Preparation for the Last Military Campaign

Fearing Muslim expansion, the Roman Empire began mobilizing forces near the Arab–Syrian border. Upon learning that news, the Prophet (ﷺ) swiftly organized an expedition, appointing a 20–year–old young, and capable Hazrat Usama bin Zaid (RA) as the commander of an army to confront the threat.  The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed him to ambush the enemy at the place where his father had been martyred in the battle of Muta with the Roman army, so that they would not have a chance to counterattack.

Appointment of Usama (RA) was a Test of Loyalty:

Some senior companions questioned the decision about Usama’s (RA) commandership, but the Prophet (ﷺ) insisted, teaching that leadership is based on capability, not age. Even Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA) were instructed to serve under Usama (RA). The Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrated his trust in his leadership. This decision carried multiple lessons:

• Why Usama? — His father, Zaid bin Haritha (RA), had been martyred in the Battle of Mu’tah. This appointment symbolized justice, continuity, and trust in youth. Justification of this appointment might be:
  • Inspiring youth to develop leadership qualities.
  • Encourage obedience to leadership, regardless of age.

The Campaign Postponed Due to Illness of the Prophet (ﷺ)

While the Muslim army under the leadership of Usama (RA) was preparing to set up camp at a place called Zurf near Madinah, news of the serious illness of the Prophet (ﷺ) spread. Despite his insistence, his companions chose to stay by his side during his final days. As the journey to Syria was long, so no one considered it appropriate to leave him sick and travel such a long way. Though it was temporarily postponed, the campaign was eventually carried out under the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) following the Prophet’s (ﷺ) passing, proving his foresight in maintaining military readiness.

Beginning of the Illness

On 28 Safar, 11 AH, the Prophet (ﷺ) returned from Al–Baqi’ with a severe headache. In the morning, he went to Hazrat Aisha’s (RA) room and found her also suffering from a headache. Seeing her condition, he said, ‘My head is also hurting badly.’ But when she did not respond, the Prophet (ﷺ) tried to lighten the situation by saying, “O Aisha, if you die before me, I will bathe you with my own hands, shroud you and lay you in the grave. What could be better than that?” Now Aisha (RA) responded, and in response, she said, “Yes, how good it would be if you brought a new wife and replaced me.” The Prophet (ﷺ) enjoyed her words in silence. From then on, his headache and fever began to flare up. There are some events may be described:

The Events During Illness

• Paying back of Debts: The Prophet (ﷺ) feared that some creditor might not have been paid back or that he might have wronged someone whose debt had not yet been settled.

So, calling for a decision on these matters, he said:

“If I have not paid back someone’s debt, let him take it back, if I have hurt someone, let him take revenge on me, if I have insulted someone, let him do the same in my presence.”

In response to his call, a creditor demanded three dirhams from the Prophet (ﷺ). His demand was immediately settled.

• Freed from Worldly Wealth: To be free from worldly wealth before his passing, the Prophet (ﷺ) had already ordered that the 7 dinars that he had as his wealth, be given in charity. When he asked about this money, Hazrat Aisha (RA) told him that by mistake this amount of money was still with her and not given in charity. He feared that how he would appear before Allah (SWT) keeping the money with him. He wanted to be free from worldly wealth during his lifetime.

So, these 7 dinars were immediately distributed among the poor.

• Final Efforts for the Ummah: Despite his declining health, he worked tirelessly to ensure security of the nascent Islamic state and the stability of the Muslim community—especially, strengthening unity of the Muhajirun and Ansar. He addressed the Muhajir and said that they should be grateful to their Ansar brothers.

Advising them to be generous, forgiving and good–natured, he said, “They were the heart and soul of me.”

• Impotence of Salat: He also emphasized the importance of Salat (regular five–time prayer), and compassion toward subordinates.

 The Worsening of Illness and End Time Events

His condition worsened over the next thirteen days. During this time, he sought the permission of his wives to remain in Hazrat Aisha’s (RA) apartment, where he continued to face the challenges of illness with patience and resolve.

• Father’s Whisper to Fatima (RA): When his daughter visited him, he whispered two times to her. On first instance, she wept but next time she smiled. Aisha (RA) who was present could not understand such mysterious behavior of the father and daughter. After the death of the Prophet (ﷺ), however, Fatima (RA) revealed the story with her father and said:

“The Prophet (ﷺ) informed me of his impending death, which made me cry. Then he told me I would be the first from his household to join him, and I smiled.”

Hazrat Fatima (RA) also passed away six months after the death of the Prophet (ﷺ).

• Leadership Transition in Prayer: Despite his declining health, the Prophet (ﷺ) continued to lead prayers until he was unable to do so. As he grew weaker, he instructed Abu Bakr (RA) to lead prayers, a subtle nod to his future role as caliph and leader of the Muslim community. When Umar (RA) once led in Abu Bakr’s absence, the Prophet (ﷺ) expressed disapproval, reinforcing Abu Bakr’s precedence. He said:

“All the doors of the people facing the mosque should be closed except the door of Abu Bakr.” (Fathul Bari).

According to some authentic sources (Meerkat Sharh–e–Mishkat), Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) led the prayers seventeen times during the lifetime of the Prophet (ﷺ).

• The Day before Death: The level of illness was gradually increasing. As the fever rose, he also felt unbearable pain in his stomach. Then he was heard to say repeatedly that this pain was due to the food poisoning by the Jews in Khaibar. One day, amidst high fever and weakness, he expressed his desire to go to the mosque and said:

“Bring seven pots of water from seven wells and bathe me.”

• Final Public Address: On the eleventh of Rabi’ul Awwal. After taking bath, he tied a wet cloth on his head and went to the mosque. First, he resolved the controversy that had arisen regarding the appointment of Hazrat Usama (RA) as the commander.

Weak but determined, he addressed the people:

As warning against idolatry, he said: “Do not make my grave a place of prostration. The people of Bani Israel have made the tomb of their Prophet a place of prostration and have incurred the curse of Allah Almighty.” (Sahih Bukhari Sharif). – He also said: “Do not make my grave an idol because it will be worshipped.” (Muwatta Imam Malik).

“Treat the Ansar with gratitude.” (Emphasizing unity of ummah)

“I have settled all debts; if I wronged anyone, let them claim justice now.” (Exemplifying accountability)

Then he said:

“Allah has given a person the right to choose between worldly wealth and what is with Allah in the Hereafter. But that person chose what is with Allah.”

Realizing that this person was none but the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) himself, and that this statement implied his imminent departure, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) began to weep. At that time, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“If I were allowed to take anyone as a friend in this world, Abu Bakr would be that friend.”

At Isha time he performed ablution for perform the salat at mosque. He tried to stand up again and again, but he could not. Even then, he came to the pulpit on the shoulders of two companions. Abu Bakr (RA) moved away from the place of Imam (leadership in prayer). But the Prophet (ﷺ) forbade him and made him sit next to him. After the prayer, he addressed everyone:

“O my companions, I entrust you to the hands of Allah the Almighty. If you obey His commands and guidelines as sincere servants, He will protect you.”

Saying this, he left the congregation.

 The Final Moments: A Transition to Eternity

• The Sight of Future Ummah: The night was very difficult for him as the fever increased. The next day was Monday, the twelfth of Rabi’ul Awwal. He tried to go to the Fajr prayer but could not. As usual, the prayer began under the leadership of Abu Bakr (RA). The Prophet (ﷺ) removed the curtains of the room and saw the Muslims praying. A soft smile graced his face, a testament to his satisfaction with the state of his future Ummah.

That was a beautiful picture of the Ummah appeared before his eyes.

• Reaction of Medicine: Later, during the state of unconscious when the Prophet (ﷺ) was given some medicine, his fever subsided somewhat – although he was very unhappy knowing about the medicine.

He felt slightly better that morning under the effect of the medicine.

• Respite among Companions: This improvement gave Prophet’s (ﷺ) beloved companions hope. They were somewhat relieved seeing his recovery. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) came to see him and sought permission to bring his wife who was staying in a village outside Madinah. The Prophet (ﷺ) gave him permission.

Thus, everyone else went about their own business seeing his hopeful condition.

• Urging Usama (RA) to Restart Journey: When Usama (RA), the Commander—in—Chief of the expedition that had been postponed due to his illness, came to meet the Prophet (ﷺ), he prayed for him and urged him to set out on the expedition.

Hazrat Usama (RA) went to the army camp to start his journey.

• Fever Invigorated: But by midday, his fever spiked. As his body temperature increased, he started wiping his face with his weak hands by dipping them in a bowl of water. At times, he would lose consciousness. His condition was worsening rapidly.
• The Request for a Pen & Paper: Even in this final state, he could not forget the Ummah — he said, “Bring me a pen and paper. I want to write down some advice for you — if you act on it, you will not go astray.”

But Hazrat Umar (RA) did not think it appropriate to write anything down for him in this critical moment. He said,

“O Messenger of Allah! What is the need for written advice when we have the Holy Qur’an of Allah and your Sunnah. These two are sufficient to guide us.”

(Sahih al–Bukhari: Book of Knowledge (Kitab al–‘Ilm), Hadith 114 and Sahih Muslim: Book of Wills (Kitab al–Wasiyyah), Hadith 1637)

 The Utterances of the Last Moment

Later that day, as his condition worsened, he uttered: “O Allah, help me.”

With his head resting in the lap of Hazrat Aisha (RA), until his soul departed to Allah (SWT), he repeatedly uttered: “O Rafiq Al–A‘la (The Most Exalted Companion)”

One narration states:

ʿHazrat Aishah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say when he was healthy: “No prophet is ever given death until he is shown his place in Paradise and then given the choice (to remain in the world or to return to Allah).”

When he became ill and his final moments approached, his head rested on my thigh. He fainted, then regained consciousness, looked upward and said: “O Allah, the Highest Companion (Rafiq Al–A‘la).” Then I knew that he had chosen between worldly life and nearness to Allah in Paradise, and he chose nearness to Allah (SWT).

The family and companions were devastated, but his life’s legacy stood as a beacon of light for humanity.

يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ۝ ارْجِعِي إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً ۝ فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي۝

Events After the Demise of the Prophet (ﷺ)

The Ummah’s Immediate Reaction

The passing of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was so shocking that some companions overwhelmed with sorrows, became very much emotional to accept the reality. So a short chaos erupted—when personality like Umar (RA), initially refused to believe that the Prophet (ﷺ) had passed away. In his anguish, he declared loudly:

“I will cut off the necks of those who say that Muhammad (ﷺ) has died!”

His forceful denial added to the confusion, leaving the people disoriented and uncertain.

Wisdom of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), who had been away in a village near Madinah, returned swiftly upon hearing the news of the Prophet (ﷺ). Entering the Prophet’s house, he uncovered the Prophet’s face, kissed his forehead, and said with profound love and faith:

“How blessed and pure was your life! May my parents be sacrificed for you. The death destined for you by Allah has been fulfilled, and death will never touch you again.”

Composing himself, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) stepped outside to address the agitated crowd. He silenced Hazrat Umar (RA) and spoke to the people, declaring:

“Whoever worships Muhammad (ﷺ) should know that he has passed away. But whoever worships Allah, let them know that Allah is Ever–Living and does not die.”

He then recited the following verse from Surah Aal—e-–Imran:

وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ ۚ أَفَإِن مَّاتَ أَوْ قُتِلَ انقَلَبْتُمْ عَلَىٰ أَعْقَابِكُمْ ۚ وَمَن يَنقَلِبْ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ فَلَن يَضُرَّ اللَّهَ شَيْئًا ۗ وَسَيَجْزِي اللَّهُ الشَّاكِرِينَ۝

“Muhammad is no more than a messenger. Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is slain, will you then turn back on your heels? And whoever turns back on his heels will not harm Allah in the least. And Allah will reward the grateful.” (Surah Aal–e–Imran, 3:144)

This verse reminded them that prophethood was a divine trust, not eternal life.

Hearing this, Hazrat Umar (RA) regained his composure, realizing the truth of the verse as if he were hearing it for the first time. Grasping the reality of the fact, he calmed down. The undeniable reality of the Prophet’s passing set in, but so too did the enduring legacy of his mission.

A City in Mourning

The news of the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) passing spread rapidly across Madinah and its surrounding areas, plunging the city into grief. Prominent companions, close relatives, and the general populace gathered near the home of Hazrat Aisha (RA), adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque. Just hours earlier, they had seen him during the Fajr prayer, and their hearts struggled to accept the reality of his departure. Overcome with sorrow, many companions were in a state of shock and disbelief. Even Hazrat Umar (RA), known for his strength and composure, could not control his emotions.

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) death was not an end but a transition—from a mortal guide to an immortal legacy. His teachings continue to illuminate the path for billions, proving that while men die, their missions endure.

كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ ۗ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُورَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ ۖ

“Every soul will taste death, and you will be paid in full only on the Day of Resurrection…” (Surah Aal–e––Imran, 3:185)

May every Muslim live by his example and reunite with him in Paradise!

Hazrat Osama’s (RA) Expedition Halted

Hazrat Usama bin Zaid (RA), who had been leading an army camped outside Madinah, returned upon receiving the news. He halted the expedition to Syria and placed the army’s flag at the Prophet’s house. Saddened by the loss, the army awaited further instructions.

 The Debate Over Leadership

In the wake of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) death, a debate arose between the Muhajirin and Ansar over who should lead the Muslim community. A group of Ansar gathered at Saqifah Bani Sa’idah, suggesting that the Caliph should come from their ranks. When Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and Hazrat Umar (RA) learned of this, they, along with other companions, went to the gathering.

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) addressed the assembly, emphasizing the unity of the Muslim Ummah and the importance of the Quraysh tribe’s role as the Prophet’s kin. He recited the following verse to support his argument:

“And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirin and the Ansar, and those who follow them in righteousness, Allah is well–pleased with them, and they are well-pleased with Him.….” (Surah At–Tawbah, 9:100)

Hazrat Umar’s (RA) Firmness to Resolve the Debate

Despite this, the debate grew heated. At a critical moment, Hazrat Umar’s (RA) resoluteness brought an end to such discussion. He rose, grasped Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (RA) hand, and proclaimed:

“O Abu Bakr! You were the Prophet’s closest companion. He appointed you to lead prayers during his illness. Surely, you are the most deserving of leadership.”

This act galvanized the assembly, and the companions, one by one, pledged their allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA). The following day, a larger general pledge of allegiance took place in the Prophet’s Mosque.

Hazrat Abu Bakr’s Oath and First Speech as Caliph

After his formal appointment, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) addressed the Muslims:

“O people! I have been chosen as your leader, but I am not the best among you. If I do right, support me; if I do wrong, correct me. Truth is a trust, and falsehood is treachery. The weak among you will be strong in my sight until I restore their rights, and the strong among you will be weak in my sight until I take from them what is due. Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. If I disobey Allah and His Messenger, you owe me no obedience. Now, let us rise for prayer.”

This profound speech underscored the principles of justice, equity and accountability, setting a timeless example for leadership.

Preparations for the Prophet’s (ﷺ) Burial and Funeral Prayer

Based on the Prophet’s saying that “Prophets are buried where they pass away,” the final resting place of the Prophet (ﷺ) was chosen in the house of Hazrat Aisha (RA). Hazrat Ali (RA), Hazrat Abbas (RA) and Saidah his two sons Hazrat Fazal (RA) and Hazrat Kusam (RA) gave the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) a bath. They were assisted by Hazrat Usama (RA) and Hazrat Shukran (RA) from the family performed the ritual of washing and shrouding of his sacred body. The Prophet (ﷺ) was wrapped in three white garments. Hazrat Ali (RA) said that while the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) was being bathed, the fragrance emanated from his body.

Due to space constraints, the funeral prayer (Janaja) was offered individually without an Imam. Men, women, and children took turns participating in the funeral prayer. First, the Prophet’s family prayed, followed by the Muhajirin, Ansar, and the rest of the community. It continued for a long time.

• The Grave of the Prophet (ﷺ): Once the funeral prayers concluded, a grave was dug in the floor of Hazrat Aisha’s (RA) room. Hazrat Abu Talha (RA) completed the task digging the shallow grave at that place. The Prophet’s (ﷺ) body was gently lowered into the grave by his close family members.

May Allah’s (SWT) peace and blessings be upon him eternally.