The place of standing in ‘Arafah reminds us of the meeting of the first spouses on earth, namely that of Aadam and Hawwaa’ after their descent to the earth. This provides a lesson that confirms the relation of affection and mercy between the spouses and the emotion of love and longing between them. This blessed place witnessed the formation of the first seed of the human family represented by Aadam the husband and Hawwaa’ the wife, may Allah exalt their mention. This is a great lesson related to the family from among the lessons of Hajj that emphasizes that the family is an entity that should be established upon religion, and not upon manmade laws that contradict the religion. Thus, the calls of homosexuals who call for gay marriage is defeated.

The Farewell Hajj and its Fruits for the Family

After the Prophet had delivered the message, Allah enabled him and his companions to conquer Makkah and the people then entered into the religion of Allah in multitudes, the Prophet decided to perform Hajj in the tenth Hijri year and he declared this, so many people went with him desiring to perform Hajj him and have him as their Imam.

The Hajj of the Prophet that year was called the Farewell Hajj because the Prophet bade the people farewell after performing the rituals as narrated by Imam Al-Bukhari on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar who said, "The Prophet stood on the Day of Nahr in the middle of the Jamrahs (areas for casting stones) in his Hajj and said: 'This is the Day of the Greater Hajj.' The Prophet kept saying: 'O Allah, be my witness!' He then bade the people farewell and said: 'This is the Farewell Hajj.'"

In this Hajj, the Prophet delivered a Khutbah (sermon) to the masses of Muslims who attended this Hajj. This Khutbah was also named the Farewell Khutbah. It was a comprehensive model of prophetic guidance, an integral Islamic speech and a noble and lofty legislation of human rights. This Khutbah is a valuable legacy for adherence to the complete religion including the aspects of creed, worship, and social reform concerning women, family and society. This was embodied in the creed-related, social and economic instructions of the Prophet .

The Farewell Hajj may be considered the largest Islamic gathering in the prophetic era. It was attended by 125 thousand pilgrims from among the Companions of the Prophet . The Prophet gave this Khutbah and died two months thereafter. Thus, it was the most valuable legacy for him as it is usual practice that a man leaves a will to his family upon his death or feeling the approach thereof that includes the most precious and valuable advice.

We would like to offer the dear reader the Prophetic instructions given by the Prophet to the Muslim family as narrated by Ibn Is-Haaq :

"O people, it is true that you have rights over your women, but they also have rights over you. It is your right that they do not make anyone of whom you do not approve enter your house, as well as that they never be unchaste. If they violate these rights, Allah has allowed you to abandon them in bed and strike them lightly. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. So treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under the trust of Allah and with His permission. O people, listen to me in earnest. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message."

Upon deep reflection on the instructions of the Prophet we note that he focused upon the two pillars of the marital relationship; namely, men and women. He made each of them know their rights and duties. However, he focused in his commands on men as they are the leaders of the ship of marital life. Thus, he charged them with the primary responsibility. He emphasized the emotions of men towards women. In addition, he drew our attention to the fact that women are weak; so, he commanded us to treat them kindly. Even when they make mistakes, he commanded husbands to be soft and gentle towards them and to take gradual steps in treatment. Even the means of striking - which our enemies use to attack us with - he said that this should be "lightly." Moreover, he said: "If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness." Can a western or eastern loudmouth praise a civilization other than Islam, claiming that it has liberated women? Do they preserve the rights of women whereas their own media informs us about unprecedented forms of brutality and violence towards them?

To the men of Islam, I would like to say that the Prophet charged you with the primary responsibility of the reform of your family. Always initiate reform in your house in order to be obedient to your beloved Prophet . Thus, you will enjoy your life in this world and your bliss in the Hereafter.