The explanation of the Council of the Prophet (pbuh)

As found in the hadith of Al-Irabad ibn Sariyah

Of the emeritus and great scholar Dr Sâlih ibn Fawzân Al-Fawzân

شرح وصية النبي كما في حديث العرباض بن سارية

The Prophet ﷺ was careful to exhort his companions, not every day, but from time to time. The sermon is therefore part of his guidance ﷺ, applying the Word of the Most High:

وَعِظْهُمْ وَقُل لَّهُمْ فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ قَوْلًا بَلِيغًا

“…admonish them, and speak to them convincing words about themselves.” [An-Nisa': 63]

Al-Irbad Ibn Sâriyah said: “So he gave us an eloquent sermon…”, and there is no doubt that the sermon has an effect on the heart of the one who listens to it; and that its traces will remain if it comes from a sincere adviser, who follows the Book and the Sunnah. “…As if it were the sermon of someone saying goodbye…”, i.e. as if it were the conclusion of the life of the Prophet ﷺ “…advise us SO." For he who bids farewell advises those who remain behind him of important things.

He says ﷺ: “I advise you to fear Allah, and to listen and obey, even to an Abyssinian slave. For surely any one of you who lives after me will see much dissension. So cling to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Caliphs. Hold onto it and bite into it with your molars. And beware of inventions, for every invention is innovation and every innovation is misguidance.”

Sheikh Salih Al-Fawzan