By Kabir Alabi Garba

O Prophet! Indeed, We have sent you as a witness to all the world; and as a bearer of glad tidings of everlasting delight in Paradise (to those who believe); and as a forewarner to humanity of God’s nearing judgement; and a caller to God, by His permission; and as a luminous beacon to all nations.Qur’an 33V45-46.

Brethren, we are in the month of Rabi‘ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Indeed, today is Rabi‘ al-Awwal 1, 1448AH. This month reminds Muslims of one of the greatest personalities ever to walk upon the earth — Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah, the zeal of prophethood and final Messenger of Allah.

Allah (SWT) says in Qur’an 33:21: “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.” The greatest lesson of Rabi‘ al-Awwal, therefore, is not merely to talk about the Prophet (SAW), but to live according to his example.

As Muslims, our love for the Prophet (SAW) must manifest in our conduct, our worship, our families, our businesses, our communities and our relationship with one another. It is important we always remember the profound way Allah (SWT) describes the Prophet in Qur’an 21:107: “And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.” The Prophet was a mercy to the believer and the non-believer, to the weak and the strong, to the poor and the rich, to children and adults. He taught compassion. He taught forgiveness. He taught justice. He taught honesty. He taught patience. He taught humility. He taught Muslims how to worship Allah and how to treat fellow human beings.

The Prophet said: “The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful.” Therefore, whoever claims to love the Messenger of Allah (SWT) should ask himself: Am I merciful? Do I forgive people? Do I assist the needy? Do I treat my neighbours well? Do I speak gently to my wife and children? Do I respect the elderly? Do I show compassion to the vulnerable?

Indeed, to love the Prophet means to follow his Sunnah. Allah says in Qur’an 3:31:
“Say, (O Muhammad), if you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.” The import of this verse is that genuine love is demonstrated through obedience and following.

It is easy to say, “I love the Prophet.” But the real question is: Do we follow him? When the Prophet commanded honesty, are we honest? When he warned against backbiting, do we avoid backbiting? When he commanded us to fulfil trusts, do we fulfil our trusts?

When he encouraged kindness to parents, do we honour our parents? When he taught us justice, are we just even when justice is against our own interests? When he taught brotherhood, do we promote unity or division? When he taught forgiveness, do we forgive? When he taught moderation, do we avoid extravagance? Brothers and sisters, Sunnah is not merely an appearance; it is a way of life.

Moreover, one of the greatest qualities of the Prophet was his character as reflected in Qur’an 68:4 when Allah says: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” The Prophet did not build his community merely through speeches. He built it through character, justice, trust, sacrifice and service.

He was known as Al-Amīn — the trustworthy — even before prophethood. Today, Muslims must ask themselves whether our communities are known for the same qualities. Are Muslims known for honesty in business? Are Muslim leaders known for justice? Are Muslim professionals known for integrity? Are Muslim traders known for fair dealing? Are Muslim families known for compassion? Are Muslim neighbours known for peaceful coexistence? This is where the Sunnah becomes relevant to our lives.

Brothers and sisters, our country and our communities need unity. Allah says in Qur’an 3:103:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” The Prophet transformed a society divided by tribal loyalties into a community united by faith, justice and brotherhood. He taught that no tribe, language, colour or social status makes one person superior to another except through righteousness. This message is explicit in Qur’an 49:13 where Allah (SWT) says: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”

Therefore, Hausa and Yoruba, Igbo and Kanuri, Fulani and Tiv, Nupe and Ibibio, Arab and non-Arab — all are human beings created by Allah. Our different languages and cultures should not become instruments of hatred.

The Prophet built brotherhood among people who previously fought one another.

Today, we must revive that spirit. Let us reject ethnic hatred. Let us reject religious intolerance. Let us reject political bitterness. Let us reject the spreading of rumours and false information. Let us reject insults and character assassination. Let us reject injustice. And let us promote peace, truth, justice and mutual respect.

Above all, the Prophet was a unique example in family life. He said: “The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.”

Brothers, being a good Muslim does not mean being harsh at home. A man who is gentle with people outside but abusive towards his wife and children has misunderstood the Sunnah. The Prophet was kind to his wives, compassionate towards children and respectful towards people.

Let us bring prophetic character into our homes. Let husbands show kindness. Let wives show kindness.

Let parents nurture their children with faith and love. Let children honour their parents. Az strong Muslim family produces a strong Muslim community.

As regards young Muslims, they are not merely the future; they are part of the present Ummah. The Prophet trusted young people with important responsibilities. He nurtured them, taught them and gave them opportunities.

Our young people need guidance, education, discipline and positive examples. Parents and community leaders must not merely criticise young people. We must mentor them. We must teach them the Qur’an. We must teach them the Sunnah. We must encourage education and useful skills. We must protect them from drugs, criminality, immoral behaviour and destructive influences. And we must give them hope.

The Messenger of Allah was uncompromising when it came to justice. The Prophet was steadfast with Allah’s instruction in Qur’an 16:90: “Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality, bad conduct and oppression.” Justice must not depend on whether the victim is our relative, our tribe member, our political supporter or our friend. Justice is justice. If we want our society to prosper, we must return to the principles of honesty, accountability and justice taught by Islam.

Government officials must fear Allah. Business people must fear Allah. Traditional rulers must fear Allah. Religious leaders must fear Allah. Parents must fear Allah. And ordinary citizens must fear Allah. Every person entrusted with responsibility will answer before Allah.

Brothers and sisters, as we remember the Messenger in Rabi‘ al-Awwal, let us remember that the greatest tribute we can pay him is to follow his guidance. Send abundant salāh and salām upon him. Study his Sīrah. Teach his life to our children. Practise his Sunnah. Defend his honour with wisdom and good character. And obey the One who sent him.

In Qur’an 33:56, Allah (SWT) says: “Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O believers, invoke blessings upon him and greet him with peace.” The Prophet said:

“Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah sends blessings upon him ten times.”

Therefore, let our tongues frequently say: Allāhumma salli wa sallim ‘alā nabiyyinā Muhammad. But let our actions also say: We follow Muhammad (SAW).