CIOG: Prophet Mohammed (saw) suffered many hardships as an orphan and an adult. He (saw) 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.

Through it all, the Prophet (saw) remained faithful and set the example of how to live in a manner That is pleasing to Allah (swt). The Prophet (saw) was humble, loyal, honest, patient, considerate, compassionate, and merciful. The Prophet’s (saw) 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 (saw) patience, loyalty, and compassion to all around him. He (saw) was consistently kind and considerate to his family, his followers, his detractors, and to every living creature, including animals and trees. The Prophet (saw) 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 (saw), should be used to strengthen our will to follow his 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 (saw) 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 family, neighbours and friends, do we withhold being
angry and responding 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). Despite how other paths may be tempting, I implore each of us, let
us walk together and embody the noble character of Prophet Muhammad (saws).

I ask Allah (swt) to bless all of you as we join in praising our Beloved Prophet Muhammad
(saw):
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 splendor.

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.