Part 4 Al-Qaswa' (القصواء) - The Prophet’s Camel During the Khutbah Wida'

Al-Qaswa' (القصواء) was the beloved camel of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), renowned in Islamic history. It was not merely a means of transportation; rather, it played significant roles in key historical events, including the Prophet’s migration (Hijrah), selecting the site of the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid Nabawi) in Madinah, and notably, during his Farewell Sermon (Khutbah Wida')—his final testament to the Muslim Ummah.

Al-Qaswa' During the Farewell Sermon (Khutbah Wida')

The Farewell Sermon was delivered by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on the 9th Zulhijjah, in the 10th year of Hijrah (632 CE), at Arafah. During this historical event, the Prophet SAW delivered his sermon while mounted on Al-Qaswa', ensuring clear visibility and audibility for over 100,000 companions and pilgrims present at that time.

This event was explicitly recorded by Jabir bin Abdullah, who narrated:

"I saw the Messenger of Allah (SAW) during his Hajj on the day of Arafah. He was upon his camel, Al-Qaswa', delivering his sermon…" (Hadith narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawud, and Tirmidhi)

The Significance and Special Features of Al-Qaswa'

1. The Camel Used During the Hijrah (Migration)

Al-Qaswa' was the camel chosen by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for the historic migration (Hijrah) from Mecca to Medina, accompanied by his loyal companion, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq. The Hijrah was a pivotal turning point symbolizing sacrifice, patience, and the eventual success of Islam's establishment in Medina.

The use of the same camel during the Farewell Sermon symbolically marked the completion of the Prophet’s mission from the very beginning of the migration until the perfecting of Islam during Hajj Wida'.

2. Al-Qaswa' Selecting the Site for Masjid Nabawi

Al-Qaswa' also played a critical role after the Hijrah by selecting the location for the construction of Masjid Nabawi in Medina. Regarding this selection, the Prophet (SAW) stated:

"Leave the camel alone, for indeed it is guided by Allah."
(Sirah Ibn Hisham)

Al-Qaswa' stopped at an open land owned by two orphan boys from Bani Najjar. This exact location became the site of Masjid Nabawi, which evolved into the center of guidance and leadership for the Muslim community.

Significance and Symbolism of Al-Qaswa'

1. Symbolizing Clarity and Elevation of Islamic Message

Prophet Muhammad’s elevated position atop Al-Qaswa' during the Farewell Sermon symbolizes the clarity, openness, and accessibility of Islam’s message. It emphasized the importance of communicating Islam transparently and distinctly, without doubt or ambiguity.

2. Symbolizing Stability and Completion of Islam

The calm and steady nature of Al-Qaswa' symbolically represents the stability and completeness of Islam as a perfected faith. Its presence at the delivery of the Prophet’s final testament marked the completion of divine revelation and affirmed the solidity and serenity inherent in Islam.

3. Demonstrating Prophet’s Humility and Simplicity

Despite his status as a great leader, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) chose a camel, a humble animal associated with desert simplicity, demonstrating his humility and emphasizing simplicity as an essential principle in Islam.

4. Symbolic Continuity of Islamic History

Al-Qaswa's presence connected significant milestones in Islamic history—from the Hijrah to the establishment of Masjid Nabawi, culminating in the final testament of Khutbah Wida'. Thus, it symbolizes the continuity and completeness of the Prophet's mission from the beginning until its fulfillment.

Prophet’s Motives for Using Al-Qaswa'

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had clear motives for choosing Al-Qaswa' during his final sermon:

• Effective Communication: The camel’s elevated position allowed clear visibility and ensured effective communication to all present.
• Historical Continuity: Al-Qaswa' symbolically linked the Prophet's initial migration journey with the completion of his prophetic mission during the Farewell Pilgrimage.
• Lesson of Simplicity: It provided a living example of humility, simplicity, and calmness—key characteristics emphasized by Islam.

Connecting Al-Qaswa' with the Concept of Tsaqalain

The symbolic use of Al-Qaswa' during the Khutbah Wida' strongly relates to the concept of Tsaqalain—the two weighty things entrusted by the Prophet to his Ummah: the Book of Allah (Kitabullah) and his lineage, Itrati Ahlul Baiti.

Just as Al-Qaswa' was instrumental during the Hijrah, representing the starting point of Islam’s rise, and in choosing the site of Masjid Nabawi—the central guiding point of Islamic civilization—its use during the Khutbah Wida' symbolizes the continuity and completeness of the Prophet's mission. Thus, the two precious legacies (Tsaqalain) must continuously be held firmly by Muslims to remain on the straight path, as outlined clearly by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from the Hijrah until the end of his life.

Conclusion

Al-Qaswa' was not merely a camel; it represented a powerful historical and symbolic figure in the journey of Islam and the Prophet's mission. From the migration to the founding of Masjid Nabawi, and finally to the Farewell Sermon, Al-Qaswa' was a witness to Islam’s completion and perfection. Its role during the Prophet's final testament highlights the completeness, stability, simplicity, humility, and continuity of Islam's teachings.

By appreciating Al-Qaswa's significance, Muslims can better understand and embody the profound messages contained within the Farewell Sermon and adhere strongly to the Prophet’s eternal guidance through the legacy of Tsaqalain.