During the last moments of his life, the Prophet (S) opened his eyes and asked for his brother to be called. Ayesha called her father Abu Bakr, but when the Prophet (S) saw him he placed his head back on his pillow and repeated that his brother should be called for. Hafsa, another wife of the Prophet (S) called her father Umar, but the same thing happened. Ayesha then sent for Imam Ali (A) saying that the Prophet (S) would see no one else. When Imam Ali (A) arrived, the Prophet (S) raised his cloak and took him under its cover. He then placed his head on the chest of Imam Ali (A) and talked to him for a long time.

In the last moments of his life a knock was heard on the door. Lady Fatima (A) told the caller to come later, because her father was very ill. However, the caller was insistent and kept on knocking. Lady Fatima (A) told him again to come later. When the third knock came, tears welled up in Lady Fatima's (A) eyes, but her father said to her, "O Fatima, let him in. For it is none other than the Angel of Death. It is only in respect of your presence that he is asking for permission to enter; otherwise he waits for nobody when he comes to take away the soul."

Soon afterwards the signs of death began to appear on his face. The last sentence he spoke was, "No. With the Divine Companion". It appears that at the time of his last breath the angel Jibraeel (A) gave him the option to recover from his illness and remain in this world or to allow the Angel of Death to remove his soul so that he may proceed with him (the Divine Companion) to the next world. The Prophet (S) uttered this sentence and passed away on Monday 28th Safar 11 A.H. He was 63 years old.

As the sound of mourning rose from the house of the Prophet (S) the people outside knew that he had breathed his last. Soon afterwards the news of his death spread throughout Madina, plunging everyone into sorrow. Imam Ali (A) bathed (ghusl) the sacred body of the Prophet (S) and shrouded ( put on kafan) him.

The Prophet (S) had directed that his body should be bathed by one who was nearest to him, and such a person could be none else than Imam Ali (A).

The first person to offer the funeral prayers for the Prophet (S) was Imam Ali (A).

Thereafter the companions came in groups and offered prayers, and this practice continued till noon on Tuesday. It was then decided to bury the Prophet (S) in the same house where he had passed away.

It was a most tragic event. The great personality who had changed the future of humanity with his efforts and sacrifice was no more.

The Prophet (S) had made a great contribution to the welfare of humanity at large. He had spread the message of Allah, practising the religion himself and then asking others to follow him.

He had established the rights of people when everywhere their rights were being violated; he had spread justice when tyranny was the norm; he introduced equality at a time when discrimination was so common; and he gave freedom to the people when they were suppressed by injustice. He had faithfully carried out the great mission entrusted to him by Allah.

The Prophet (S) had always told the people, "I have only been sent to perfect your Akhlaq (moral character.)" In appreciation of the character of the Prophet (S) himself, the Holy Qur'an testifies:

"(O Our Prophet,) Verily for you there is a great unending reward. And most certainly you have outstanding Akhlaq."

May Allah send His blessings on the Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (S) and his Progeny.