prepare me for burial, pray over me, and bury me?"

This playful remark stirred both the jealousy and love of life in the young Aisha. She replied, "Let someone else have that fate, and I swear by Allah, it seems as if, with you gone, I would go back to my people and cause trouble with some of your other wives".

Muhammad smiled at her response, even though the pain prevented him from fully engaging in the banter. As the pain persisted and increased, he realized that he needed medical care. In that condition, he called for his wives to come to him in the house of Maymunah and sought their permission to be nursed in Aisha's house. His wives granted him permission to move, and he left the house of Maymunah with his head wrapped, leaning on Ali ibn Abi Talib and his uncle Abbas for support. They almost had to carry him as he entered Aisha's house.

The Intensification of Fever and His Visit to the Mosque

In the early days of his illness, Muhammad's fever intensified to the point where it felt like a burning fire within him. However, even when he experienced the peak of fever, he did not refrain from walking to the mosque to pray with the people. He continued this practice for several days, never missing a prayer, although he struggled to converse with his companions or deliver speeches. Nevertheless, whispers among the people reached his ears, saying that he had appointed a young man, Usama ibn Zayd, to lead an expedition to Syria.

Despite his increasing pain, the Prophet Muhammad felt compelled to address the people and communicate his decision to them. He told his wives and family, "Prepare seven containers of water from various wells so that I can address the people". They did as he requested, and he was bathed with the water from all seven containers until he said, "That is enough, that is enough". He then put on his clothes, wrapped his head, and went to the mosque, sitting on the pulpit. There, he praised Allah, prayed for the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud, and sought forgiveness for them. He also spoke to the people, saying, "O people, carry out the mission of Usama. By Allah, if you raise any objection to his leadership, you would have raised an objection to his father's leadership before him. He is indeed suitable for leadership, and his father was also fit for it".

After a moment of silence following this statement, Muhammad resumed speaking, saying, "Indeed, a servant of Allah is given a choice between this world and the Hereafter, and he chooses what is with Allah". Another silence fell over the people as they absorbed his words. However, Abu Bakr, overcome by the emotions of the moment and his deep friendship with the Prophet, could not hold back his tears. He burst into tears and said, "We would ransom you with our lives and our children, O Messenger of Allah!" Muhammad was concerned that Abu Bakr's emotional outburst might influence the others, so he gestured to him and said, "Sit down, Abu Bakr".

Muhammad then ordered that all the doors leading to the mosque be closed except for Abu Bakr's door. When the doors were closed, he continued, "I do not know of anyone who has been more excellent in companionship with me and in brotherhood than Abu Bakr. If I were to take a close friend, I would have taken Abu Bakr as a close friend, but our companionship and brotherhood in faith are sufficient. May Allah gather us together with His Prophet in Paradise".

After this speech, Muhammad descended from the pulpit and intended to return to Aisha's house. However, the effort he had exerted that day while ill had exacerbated his condition. For a sick person who had been showered with seven containers of water and had delivered a speech, the weight of a significant task, such as appointing Usama to lead an army, took a toll on him. He tried to get up the next day to pray with the people, but he couldn't. Realizing that he was unable to do so, he told the people to ask Abu Bakr to lead the prayer. Aisha, who was keen on the Prophet leading the prayer for the appearance of health, objected, saying that Abu Bakr was a soft-spoken man with a weak voice who often cried when reciting the Quran. The Prophet responded with, "Order Abu Bakr to lead the prayer". Aisha repeated her objection, and the Prophet, despite the pain and weakness caused by the fever, firmly insisted that Abu Bakr should lead the prayer.

His Daughter Fatimah and His Conversation with Her

As his illness reached an unbearable stage, the fever had intensified to the point where it felt like burning coals upon him. His wives and attendants could feel the heat of this debilitating fever as they touched his body. His daughter Fatimah used to visit him daily, and he cherished her deeply, as any father would for his only surviving daughter. Whenever she entered his presence, he would rise to greet her, kiss her, and seat her beside him, displaying the affection that a father holds for his beloved daughter.

However, as his illness progressed to this severe stage, when Fatimah came to visit him, he greeted her by saying, "Welcome, my daughter," and seated her beside him. Then he shared something with her that made her cry, followed by another statement that made her laugh. Aisha inquired about this exchange between them, and Fatimah explained, "I would not reveal the secret of the Messenger of Allah". When he passed away, she remembered that he had confided in her about his impending death during this illness, which had made her cry. Then he informed her that she would be the first among his family to join him in the Hereafter, which made her laugh.

Due to the severity of his fever, those around him would place a container of cold water beside him. He would repeatedly dip his hand into it and wipe his face. The fever would sometimes become so intense that he would lose consciousness, only to awaken in excruciating pain. On one occasion, Fatimah, deeply moved by her father's suffering, couldn't bear it any longer and exclaimed, "Oh, my dear father!" He replied, "No more suffering for your father after today". He meant that he would soon depart from this world to the realm of sadness and pain.

His Desire to Write a Book and Their Disagreement

On a day when his pain was particularly intense, his companions tried to ease his suffering and reminded him not to complain as a patient. He responded, "What I am experiencing is more than what is usually felt by two men in my condition". Despite his severe suffering, he was determined to convey a message to his companions.

While in this state of extreme pain at home, he said to the men around him, "Bring me writing materials and a parchment, and I will write a book for you that will keep you guided forever". Some of those present argued, "The Messenger of Allah is in great pain, and we have the Quran. It is enough for us". It is mentioned that Umar made this statement. The attendees had differing opinions; some said, "Bring him the writing materials; he wants to write something for us". Others were content with the Quran alone and did not see the need for any additional writing. When Muhammad observed their dispute, he said, "Stand up! There should be no disagreement in front of the Prophet".

After this, Ibn Abbas continued to believe that they missed out on something significant by not immediately providing the writing materials the Prophet had requested. However, Umar's perspective was grounded in the Quranic verse that states, "We have not neglected in the Register a thing" (Quran, Surah Al-An'am, 6:38).

News of the severity of the Prophet's illness spread among the people, and both Usama and the community came down from the mountain to the city.

Usama entered the house of Aisha and found the Prophet silent, unable to speak. When the Prophet noticed Usama, he raised his hand towards the sky and then placed it on Usama's chest, indicating his intention to pray for him.

His Anger at His Family's Treatment

In his weakened state, Muhammad noticed that his family wanted to provide him with treatment. Asma, a close relative of Maymunah who had learned how to prepare a remedy while living in Abyssinia, had prepared a drink for him. During one of his feverish episodes, they administered this drink to him. When he regained consciousness, he angrily asked, "Who did this? Why did you do it?" His uncle, Abbas, responded, "O Messenger of Allah, we were afraid that the pain was affecting you too much". Muhammad said, "This ailment is not something that Allah, the Almighty, can use to harm me". He then instructed everyone in the house, except his uncle Abbas, to drink from the same remedy, even if they were fasting.

At the beginning of his severe illness, Muhammad had seven dinars in his possession and instructed his family to give them as charity. However, his family became occupied with caring for him, and the disease worsened, causing them to forget his request.

On the Sunday before his passing, during a moment of consciousness, Muhammad asked about the seven dinars. Aisha replied that they were still in her possession. He then requested that she bring them to him and, holding them in his hand, he said, "What would Muhammad think about facing his Lord with these?" He distributed the dinars among the poor Muslims.

Muhammad spent that night peacefully and comfortably, free from fever. It seemed as if the drink his family had administered had finally taken effect, alleviating his illness. It was reported that he was able to leave his home at dawn, leaning on Ali ibn Abi Talib and Al-Fadl ibn Abbas. At that time, Abu Bakr was leading the congregation in prayer.

When the Muslims in the mosque saw the Prophet coming towards them while they were in prayer, they were filled with joy and amazement, almost losing their concentration. The Prophet gestured to them to stay in their positions and continued praying behind Abu Bakr. This sight brought immense joy to Muhammad, and he felt great contentment. Abu Bakr realized that the people had done this solely because of their love for the Prophet. He intended to step back to allow Muhammad to lead the prayer, but Muhammad pushed him gently in the back and said, "Continue leading the prayer for the people". Muhammad sat down to Abu Bakr's right, and he prayed while seated. After completing the prayer, he turned to the people and raised his voice, saying, "O people, the Fire has been kindled, and the trials have approached like segments of the darkest night. By Allah, you have not clung to me in vain. By Allah, I have not made permissible for you anything but what is permitted by the Quran, nor have I made forbidden for you anything except what is forbidden by the Quran. Allah has cursed a people who took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship".

Muhammad's words were a clear message to the community about their adherence to the Quran and his disapproval of any innovations or practices that deviated from it.

The Joy of Muslims at His Recovery

The Muslims were overjoyed to see the signs of improvement in the Prophet's health. Even when Usama bin Zaid sought his permission to lead the army to the Levant and when Abu Bakr asked about his health, the Prophet was seen as having regained his strength and vitality. Abu Bakr asked, "O Messenger of Allah, it seems that you have recovered by the grace of Allah. Today is the day of your daughter's wedding. Shall I visit her?" The Prophet granted him permission, and Abu Bakr went to join the festivities at the outskirts of Medina, where his family resided. Omar and Ali, too, had their own concerns to attend to.

The Muslims dispersed, each one of them filled with happiness and optimism. They had been worried and saddened by the news of the Prophet's illness, his high fever, and his fainting spells. Now, they were delighted to see the congregation at the mosque teeming with joyful believers, a stark contrast to the gloom that had shrouded them just a day earlier.

Muhammad returned to the home of Aisha, and the sight of the Muslims brimming with happiness filled his heart, even though his body remained weak to an extreme degree. Aisha watched this man, who filled her heart with reverence due to his majestic stature, and she wished she could offer him all her strength and vitality to restore his health.

The recovery of the Prophet's health was a source of great relief and joy for the Muslim community. They had been deeply concerned about his well-being, and his return to relative health was seen as a sign of hope and blessing. The Muslims were now ready to continue with their daily lives, and the happiness that filled the mosque that day was a testament to their love and devotion to their beloved Prophet.

The Lucid Moments Before Death

The Prophet Muhammad's departure to the mosque was merely the lucidity that precedes death. After entering the house, he grew weaker with each passing moment, fully aware that death was approaching. He had no doubt that he had only a few hours left in this life. What thoughts occupied his mind during these remaining moments of life? Did he reflect on his life since the day Allah had chosen him as a guide and prophet? Did he remember all the experiences and blessings Allah had bestowed upon him and how he had opened the hearts of the Arabs to the true faith? Or did he spend his final hours in supplication, seeking forgiveness from his Lord with all his soul, as he had done throughout his life? Did he suffer from the pain of approaching death to the point where he couldn't muster the strength to reminisce? Narrations differ significantly on this matter. Some suggest that on the cool day of June 8, 632 CE, he requested a container of cold water, dipped his hand into it, and wiped his face. It is also mentioned that a man from the family of Abu Bakr entered Aisha's house holding a tooth-cleaning twig (Siwak). When the Prophet saw him, he understood the man's intention. Aisha took the twig from her relative, chewed it until it became soft, and then gave it to him. He used it to clean his teeth. It is said that, while enduring the pain of the final moments and struggling with the throes of death, he turned to Allah in prayer, saying, "O Allah, help me endure the agony of death". Aisha, with the Prophet's head in her lap during these moments, noticed his gaze was fixed. He was murmuring words that she could barely comprehend. "Rather, the higher companion in paradise," he repeated. She asked, "Are you choosing the companions of paradise?" He responded affirmatively, and soon after, he passed away. Muhammad (peace be upon him) had indeed passed away. This fact caused significant disagreement among the Arabs, to the point where it could have led to conflict and civil war had Allah not intended a better fate for them and their religion.