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28th August 2026
The Wheelchair That I’ll Never Forget: What I Saw in India
As Rabi‘ al-Awwal arrives, Muslims around the world turn their hearts towards the life, character and legacy of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
It’s a month that invites us to remember the man who was sent as a mercy to the worlds. But remembering the Prophet ﷺ isn’t only about learning about his life. It’s also about asking how we can follow his example in our own lives.
Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) says:
“And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.”- Qur’an 21:107
So, what did that mercy look like in practice? And how can we make it part of our lives today?
What did the Prophet’s ﷺ mercy look like?
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ showed mercy through the way he treated the people around him.
He cared for those who were vulnerable, encouraged generosity and reminded his companions of their responsibilities towards people in need. His compassion extended to orphans, the poor, the hungry and those who had little support of their own.
His mercy wasn’t simply something to admire. It was something to follow.
That gives us an important question to consider this Rabi‘ al-Awwal:
If the Prophet ﷺ was a mercy to those around him, how can we become a source of mercy to others today?
Showing mercy to orphans
Few people understood the vulnerability of being an orphan better than the Prophet ﷺ himself.
He lost his father before he was born and his mother when he was still a young child. Throughout his life, he encouraged Muslims to care for orphaned children and treat them with kindness, dignity and compassion.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“I and the one who cares for an orphan will be like this in Paradise.”
He then indicated with his index and middle fingers. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
It’s a powerful reminder of the status given to those who care for children who have lost their parents.
Today, millions of children around the world are growing up without one or both parents, facing poverty, displacement, hunger and uncertainty.
If we want to follow the mercy the Prophet ﷺ showed, caring for vulnerable children is one meaningful way to put that example into action.
Mercy goes beyond orphan sponsorship
The Prophet’s ﷺ example of mercy wasn’t limited to one group of people.
Today, people around the world are facing hunger, displacement, poverty, unsafe water and humanitarian crises. They may be thousands of miles away, but they are still people in need of mercy.
And we can respond. Whether it’s helping provide food to a family facing hunger, clean water to a community experiencing water shortages, or emergency assistance to people affected by crisis, every act of generosity can be a practical expression of compassion.
This is what mercy in action can look like.
How can we turn remembrance into action?
Rabi‘ al-Awwal naturally encourages us to reflect on the life and character of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
- We can remember him.
- We can learn from him.
- We can send salawat upon him.
- And we can follow his example.
That could mean showing more patience with someone who is struggling. Checking in on someone who is alone. Helping a neighbour. Feeding someone who is hungry. Supporting an orphan. Giving what we can to people facing hardship. Because loving the Prophet ﷺ isn’t only about remembering the mercy he showed. It’s also about trying to carry that mercy forward.
Be a mercy to someone this Rabi‘ al-Awwal
There are people who need mercy today.
Rabi‘ al-Awwal gives us an opportunity to respond to that need and turn reflection into meaningful action. Our Rabi‘ al-Awwal appeal brings together opportunities to support people in need, including orphan sponsorship, food, water and other vital assistance.
Whether you choose to support an orphan or help provide essential aid to a family facing hardship, your generosity can help bring relief to someone who needs it.
Make mercy a daily habit
Mercy doesn’t have to be a one-off act.
In fact, one of the most beautiful ways to respond to the Prophetic example is to make generosity a consistent part of our lives.
Our automated Rabi‘ al-Awwal giving makes this easier by allowing supporters to schedule one donation that is distributed across the 12 days of Rabi‘ al-Awwal. This means your Sadaqah can become a daily act of generosity throughout the month.
Instead of remembering to give each day, you can set it up once and let your giving continue. One act of generosity can become 12 days of mercy.
Let his legacy live through you
Rabi‘ al-Awwal is a time to reflect on the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the mercy he brought to the world. But perhaps the best way to honour that example is not simply to remember it, it’s to live it.
To notice those who are struggling. To care for those who are vulnerable. To give when we can. And to make mercy a part of our everyday lives.
This Rabi‘ al-Awwal, let the mercy of the Prophet ﷺ inspire action.
