In his final moments, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ didn’t speak of worldly matters—he urged us to protect our prayers and unity. What does this reveal about his legacy? As his blessed soul prepared to meet Allah, the Prophet ﷺ distilled his life’s mission into two profound concerns: the safeguarding of prayer (salah) and the preservation of unity among believers. These parting instructions weren’t merely suggestions but urgent pleas from a messenger who had dedicated his entire life to establishing a community rooted in devotion and solidarity.
The Prophet Muhammad’s final illness reveals much about his priorities and concerns for the future of Islam. When faced with the transition from this world to the next, he focused not on personal comfort or worldly affairs but on the spiritual anchors that would sustain his community after his departure. His emphasis on the importance of salah reminds us that our connection with Allah forms the foundation of our faith, while his call for Islamic unity speaks to the collective strength necessary for the ummah’s survival and flourishing.
How would our Ummah look today if we prioritized the Prophet’s ﷺ dying concerns? This question invites us to reimagine our community through the lens of his final counsel—to envision a world where the prayer is established with utmost devotion and where believers stand together beyond differences of culture, language, and interpretations. Perhaps in these two pillars—prayer and unity—we might find the remedies for many of the challenges that face Muslims in our contemporary world.
Historical Context: The Prophet’s Final Days
The final illness of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ began in early Safar of the 11th year after Hijrah (632 CE), shortly after his triumphant return from the Farewell Hajj. What started as a severe headache and fever would, within approximately two weeks, lead to the passing of Allah’s beloved Messenger.
Timeline of the Prophet’s ﷺ Final Days
The Prophet’s health had begun to decline following his monumental Farewell Pilgrimage, where he had delivered his comprehensive final sermon on the plains of Arafat. During this sermon, he had emphasized the equality of all humans, a principle enshrined in the Quranic verse: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13).
As his condition worsened, the Prophet ﷺ requested permission from his wives to be nursed in Aisha’s (RA) apartment. Despite his weakening state, he continued to lead the prayers until he could no longer stand without assistance. In one of his final public appearances, he was helped to the mosque by Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) and Al-Fadl ibn Abbas (RA), where he addressed the community with the poignant reminder: “The prayer, the prayer! And fear Allah regarding women.”
The study of the Seerah final illness period reveals a messenger who, even in physical decline, remained focused on the spiritual wellbeing of his community. His last sermon of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, delivered during the Farewell Hajj, had already established the ethical framework that would guide believers after his departure—emphasizing human dignity, justice, and the sanctity of life and property.
Throughout these difficult days, the Prophet ﷺ demonstrated remarkable courage and acceptance of Allah’s decree. When his beloved daughter Fatimah (RA) expressed distress at seeing her father’s suffering, he consoled her with the reminder that soon he would face no more pain, for he was answering the call of his Lord. This period, though painful for the early Muslim community to witness, offered profound lessons in patience, preparation for the hereafter, and establishing priorities.
The Prophet’s Deep Concern for Salah
Among the Prophet’s ﷺ final words, his emphasis on prayer stands as a testament to its central place in Islamic practice. “The prayer, the prayer,” he repeated, ensuring this message would echo through generations. This urgency is further illuminated by his teaching: “The first thing about which the people will be questioned on the Day of Resurrection is prayer” (Sunan Abu Dawood).
Why Salah?
The significance of prayer in Islam extends beyond ritual observance—it represents the most direct connection between the servant and Allah. Five times daily, prayer punctuates our lives, reminding us of our purpose and reorienting our hearts toward our Creator. The Prophet ﷺ described salah as “the coolness of my eyes,” revealing how this practice brought him profound spiritual contentment and joy.
Prayer serves as both an individual spiritual anchor and a community pillar. The Sunnah of Salah emphasized congregational worship, with the Prophet ﷺ teaching that prayers performed in congregation carry twenty-seven times the reward of those offered individually. Through this practice, Muslims across different backgrounds stand shoulder to shoulder, manifesting equality before Allah while strengthening community bonds.
The Prophet’s ﷺ dedication to prayer never wavered, even during his final illness. Aisha (RA) narrated that he would perform wudu despite his weakness and, when unable to stand, would pray sitting. When even sitting became difficult, he would pray lying down—demonstrating that our obligation to worship persists regardless of circumstances.
When life gets chaotic, do we cling to Salah as the Prophet ﷺ urged? This question invites personal reflection. In our busy modern lives, prayer is often the first religious obligation we compromise, postponing it for convenience or skipping it altogether when pressed for time. Yet the Prophet’s ﷺ final concern suggests that maintaining this connection should be our highest priority, especially during life’s challenges and transitions.
Unity: The Prophet’s Final Warning
Alongside prayer, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized unity as critical for the ummah’s future. His warning was clear: “Beware of tribalism! It destroyed nations before you” (Sahih Muslim). This caution against division wasn’t merely theoretical—the Prophet ﷺ had witnessed firsthand how tribal conflicts had torn apart Arabian society before Islam.
Key Teachings on Unity
Throughout his mission, the Prophet ﷺ systematically dismantled the barriers that divided people. He rejected hierarchies based on race, wealth, or lineage, establishing instead a society where a former slave like Bilal (RA) could become one of the most honored companions. The concept of Islamic brotherhood he established transcended blood relations, creating bonds between the Ansar and Muhajirun that exemplified selfless love and cooperation.
The Prophet’s ﷺ approach to unity is beautifully illustrated in the story of the Black Stone. When the Quraysh tribes were on the verge of conflict over who would have the honor of placing the Black Stone during the renovation of the Kaaba, the young Muhammad (before prophethood) suggested placing the stone on a cloth with representatives from each tribe holding the edges—resolving the conflict through shared honor rather than competition.
This emphasis on avoiding division in Ummah wasn’t just about preventing conflict but creating a spiritually and socially cohesive community. The Prophet ﷺ taught: “The believers, in their mutual love, mercy and compassion, are like one body; if one organ complained, the rest of the body develops a fever” (Bukhari and Muslim).
The Unification of Ansar and Muhajirun
Perhaps one of the most striking examples of the Prophet’s ﷺ unifying leadership was his establishment of brotherhood between the Ansar (the helpers from Medina) and the Muhajirun (emigrants from Mecca). Upon the Muslims’ migration to Medina, he paired each emigrant with a local resident who shared their home, wealth, and protection.
This extraordinary bond transcended the typical tribal allegiances of the time. The Ansar offered unprecedented generosity, with some even offering to divorce one of their wives so their Muhajir brother could marry her. Though this particular offer was declined, it illustrates the profound depth of the brotherhood the Prophet ﷺ established.
When some tension arose between youth from both groups, the Prophet ﷺ immediately addressed it, reminding them: “Is it with claims of the time of ignorance that you are calling while I am still present among you?” His swift response to even subtle signs of division highlights how seriously he viewed the threat of disunity to the Muslim community.
Lessons from the Final Illness
The Prophet’s ﷺ behavior during his final illness offers profound lessons in steadfastness and prioritization that remain relevant for believers today.
1. Consistency in Worship
Even as his physical strength diminished, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ maintained his devotion to prayer. Aisha (RA) reported that he continued to pray while leaning on Ali (RA) when he could no longer stand independently. This unwavering commitment teaches us that worship isn’t contingent on convenience or comfort but persists through all circumstances.
His dedication extended beyond the obligatory prayers. Ibn Abbas narrated that even during his final illness, the Prophet ﷺ would ask about the time of prayer and ensure it was not delayed. This attention to timeliness reminds us that excellence in worship includes both consistency and punctuality.
2. Prioritizing Community
The Prophet’s ﷺ concern for his community superseded his personal discomfort. Despite his illness, he continued to provide guidance, emphasizing what would preserve the ummah after his departure. His final comprehensive advice—”Hold fast to the Quran and Sunnah”—offered a clear path forward, anchoring the community in divine revelation and prophetic example.
Following Sunnah means embracing not just the outward actions of the Prophet ﷺ but embodying the principles that guided his life. Similarly, adherence to Quranic guidance provides an unchanging moral compass amid evolving challenges. Together, these sources offer a comprehensive framework for individual and communal flourishing.
The Prophet ﷺ also demonstrated remarkable foresight in preparing the community for his absence. He appointed Abu Bakr (RA) to lead the prayers during his illness—an action many scholars interpret as an indication of his successor. This thoughtful transition planning highlights the importance of institutional continuity and leadership succession in maintaining community stability.
Practical Steps to Uphold Salah and Unity
Translating the Prophet’s ﷺ final concerns into daily practice requires intentional effort and practical strategies.
For Salah:
- Pray on time, even during hardship: Schedule your day around prayer times rather than trying to fit prayer into your schedule. The Prophet ﷺ taught that the most beloved deeds to Allah are those performed consistently, even if small.
- Join congregational prayers or pray with family: Make an effort to attend the mosque for prayers when possible, especially for Fajr and Isha. For those unable to attend the mosque, establish congregation at home, involving family members to strengthen both devotional practice and family bonds.
- Develop khushu’ (concentration) in prayer: Work to improve the quality of your prayers through proper preparation, understanding the meanings of what you recite, and physical stillness. The Prophet ﷺ said, “A person may pray and have nothing recorded for him except a tenth of his prayer, or a ninth, or an eighth, or a seventh, or a sixth, or a fifth, or a quarter, or a third, or a half” (Ahmad)—highlighting the importance of mindful presence.
- Create a prayer-friendly environment: Designate a clean, quiet space for prayer in your home, free from distractions. Keep a prayer mat, modest clothing, and a copy of the Quran readily accessible to remove barriers to worship.
For Unity:
- Resolve conflicts with kindness: Apply the Quranic guidance: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided” (Surah Al-Imran 3:103). When disagreements arise, prioritize reconciliation through respectful dialogue and compromise.
- Avoid gossip and stereotyping: The Prophet ﷺ warned strongly against backbiting, defining it as “mentioning your brother with what he dislikes.” Refrain from speech that promotes division or prejudice against any group of Muslims.
- Build bridges across cultural and ideological differences: Make conscious efforts to interact with Muslims from different backgrounds, schools of thought, or cultural traditions. Attend events at various mosques, participate in cross-cultural Islamic programs, and study with teachers from diverse backgrounds.
- Emphasize common ground: When discussing matters where legitimate differences exist, begin by acknowledging areas of agreement before addressing points of divergence. The Prophet ﷺ taught us to seek excuses for our brothers and sisters rather than assuming the worst about them.
Implementing these strategies for how to improve Salah and fostering Islamic unity requires sustained effort and compassionate self-reflection. The path of spiritual growth isn’t linear but involves consistent recommitment to these essential practices.
Modern-Day Relevance
The Ummah today faces disunity and laxity in prayer—how can we revive the Prophet’s ﷺ concerns? This question becomes increasingly urgent as Muslims navigate complex modern challenges that test both individual devotion and collective solidarity.
Contemporary Challenges to Prayer
In our hyperconnected world, maintaining focus in prayer has become increasingly difficult. Digital distractions, demanding work schedules, and a cultural emphasis on productivity over spirituality create environments where prayer is often marginalized. Many Muslims struggle with consistency, viewing the five daily prayers as interruptions rather than essential spiritual nourishment.
The secularization of public spaces in many societies has also created practical challenges for prayer observance. Muslims in non-Muslim majority countries often struggle to find appropriate places or times for prayer during work or school. These external pressures can gradually erode the priority given to salah, exactly the concern the Prophet ﷺ anticipated in his final counsel.
Fragmentation of the Ummah
Similarly, the unity of the Muslim community faces unprecedented tests. Geopolitical conflicts, sectarian tensions, and nationalist movements have created deep divisions within the global ummah. Social media algorithms often amplify extreme voices and contentious issues, making disagreements appear more pronounced and irreconcilable than they may actually be.
Cultural and linguistic barriers continue to separate Muslims across regions, while economic disparities create vastly different lived experiences for believers facing the same fundamental challenges. These divisions can make the Prophet’s ﷺ vision of a unified ummah seem distant or idealistic rather than an achievable reality.
Signs of Hope and Renewal
Despite these challenges, inspiring examples of commitment to the Prophet’s ﷺ final concerns can be found throughout the global Muslim community:
- Mosque communities bridging cultural gaps: Many urban mosques have become multicultural spaces where Muslims from diverse backgrounds pray together, sharing traditions and building relationships that transcend ethnic or national identities.
- Online platforms promoting Salah reminders: Innovative apps and social media campaigns help Muslims maintain prayer schedules and improve prayer quality through timely notifications, educational content about prayer’s benefits, and virtual communities of accountability.
- Interfaith solidarity during crises: Muslim communities demonstrate unity when responding to humanitarian crises or standing against oppression, temporarily setting aside internal differences to fulfill the Prophet’s ﷺ vision of a compassionate, justice-oriented ummah.
Strengthening the Muslim community and reviving Sunnah practices requires both individual commitment and collective effort. By reconnecting with the Prophet’s ﷺ final concerns, Muslims today can find guidance for addressing contemporary challenges while honoring their spiritual heritage.
Key Takeaways
As we reflect on the Prophet’s ﷺ final legacy, several essential lessons emerge for contemporary Muslims:
Salah is the lifeline of faith—guard it fiercely. Prayer isn’t merely one obligation among many; it’s the cornerstone of our relationship with Allah and the most consistent means of spiritual purification. When we protect our prayers, prioritizing their timely and mindful performance, we honor the Prophet’s ﷺ primary concern.
Unity is Islam’s foundation—reject divisions. The strength of the ummah lies in its cohesiveness. While diversity of thought and practice has always existed within Islam, allowing these differences to create hostility or separation contradicts the Prophet’s ﷺ vision for his community.
The Prophet’s ﷺ final words are a roadmap for today’s Ummah. The clarity and simplicity of his parting counsel—focusing on prayer and unity—offers precisely the guidance needed in our complex, often fragmented world. These twin foundations can help Muslims navigate contemporary challenges while remaining true to their faith’s essence.
Spiritual growth requires both personal discipline and community support. Strengthening our commitment to prayer benefits from the encouragement and example of fellow believers. Similarly, building unity demands individual willingness to transcend differences while seeking common ground.
Start tonight: Pray Tahajjud and make Dua for Ummah unity. This simple action honors both aspects of the Prophet’s ﷺ final concern—deepening your personal devotion through voluntary prayer while actively contributing to community harmony through sincere supplication.
Concluding Du’a
As we conclude our reflection on the Prophet’s ﷺ final legacy, let us turn to Allah with sincere hearts:
“O Allah, grant us the consistency to pray as the Prophet ﷺ taught us, and unite our hearts as one Ummah. Help us to establish prayer with devotion and punctuality, making it truly the coolness of our eyes and the comfort of our hearts. Remove from our hearts any rancor, envy, or prejudice toward our fellow believers, and join us together in love and mercy as the Prophet ﷺ intended.
O Allah, revive in our ummah the spirit of brotherhood that existed among the companions, allowing us to prioritize the collective good over personal interests or cultural differences. Let our disagreements be expressions of intellectual richness rather than sources of division, and guide us all to the straight path.
Enable us to be true inheritors of the Prophet’s ﷺ legacy, upholding his final concerns with sincerity and devotion. Ameen.”
This dua for unity acknowledges our dependence on divine assistance to fulfill the Prophet’s ﷺ vision. Just as he taught specific Sunnah prayers for various occasions, we turn to Allah for help in implementing his guidance in our lives and communities.