From Madinah to the world, this year that marks fifteen centuries (Hijri) since the birth of the Prophet ď·ş is not simply an anniversary of dates and ceremonies - it is an invitation. It calls us to move beyond ritual repetition, beyond polished phrases and public displays, and to seek the living source of our love for him in what Allah Himself revealed: a Prophet raised as a mercy to all creation, the "ultimate exemplar," whose life is the map of a profound moral imagination.
Finding the Essence of Adoration
In our earnest efforts, many of us focus on visible markers: memorizing hadith, teaching seerah, adopting outward practices, or singing odes of praise. Yet, these often leave us caught in debates that strip the Sunnah of its essence, reducing it to laws or cultural justifications. The Prophet's Sunnah is not blind imitation, but a living example to be embodied. The true source of adoration lies not in fatawa or conferences, nor in arguments over ownership of his legacy. It is found in the love and honor that Allah bestowed upon him, in His declaration of the Prophet ď·ş as "a mercy unto all existence." Allah has elevated his memory and made His boundless love accessible through obedience to him.
Mercy as the Wellspring
If mercy is Islam's wellspring, the Prophet's life is its clearest reflection. His kindness to orphans, prolonged his prostration for his grandson, stood to honor a Jew's bier, and hosted Christians in his mosque. He taught that "the best of men are those who treat their wives the best." He mended his own clothes and laughed with children. Every gesture - domestic, civic, or public - declared that dignity, compassion, and beauty are the true measure of faith. An Integrated Model of Excellence
Too often, we see in him only what suits our preferences, ignoring the essence of his being. Yet, as Professor Ramakrishna Rao observed, his personality was multi-dimensional: Prophet, General, Statesman, Reformer, Protector of Orphans, and Emancipator of Women. His life is an integrated model of excellence - a biography, history, and law woven into a living guide for humanity. A Timeless Call for Peace and Justice
Prophet Muhammad ď·ş embodied an unwavering commitment to peace and justice. He forbade harming civilians, prioritized reconciliation, and taught that strength lies in restraining anger. Even under persecution, he sought peaceful resolutions and upheld the rights of the vulnerable. In light of the current genocide in Gaza, His legacy demands that people of conscience stand firmly against such atrocities and work for justice and safety for the oppressed.
Commemorating His Legacy
To commemorate his life is to rediscover our own dignity. The Prophet ď·ş remains a mercy to all creation, a timeless guide calling us to live with compassion, humility, and purpose, in pursuit of peace and justice for all.
Tracing the Truth: How the Prophet’s Life Was Faithfully Preserved