My dear brothers and sisters in Islam and humanity: on this joyful occasion of observing the birth and life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), I extend greetings to you on behalf of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana. May Allah (SWT) bless us and accept all our devotion and service. Aameen.
Our perpetual love for Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) is the framework by which every Muslim lives his life; and what a beautiful life we will have if we are guided by the Prophet’s (SAWS) exemplary conduct. He (SAWS) taught and reminded us to be obedient to Allah (SWT), encouraged us to engage with the Holy Quran, to always keep learning, to remain humble, to treat our neighbours well, never hold a grudge; instead, withhold your anger, respond with forgiveness. These are among the many traits that would ensure our felicity in this life and the next.
We are reminded in many narrations that when the Prophet (SAWS) was born, the thrones of kings shook, palaces crumbled, idols in the Kabaa fell, and fires of worship were extinguished. These signs were evidence of the power and favour that Allah (SWT) would bestow on his Final Messenger.
Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) suffered many hardships as an orphan and an adult. He (SAWS) endured years of persecution before He (SAWS) marched triumphantly into the city of his birth at the head of the largest army ever assembled in Arabian history. Makkah was conquered without any bloodshed by an army of 10,000 believers led by the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).
Through it all, the Prophet (SAWS) remained faithful and set the example of how to live in a manner that is pleasing to Allah (SWT). The Prophet (SAWS) was humble, loyal, honest, patient, considerate, compassionate, and merciful. The Prophet’s (SAWS) character was of such high moral excellence that even his enemies testified to it, and he was known among his people as al-Amîn — the Trustworthy.
Allah (SWT) confirmed: And verily, you (O Muhammad) are of the highest standard of character (Quran 68:4)
Stories abound about Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWS) patience, loyalty, and compassion to all around him. He (SAWS) was consistently kind and considerate to his family, his followers, his detractors, and to every living creature, including animals and trees.
The Prophet (SAWS) reminded us: “…verily, Allah is kind (gentle) and He loves kindness (gentleness) and confers upon kindness which he does not confer upon severity…” Sahih Muslim 2593.
The occasion of celebrating the birth and life of our Master and Guide, our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), should be used to strengthen our will to follow His (SAWS) prophetic example.
Let us reflect on his message: “Wealth, social position and racial superiority do not give special status to anyone; all of you are equal in the eyes of God. It is only the path of righteousness, which makes you a distinguished human being.”
His dying words were filled with care, concern and a recipe for success: “Treat your women well, and do not oppress your servants, the prayer, the prayer, don’t be neglectful of the prayer. O God, my highest companion, my highest companion.”
Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) displayed a true and abiding love for His followers, and offered ceaseless prayers on our behalf for protection, guidance, mercy, and forgiveness. In return, we offer prayers of gratitude and respect and love, and we strive to follow His example so that we can be worthy to obtain His intercession to help us enter paradise.
Let the noble birth of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) be a new beginning for us to evaluate where we are in emulating the beautiful Prophetic character of the best of creation. Let us sincerely ask ourselves: How far have we progressed in our obedience to Allah (SWT)? How much of the Holy Quran do we read and reflect on in our daily lives? Are our experiences in life uplifting us? Are we good and truthful to our families, neighbours and friends? Do we withhold being angry and respond with forgiveness? Unless we can all refine our characters, only then can we find true felicity in this life and the next, and then and only then can we claim to truly love Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).
There is much work for all of us to do.
I ask Allah (SWT) to bless all of you as we join in praising our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAWS): O Allah, bless our Master Muhammad, who opened what was closed and sealed what was before. He makes the truth victorious, and He is the guide to Your Straight Path. And bless His Household as it befits His immense stature and splendour.
Oh Allah! Bestow Your Mercy and Blessings upon Muhammad whenever He is remembered, and bestow Your Mercy and Blessings upon Muhammad whenever He is not remembered.
May the Peace and Blessing of the Most Merciful be upon each and everyone. Wa-Alaikumus-Salaam WaRahmatullahi-WaBarakaatuh.
Al-Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad
President, CIOG
