Friday Sermon - Emulating Prophet's character in us

Islamic Religious Council of Singapore
Friday Sermon
28 March 2008 / 20 Rabiulawal 1429

(3rd of Maulid Series)
Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h as a Blessing to All
My dearest brothers, may we all gain the blessings of Allah,
Let us remain truly conscious of Allah through taqwa. Taqwa that will develop in us the love for Allah s.w.t. and His beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Taqwa that is further developed when we follow his footsteps and emulate his examples. Such will enable us to bring blessings and mercy to everyone around us.

Last week, we reinforced our commitment to recite the selawat upon our beloved Prophet s.a.w., as a sign of our love for him. We have also promised to follow his footsteps and beautiful character that bring blessings to others.
This week, let us learn how we can bring blessings to anyone around us, as taught by our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

My dear brothers,
In the Islamic history (sirah), it is reported the story of an old Jewish lady who hated the Prophet s.a.w. She would litter the path of the Prophet s.a.w. with thorns and waste. The Prophet s.a.w. ignored her actions, and removed the litter so that others would not be hurt by it if they take the path. One day, the path was clear of any litter. The Prophet s.a.w. asked those who sat around the path what happened to the old lady. They responded that she was not well and was resting at home. The Prophet s.a.w remarked ”Poor lady, she must be very sad. Let’s pay her a visit.”

The Prophet s.a.w. went to her house, together with several companions. The Prophet bought some sweets as a gift to the old lady. Upon reaching her house, they sought permission to enter. The old lady was shocked to learn who had come to visit her. She felt embarrassed too. The Prophet s.a.w. presented the sweets, whilst asking after her. She relayed news of her illness to the Prophet s.a.w. Soon after, the Prophet raised his hands in prayer for the lady. Allah s.w.t. the Most Benevolent would not reject the prayers of His most beloved Prophet. The old lady felt better and was able to sit up. She wept out of sheer intrigue, and said”I never expected you to be so concerned with what befalls me. This, despite the fact that I hated you and did everything to hurt you. From this moment, I declare my faith as a Muslim.” She then recited the syahadah.
Let’s pause for a moment and reflect upon the beauty of the Prophet’s character. His boundless kindness, which had such a profound effect on a person who hated him that she repented and embraced the faith. That is the beauty of Rasulullah’s character.

This is in accordance to what Allah has said in the Holy Quran:
Which means: “and We have sent thee not but as a mercy to all the universe.”
( Surah Al-Anbiya: 107)

Let us reflect: how would we act if we are in the same situation? Can we show the same strength and pureness of character that Rasulullah has, no matter to whom? Can we repay an evil deed with kindness? Can we bring goodness even in the face of challenges?

My dear brothers,
We can still contribute and bring benefit to others although we face very difficult challenges in our lives today.

If we look at the example of our Prophet s.a.w., he always brought goodness to others at all times. In each of his role, whether as a husband, father, neighbour, leader or general, the Prophet remained compassionate and exhibited the best of moral character. He was concerned with what happens to others. He was very affected by the tribulations that afflict others. He loves his ummah dearly. These are the characteristics of our Holy Prophet s.a.w. at all times and in facing all challenges. Allah states this in the Holy Quran:

"Now has come unto you a Messenger from amongst yourselves: it grieves him that you should perish: ardently anxious is he over you: to the believers is he most kind and merciful.”
(Surah At-Taubah verse 128)

Thus, my dear brothers, in facing the challenges of today, we must always seek the path of spreading compassion and blessings to others. Lets think of how others can enjoy the mercy and blessings of Islam through our personality and actions. What we therefore need to do is to embody the examples of the Holy Prophet s.a.w.

Firstly: We must be aware and concerned with all that happen around us. We need to know what happen to our families such as our children and wife, our relatives, neighbours and also friends. Share with them our concern and sorrow for them in times of need, in a kind and compassionate manner.

Secondly: Offer our help and assistance to them. We should not only be concerned, but instead, manifest our concern in offering assistance to those in need, either through financial means, or guidance, motivation and other ways possible. Any of these help will ease the burden on those going through periods of hardship in their lives.

Finally: In face of adversity and challenges, either to ourselves or our families, we must remember how our Prophet s.a.w. reacted. He had always remained patient and sought goodness to those who had hurt him. Let us follow his examples in doing good and bringing blessings and compassion to all. Leave the outcomes to Allah. As Allah says in Surah At-Taubah:
Which means: “But if they turn back, say: Allah is sufficient for me, there is no god but He; on Him do I rely, and He is the Lord of mighty power.”
(Surah At-Taubah verse 129)


Hopefully, with sincere love for Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., and by emulating his honourable personality, our community will stand firm with an honourable Muslim identity. We can become a community with a deep sense of kindness (ihsan) and desire to brings blessings to all. This is the essence of our Singaporean Muslim Identity that we aspire to forge together, InshaAllah.