The Last Sermon of the Prophet ﷺ: Its Echoes in Global Leadership and Ethics

The final sermon of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a call to universal ethics: Treat every human being with dignity. Uphold justice and equality. Protect life, property, and rights. Lead with honesty, compassion, and accountability. Honor women, trust, and the moral order.

These principles are alive today—in constitutions, international law, human rights initiatives, social justice movements, and ethical leadership across the globe. They remind us that faith is not only a private matter, but a public responsibility.

The sermon’s echo continues wherever people fight injustice, empower the oppressed, and build bridges across communities; the voice of the Prophet ﷺ speaks through action, guiding humanity toward peace, justice, and moral integrity. It initially addressed the Muslim pilgrims, but its audience is worldwide.

1. Equality and Anti-Discrimination in Law and Policy

The Prophet ﷺ said: "All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have superiority over a white—except by piety and good action."

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): Article 1 declares all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights, echoing the sermon’s emphasis on equality.

Civil Rights Movements: Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. invoked universal human dignity in advocating racial equality, paralleling the Prophet’s vision of a society free from racial or ethnic hierarchy.

Global Anti-Discrimination Laws: Many countries’ constitutions now explicitly prohibit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or religion—directly aligning with the sermon’s moral imperative.

2. Protection of Life and Property

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized: "Your lives and your properties are sacred until you meet your Lord."

Geneva Conventions (1949): These international treaties protect civilians and property during armed conflict, reflecting the sermon’s principle that human life and possessions are inviolable.

Rule of Law in Democracies: Constitutions and judicial systems worldwide safeguard individuals from arbitrary harm, echoing the sermon’s insistence on justice and protection.

3. Ethical Leadership and Trust

The Prophet ﷺ said:"Return trusts to their owners. Harm none unjustly."

Ethical leadership principles in organizations, including fiduciary duties and anti-corruption measures, mirror the emphasis on restoring trust and accountability.

Organizations like Transparency International champion integrity in leadership, resonating with the Prophet’s warning against betrayal and misuse of power.

Leaders who prioritize transparency, justice, and citizen welfare follow the moral blueprint outlined in the sermon.

4. Rights and Dignity of Women

The Prophet ﷺ reminded his followers:"Treat women well, for they are your partners and committed helpers."

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979) enshrines equality, echoing the Prophet’s instructions for respect and partnership.

Policies promoting education, workplace equality, and protection from abuse reflect this sermon principle.

From Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education to global campaigns against gender-based violence, the ethos of respect and dignity aligns with the Prophet’s message.

5. Faith in Action and Moral Responsibility

The Prophet ﷺ said:"I have left among you two things: the Qur’an and my example (Sunnah). Hold fast to them, and you will never go astray."

Governments that integrate moral principles into their policies, such as those in Scandinavian countries that emphasize social welfare and fairness, reflect this guidance.

NGOs and humanitarian organizations that act with integrity and compassion demonstrate the principle of faith translated into action.

Teaching ethics, civic duty, and social responsibility in schools worldwide reflects the sermon’s emphasis on guiding principles for life.

6. Promoting Peace and Harmony

The sermon’s overarching theme is justice, harmony, and ethical conduct.

The UN Charter’s goals of peace, human rights, and cooperation echo the sermon’s vision for a just global society.

Programs that foster understanding among religions, like the Parliament of the World’s Religions, reflect the Prophet’s universal moral guidance.

Organizations providing aid without regard for religion, race, or nationality, such as Médecins sans frontières (Doctors Without Borders) or the International Committee of the Red Cross, embody the sermon’s call to serve humanity ethically.