I went to the library with an intention: to look for a book of relevance to research that I was doing. But each time I did, I always ended up with the other book – the one I never thought about; the unthought which nonetheless usually proves to be of great importance to my constant search for knowledge and discernment.
Tucked in between bigger books on the shelf of the University Library that day was a book entitled: “Speeches That Changed the World: Over 100 of the Most Influential Speeches Ever Made”. Edited by Emma Bearer and published in 2006, the book attempts to do probably the most difficult if not impossible scholarly endeavour; a compilation of speeches ever made and by which humanity witnessed revolutionary changes. Momentarily, I began to raise questions that I hoped the book would answer: What yardsticks has this editor employed in listing and delisting the speeches? How would the editor of this book treat speeches of religious personages such as Prophet Isa and Prophet Muhammad (a.s)? Is it possible indeed to do a compilation of the greatest speeches ever made by humankind without glossing over or neglecting others?
Rhetoricians are unanimous on what constitutes elements of a great speech: that it must be masterfully constructed; that, in addition to being flowery and enchanting, it must not lack substance – it must centre on a theme or subject which appeals to and speaks to the reality, values and ideals of its targeted audience; that the speech must not only convince its audience but must equally be capable of arresting the attention of newer audiences several decades and centuries after it was first given.
Thus, the editor begins his search for such speeches in human history. He plumbs the religious and the profane. The reader of this book is hoisted onto that sacred platform where Prophet Musa is “seen” addressing the Jews; where Nelson Mandela, with a clenched fist, shouts “Let freedom reign”. The reader is taken back to that period in history when Martin Luther King cried “I have a dream”; when Jefferson spoke of “Equal and exact justice to all” and unto Abraham Lincoln’s vociferous demand for “Government of the people, by the people, for the people”. This book retrieves for us the best speeches of Mahatma Gandhi and the calamitous gravitas of Hitler when he shouted: “My patience is now at an end”.
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Perhaps the most pertinent of all, particularly at this period when Pilgrims in Makkah are rounding up the rites of Hajj is the speech given by Prophet Muhammad (upon him be peace and blessings of Allah) during his last pilgrimage. The editor of this book listed the speech and those made by Umar B. Khatab, the second caliph). Reading the prophet’s last speech which he delivered on Mount Arafah again and again, I could not resist the temptation to make it a subject of our sermon today. After affirming his faith in Allah and mentioning His praise and seeking His blessings, the Prophet delivered the speech. It goes thus: “O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People! Just as you regard this month, this day, and this city as sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest); therefore, all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas Ibn ‘Abd al Muttalib (the Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived. Beware of Satan for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People! You indeed have certain rights in regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives, only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People! Listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; also, a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over a white- except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim, which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone. People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand the words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah (Hadith), and if you follow these you will never go astray. All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listened to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”
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