By Imam Abass Umar Abdul Karim (Deputy Imam, National Police Mosque)
INTRODUCTION
What a great light that overwhelms the universe when hearts are engulfed in faith and virtue! When darkness fades away and vanishes from people’s souls once they repent to Allah, understand His commands and teachings and respond to the call that guides them to the straightforward path!
The above poetic words coincide with a heavenly occasion that overshadows our lives and permeates our unrepentedsouls that are almost controlled by disobedience and ingratitude. This occasion is the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). His birth was clearly a great blessing and an unparalleled favour upon the whole world.
This occasion also reminds us of the Prophet’s (pbuh) mission that was the glimpse of hope for the whole universe after a long dark night. It also reminds us of his emigration to Madinah which conveyed the “D`awah” from the stage of just calling people to embrace Islam to the actual application of the religion. The Muslim State was established in Madinahafter the Prophet (pbuh) had spent thirteen years in Makka, a period unprecedented in the history of humanity.
It was a clear example of adhering to faith and belief and sticking to patience once a person is exposed to trials and tribulations which only served to increase his faith and submission to his Lord just as gold becomes brighter and softer when it is exposed to fire. Once the Prophet (pbuh) reached Madinah, he started to build the model Muslim society with the help of the believers.
From this perspective, we remember the fragrant biography of the Prophet (pbhh) which is a story of guidance and Jihad (struggle). It has been a model to be followed and evidence for shouldering the responsibility and bearing the consequences. His (pbuh) life is a methodology of guidance from which only the impulsive would deviate. It is a convincing proof that Islam is a mission of truth, straightforwardness and veracity of which the human being is made aware after having been lost in the midst of lack of direction.
THE PROPHET AND HIS MISSION
The Islamic mission directs the human being towards his natural disposition where he feels complete balance between his instincts, mental state, passions, and yearnings of the heart, inclinations, wants and desires. It is enough for any mission to do so. Yet, Islam does more. It never tears apart a human being’s natural disposition nor does it put extra weight on one aspect at the expense of another. Even more, Islam is keen to preserve dignity, honour and whatever leads to attaining true human character.
Islam prepares its followers to shape history with confidence and self-assurance. It makes them realize their true position and status in the universe. It causes them to relate to Allah, the Almighty, to other people and to the whole universe on a basis of values and principles that provide for their happiness in this worldly life as well as the Hereafter.
Allah bestowed His grace on us twice. Firstly by revealing the Islamic mission to His selected Prophet (pbuh) and making his biography a model to be followed and an expression of this mission. Secondly by preserving His Book (the Holy Qur’an) as it has been revealed without the least distortion. Allah also made it easy for some of His pious worshippers to preserve the Sunnah and biography of the Prophet (pbuh).
THE PROPHET, OUR LOVE
When we think about Allah’s revelation and the Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh), our law and guide, we find that loving and believing in the Prophet (pbuh) is part and parcel of faith. Allah says: “But no, by thy Lord, they can have no (real) Faith, until they make thee judge in all disputes between them.” (Quran 4: 65).
Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) said: “None of you will be a believer until his inclinations and disposition are subservient to the Holy Qur’an and to what I have said”. In another narration he also said: “None of you will be a believer until I am to him more beloved than his family, money, children, and his soul.”
We found no one more loving to the Prophet (pbuh) than his Companions who are the best generation as Allah said: “You are the best of Peoples, evolved for mankind.” (Quran 3: 110).
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The best generation is mine, and then those and that followed them and then those that followed them.” We have good evidence of this in what Khubaib bin `Adi said when the polytheists took him for crucifixion after they had been treacherous to him.
The Companions’ belief and love for the Prophet (pbuh) was not shown in the form of a birthday celebration or a day held in memory of him, or a few days and nights spent in remembrance of him, his life history (Seerah) and traditions (Sunnah). No, the proof of their true love and belief in the Prophet (pbuh) was in following his Sunnah as Allah says: “You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct).” (Quran 33: 21). He, the Almighty, also says: “Say thou: “This is my Way: I do invite unto Allah – on evidence clear as the seeing with one’s eyes – I and whoever follows me. Glory to Allah! and never will I join gods with Allah!” (Quran 3: 31).
THE PROPHET, OUR GUIDE AND ROLE MODEL
Allah, the Almighty, who sent Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and decreed that belief in His Oneness is parallel to the belief in Muhammad’s mission. It is also Allah Who made Muhammad (pbuh) the good example to be followed as set out clearly in the Holy Qur’an. How is this? The Prophet’s life (pbuh), sayings, deeds, and dealings with life’s daily affairs in the light of the Book revealed to him are all true expressions and practical examples of the divine mission.
It is a gross misunderstanding to restrict following the Prophet (pbuh) to some acts of devotion and certain moral aspects, while following the example of other people in other aspects of life. It is a manifestation of a lack of gratitude for the Prophet’s mission and the history of his (pbuh) life to believe in some rulings and reject others. There is no separation between the Prophet’s mission and the Prophet of Islam (pbuh) himself who settled all affairs of this life as they should be and he (pbuh) has even set a practical example for each Qur’anic verse.
Therefore, true celebration of the birthday of the Prophet (pbuh) means that we should follow the very same path upon which he (pbuh) trod calling people to believe in Allah. He (pbuh) dedicated all his life to save humanity in its entirety.
Undoubtedly, the most distinguished period in our history was known for its enthusiasm for calling people to embrace Islam and following the methodology of Da`wah as revealed by Allah to His Prophet (pbuh). Allah says: “Say ( OMuhammad) : this is my way: I do invite unto Allah, on evidence clear as the seeing with one’s eyes, I and whoever follows me. Glory to Allah and never will I join gods with Allah.” (11: 108).
O Allah, we reject this ingratitude shown towards thebiography of our Prophet (pbuh). This biography is a responsibility appointed to this nation, especially to the rulers and intellectuals. Hereby I end my sermon and I ask forgiveness for you, all Muslims and for myself. What a grace obtained by those who ask for forgiveness! Ask Allah for forgiveness, for He is All Forgiving and All Merciful.
REFLECTIONS
Every year around 12 Rabi ul Awwal, the Muslim world once again wakes up from its slumber and starts the ritual of praises of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Articles are published and speeches are delivered focusing on every aspect of the Prophet’s life.
People are inspired by the character and the wisdom reflected in his actions. Yet memory is short lived and after a few days of celebrations, he is once again forgotten only to be remembered during the Friday sermons and an occasional gathering.
Within a short span of 23 years, Prophet Muhammad succeeded in establishing a state run by a community that had disciplined itself in following the eternal principles of justice and equality in all aspects of life. In an age where mass communication was by word of mouth only, the mission of one Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) had become the call of over a million people.
He stood up for the rights of the neglected and marginalised and showed the utmost respect to those ordinary men and women who used legitimate means to earn their livelihood in a manner sanctioned by the divine guidance.
He was commissioned by the All Mighty to instill in humanity respect for character, sincerity and labour of all people. He worked to establish a culture where human resources would not be exploited by the powerful to serve their tribal and political interests. He visualised a world where people would rise about their sectarian and racial differences to identify with the concept of oneness of humanity. His plea was simple. Every human being has the capacity to discover his humanity to create a better environment for each and every human being and to live a dignified life.
CONCLUSIONS
Some 1440 years after his physical departure from the world, the number of those who love him has increased by millions and the number of those who are willing to sacrifice for him has also multiplied. But not many are there to live for him and live according to his teachings.
Against his teachings, the Ummah is divided on sectarian lines, Shia, Sunnis, Ahamadis, Suffis and others. Every sect wants to own him and claims that it is following his path. Where is the sense of loyalty to him? What happened to his teachings that reminded people that you are one people and if one suffers then the others feel the pain.
On the contrary, some of those who swear by his name take pride in killing each other in his name. In past years, various sects and parties of Muslims have killed each other in thousands and their leadership promises them a guaranty of paradise. How do these people celebrate the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) when they cannot even overcome their petty sectarianism? How do these people celebrate the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) when they are promoting bloodshed of the innocent?
With the example of his personal life, the Prophet encouraged a peaceful family life where love and compassion would dominate the behavior among spouses. Yet greater number of Muslim women suffer from some kind of domestic violence. Various injustices and inequalities are perpetrated all over the world every year by all kind of people including Muslims who claim their loyalty to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). How do these people identify with his life when they are violating every principle that he stood for?
The Prophet inspired the aspect of justice when he urged believers to give a labor his wages before his sweat is dried. But what an irony that the people who build mosques in his name, and monuments to civilizations give little concern to the rights of the employees.
As the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) we must take stock of our actions and make sure we work to build a model character within ourselves and our families.
By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), – Verily Man is in loss, – Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. (Quran 103:1-3)
We should understand that his struggles and his teachings were not only meant to be marveled during public meetings but to be lived in every day life. As His Eminence, the National Chief Imam has often preached, the true respect to the Prophet is when the principles that he stood for are lived by his followers. Otherwise, whatever we say and do will be nothing more than a ritual.
The fact that the Prophet was chosen by the Divine to communicate His message for the last time to humanity should remind us of our responsibility to humanity.
Let us remember the Prophet by striving within ourselves to build a model character.
You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in God and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of God. (Quran 33:21)
The day of the Prophet’s birth should be a day of joy where we can all produce results for a better humanity as a sign of our commitment to him.
You May contact the writer through sultanimamabass001971@live.com
