with the truth, as a bearer of good tidings and a warner before the Hour. Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has followed the right path; whoever disobeys them harms only himself and does not harm Allah in the least.” Narrated by Abū Dāwūd (1). His sermon during Hajj will be discussed later, if Allah Most High wills.

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His Guidance in Delivering Sermons, May Allah Bless Him and Grant Him Peace

When he delivered a sermon, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, his eyes would redden, his voice would rise, and his anger would intensify, as though he were warning of an approaching army, saying: “An attack in the morning! An attack in the evening!” He would say: “I have been sent, and the Hour is as close as these two,” holding his index and middle fingers together. He would also say:

“To proceed: the best discourse is the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The worst matters are newly introduced ones, and every innovation is misguidance.”

Then he would say:

“I have a greater claim over every believer than he has over himself. Whoever leaves wealth, it belongs to his family; whoever leaves a debt or dependants, let the matter be brought to me, and I shall assume responsibility.”

Narrated by Muslim (2).

In another wording reported by him (3) (4), the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, would praise and extol Allah in his Friday sermon, then speak with his voice raised. The narrator then related the foregoing report.

In another wording (5), he would praise and extol Allah as He deserves, then say:

“Whoever Allah guides, none can lead astray; and whoever He leads astray, none can guide. The best discourse is the Book of Allah.”