Embracing the light

Today is the birthday of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

Our beloved Prophet was born in Mecca on this day, the 12th day of Rabi Al-Awwal, in the year 570 AD – this day is known as Mawlid al-Nabi. He (ﷺ) was the son of Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib (RA) and Amina bint Wahb (RA), though his life with his parents was sadly short lived. The Prophet (ﷺ) lost his father before he was born and lost his mother to an illness at the tender age of six. He was then raised under the care of his grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib (RA), and paternal uncle, Abu Talib (RA).  

Proving the need for a figure to lead the world towards the beauty of Tawheed (Unity), his birth had been anticipated for a long time by some of the greatest prophets of every monotheistic religion. The Holy Qur’an mentions: 

“And remember when Isa, the son of Maryam, said, “O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah [sent] to you, confirming the Torah (Law) [which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad”’. [The Noble Qur’an, 61:6] 

In yet another example of how much the greatest men in the course of history, had yearned for his (ﷺ) arrival to help us reach salvation, the Qur’an also mentions the prayer of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) where they said: 

“Our Lord, send among them a messenger from themselves who will recite to them Your verses and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them. Indeed, You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise.’ [The Noble Qur’an, 2:129] 

We know that one of Allah’s (SWT) Asma ul-Husna is النور An-Nur which means The Light that is a guidance for all creations. And Our Lord chose Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to be the light who helped us emerge from the darkness of evil, by guiding us towards the main source of that Light, towards the Oneness of Allah (SWT). 

It was also on the 12th of Rabi’ Al Awwal that our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) passed away, Inna Lillahi Wa Innah Illahi Rajioon, leaving behind the greatest legacy and teachings that have shaped the way in which we live our lives today, and influenced not just Muslims, but people from all walks of life – Subhan'Allah. 

His character personified the meaning of purity while his conduct brimmed with humility and truthfulness, that attracted friends and foes whether in Arabia or afar. 

While we are incredibly familiar with the historical praising and emulating of the teachings of our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) by Muslims in all corners of the world, history is also replete with influential figures of other faiths mentioning Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) with great admiration and as a role model for leaders of all times. At one such instance, famous British social reformer, writer, and orator Annie Besant once said, “It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme.” Annie Besant’s admiration for the Prophet (ﷺ) transcends through religious identities and it would not be wrong to express how it is not confined to the Muslim world. Any one of us who loves the idea of human justice, social equality and compassion could find a sense of belonging to the ideology of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). 

On this blessed birthday of our beloved Prophet (ﷺ), let us all soak in the light of his wisdom and try to reinvent ourselves in the following ways: 

-Strengthen our relationship with Allah (SWT) by being on time for our daily conversations with Him, five times a day. 

-Build a strong moral character (Akhlaq) by emulating our beloved Prophet’s (ﷺ) characteristics of Al-Amin (The Trustworthy), Al-Sadiq (The Truthful) and being compassionate towards not just humans, but birds and animals too. 

-Maintain balance (moderation) in daily life by avoiding extremes in religious practices and worldly affairs to achieve self-fulfillment. 

-Promote justice and fairness, be it within the family, for neighbours or co-workers, let’s embody the Prophet’s (ﷺ) example of selflessness and solidarity. 

-Endure hardships with patience by adopting a mindset of forgiveness and forbearance. It not only helps us heal from past wounds but also creates a more peaceful world. 

 - Honour the life our noble Prophet (ﷺ) lived as an orphan by supporting orphan children around the world: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this,” putting his index and middle fingers together. (Sahih Bukhari) 

Click here to sponsor an orphan child today: https://pennyappeal.org/appeal/orphankind 

-Lastly, let us serve humanity with compassion and kindness. You can learn about various means to offer compassion through Penny Appeal here. 

Remember, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Give glad tidings and do not scare people away. Make things easy and do not make things difficult" (Sahih Muslim). On his birthday, let us look deep into our souls and work on our flaws by reflecting on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). 

Let’s reinvent ourselves and become the Ummah that he (ﷺ) would be proud of, Insha’Allah.