A Source of Eternal Inspiration and Guidance.

A Source of Eternal Inspiration and Guidance.

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-‘ālamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, is His Messenger

By Khalid Al- Maeena.

The Prophet of Islam and the Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) was born on Rabiul Awwal 12. His birth took place in a simple house in Makkah on a Monday in the Year of the Elephant, which corresponds to 571 C.E. His father, Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib, and mother, Amina bint Wahab, were well-known people. The Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) never knew his father, who had died in the months before his birth. It was left to his grandfather to name him Muhammad.

It is incumbent upon Muslims to know the importance of this noble Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) and to abide by the Qur’an, which was revealed to him. They should also emulate his behavior and attach importance to the call of tawhid (monotheism) with which he began his message, as shown in Allah’s direction in the Qur’an: “Say (Muhammad), I pray unto Allah only, and I ascribe to Him no partner.” (Surat Al-Jinn 72:20).

The Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) is the role model for every Muslim. We should follow his guidance in all things, large and small. Almighty Allah has blessed this Ummah by preserving the Sunnah and Sirah of His Messenger. Despite the passage of time, both remain as though you were seeing and hearing them today. They provide a living example of the life of the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam). They also instill love and respect for him in the hearts of Muslims. Allah says in the Qur’an: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah, you have a good example to follow.” (Surat Al-Ahzab: 33:21).

It is important that when facing the many challenges today we seek guidance from the Holy Qur’an and follow the teachings of the Prophet(Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam). The world is passing through a very challenging period. Wars, famine, hunger and disease are ravaging parts of the globe. In some societies, life is far from trouble-free. We find violence in schools and on the streets, depression, poverty, dysfunctional families and a host of other problems that appear to be proliferating instead of showing signs of abating, no matter what measures are used to try to stem the tide of misery.

In the Muslim world, too there is a crisis of identity. While social problems are few thanks to our strong family values, there is a growing indifference to other challenges that confront us. Intolerance is a rising menace. There are extremism, obscurantism and a growing habit of blaming others for our own ills. As a people, we are not given to soul-searching or introspection. We have failed to question why we are in this position.

What have we done to alleviate our own suffering? We snivel in mortification and we wallow in self-pity, unable to muster the courage to call a spade a spade and find solutions to our problems. We do not have to copy others. The life of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) is itself a beacon of light — a light of guidance that, if only we follow it, will lead us to safety. Those of us who are in prominent positions in society should lead by example, for it would be disastrous if we ourselves lacked true awareness and piety.

If we love the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam)  and believe in his message, then we have to follow his sunnah in everything we do.

We must leave behind anything that is abominable — all that is indecent, whether in speech or in action. If an injustice is done to you, respond with a kind act by forgiving the one who wronged you. Do not take revenge; vengeance is the province of Allah. Free yourself by forgiving others and working to strengthen your relationships.

Never forget that the Prophet (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) has always extolled the virtue of tolerance.

Avoid blaming or being harsh to your servants, colleagues, children, students and spouses when they do not perform their duties to the required standard or the standard you expect of them.

Do not hesitate to kind to all makhluk and help the weak, the needy and women; and walk in their midst without arrogance or superiority. Work hard and share with other workers, even if your work is digging in the ground or removing rubble; and be happy in carrying out the tasks you are performing to show your humility.

Avoid using abusive or rude language, even in jest. Do not direct evil deeds at any of your brothers or sisters. Let politeness and propriety in speech be your way of life. Be merciful to people and to animals. Be unafraid to speak the truth, even if it is against you.

We must have role models. Let us seek them from people around us but never forget the one God has sent as a Messenger. Of all the prophets, there is none whose life has been as open to scrutiny and transparent as that of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam).

We owe it to ourselves to research his life and study his character, his dealings with people, and his manners. That itself would be an ennobling experience — something that would enrich us and make our lives rewarding and illuminating.

“Allāhumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala āli Muhammad kamā sallaita ‘ala āli Ibrāhīm; Wa bārik ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala āli Muhammad kama bārakta ‘ala āli Ibrāhīm, fil-‘ālamīn; Innaka Hamīdun Majīd”

(O Allāh! Send Prayers upon Muhammad and the members of his household as You Sent Prayers upon the members of Ibrahim's household; And Send Blessings to Muhammad and the members of his household as You  granted Blessings upon the members of the household of Ibrahim, among all the nations’ Verily You are Most Praiseworthy, Full of Glory)”.[Muslim]

And Allāh Almighty Knows best.