Questions about Prophet Muhammad's last sermon

I have a couple of questions about Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) last sermon. As there are [different versions](http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Last_Sermon_of_Muhammad) as well as [variant translations](https://islam.stackexchange.com/questions/3032/is-prophet-muhammads-last-sermon-an-accurate-translation) of this sermon in circulation, I have included the copy I am asking about at the end of this question if anyone wants to go over it (I got it in an email). Anyway, on to the questions: 1. In the beginning of this sermon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) talks about he not knowing if he'll be alive after that year. **Did he know when he was going to die?** 2. In the sermon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says to be aware of Satan because he cannot lead you astray in big things so be aware of following him in small things. **What does he mean when he talks about big things vs. small things?** For instance, what makes a sin big vs. small? ---------- **The Prophet's Last Sermon:** (emphasis mine) > > O People, lend me an attentive ear, > ***for I don't know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again.*** > Therefore listen to what I am saying to you carefully and take these > words to those who could not be present here today. > > O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as > Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred > trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. > Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed > meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allaah has > forbidden you to take usury (Interest), therefore all interest > obligation shall henceforth be waived... > > Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. > ***He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.*** > > > O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your > women, but they also have right over you. If they abide by your right > then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do > treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners > and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make > friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to > commit adultery. > > > O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allaah, say your five daily > prayers (Salaah), fast during the month of Ramadaan, and give your > wealth in Zakaat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that > every Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. > Nobody has superiority over other except by piety and good action. > > Remember, one day you will appear before Allaah and answer for your > deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I > am gone. > > > O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith > will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my > words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur'an > and my example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go > astray. > > All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those > to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than > those who listen to me directly. > > Be my witness oh Allaah that I have conveyed your message to your > people.