Part 3 Wasiyyah (وصية) - Meaning and Importance in Islam

Wasiyyah (وصية) literally means "advice," "final testament," or "last counsel." In Islam, a wasiyyah is not limited to matters of property inheritance alone; it also includes spiritual guidance or important instructions given by someone, especially towards the end of their life.

The concept of wasiyyah holds great importance in Islam, reflecting sincerity and genuine concern by the person delivering their final message for the betterment of those they leave behind.

The Meaning and Significance of Wasiyyah in Islam

Allah SWT emphasizes the importance of wasiyyah in the Quran:

"It is prescribed for you, when death approaches any of you, if he leaves behind wealth, that he makes a will (wasiyyah) in a fair manner for parents and relatives. It is a duty upon those who are pious."
(Surah al-Baqarah, 180)

Although this verse specifically refers to wealth, its underlying principle applies broadly to spiritual and ethical guidance as well.

Prophet Muhammad’s Final Testament (Khutbah Wida')

The greatest example of wasiyyah is Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) Farewell Sermon (Khutbah Wida') at Arafah during his final pilgrimage. This sermon is considered his most significant testament, covering various aspects of the Islamic way of life comprehensively. It was during this sermon that Allah SWT revealed:

"This day, I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion."
(Surah al-Ma'idah, 5:3)

This verse confirms that the Farewell Sermon delivered by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) constitutes a complete and perfect testament for the Muslim Ummah.

Connection between Wasiyyah and Tsaqalain

Within the Farewell Sermon, the Prophet (SAW) delivered an extremely significant wasiyyah known as the Hadith Tsaqalain, which mentions two crucial legacies:

"I leave behind among you two weighty things (Tsaqalain). If you firmly adhere to them, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah (Quran) and my lineage (Itrati Ahlul Baiti)."

Even though the word "wasiyyah" itself was not explicitly mentioned by the Prophet, its content clearly indicates that this message was indeed his final testament to the Muslim Ummah.

Therefore, after this testament, there would be no new foundational testament, but only further explanations and clarifications of this existing guidance.

Why is this Final Testament Crucial?

The final testament of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is critically important because it:

• Ensures the continuity and authenticity of Islam after his passing.
• Provides instructions to maintain unity, avoid disputes, and ensure harmony among Muslims.
• Serves as a lasting testimony in the hereafter that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) fully conveyed the message of Islam to humanity.

Moreover, this testament serves as essential guidance for Muslims, especially when facing great trials and tribulations in the end times, including the great trial of Dajjal mentioned explicitly in other Hadiths.

Conclusion

The concept of wasiyyah in Islam goes beyond mere inheritance—it encompasses crucial spiritual and ethical guidance. The Farewell Sermon delivered by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stands as the most complete and perfect final testament. It remains an eternal guide for Muslims, helping them remain protected from misguidance, division, injustice, and the severe trials of the end times.

May we, as Muslims, continuously hold firmly to this final testament, ensuring that we remain on the straight path, achieving success in this world and in the hereafter.