Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Friday Sermon 4 Februari 2011 / 1 Rabi’ul Awal 1432
Ma’asyiral muslimin rahimakumullah,
On this blessed day, let us adorn our hearts with love and faith towards Allah s.w.t. Lower our heads and our hearts in zikrullah, pray that it will ease us in performing what Allah s.w.t. and His Prophet has ordained and refraining from what He has prohibited. Let us be aware that only faith based on love for Allah and Rasul will bring blessings and His forgiveness on the Day of Judgement.
My dear brothers,
It was said by Anas Bin Malik r.a. that a man met Rasulullah s.a.w. and asked: ”O Rasulullah, when shall come the Day of Judgement?” Rasulullah replied: ”What preparation have you made for the Day?” The man said: ”Nothing, but I have love for Allah and for His Messenger.” The Prophet said: ”Then you shall be (on that Day) with whom you love.” Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim.
Such is the special bond shared by the Companions (sahabah) for Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. They were the first who declared their faith in Allah s.w.t. and Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Their love for Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was true and undying.
However, this declaration of love was not merely paying lip service, neither was it in pretence. History is proof of this. For the Companions, nothing is more beautiful that their love for Rasulullah s.a.w. They are most willing to sacrifice their wealth, their lives, even their families save for losing their beloved Prophet.
We learn from the story of the faithful Abu Dujanah r.a., as narrated by Imam Ibnu Ishaq that Abu Dujanah r.a. willed himself to be the protector who shielded Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. until the spear pierced him, and he fell to the ground, lifeless.
Similarly, the Prophet’s Companion Abu Thalhah r.a. proclaimed his sacrifice to protect the life of the Messenger of Allah. In the battle of Uhud, he said to Rasulullah s.a.w.: “I vow to sacrifice my mother and my father, do not raise your head O Rasulullah (to look at the disbelievers), so that the spears will not hurt you, suffice that my neck shields yours (so that you will be safe)” Hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari.
The depth of love of the Companions is beyond compare. This love forms the basis of their strong faith. Undeniably, this faith stems from the love for the Messenger of faith himself. Rasulullah s.a.w. made reference to this sacrifice and ultimate love: “None of you will have faith till he loves Me more than his children, father and all of humankind.” Hadith narrated by Imam Muslim.
Dear beloved brothers,
Why did the Companions develop such a deep love for Rasulullah s.a.w., so much so that they are willing to risk their lives for the Prophet’s well-being?
Simply because Rasulullah s.a.w. was the most magnificent and benevolent human. The Prophet was the Messenger of peace and signified the ray of hope for mankind. The Companions were witnesses of the sacrifices of Rasulullah s.a.w., and his love and affection for Allah’s creations. The Companions saw the Prophet’s determination to change society’s mindset at that time to love knowledge, respect women, love children and to transform into a society that upholds ethics.
Can we bring ourselves to hurt Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and deny all that Allah and His Messenger have ordained, after all the struggles by our beloved Prophet? Do we stay indifferent and continue to commit sins, despite the sacrifices of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.?
Dear blessed brethren,
Even though Rasulullah s.a.w. has long left us in this world, we must not forget that he lives in the soul of those who love him. Emulate the Prophet s.a.w. as much as we can for we will only be rewarded with good tidings. Allah says in surah Ali-‘Imran verse 31:
Which means: “Say (O Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.): “If you do love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins; for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
My dear brethren,
Let us nurture this love for Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Take the first step to acquaint ourselves with the history of the Prophet. For example, we may refer to the collection of hadith on the exemplary characteristics of Rasulullah s.a.w. put together by scholars of the past such as Imam Tirmidzi in his book entitled ’Syamail Muhammadiyah’.
We can also find the works of contemporary writers such as Professor Tariq Ramadan, who discusses the values and ethos of the Prophet s.a.w. in his book ‘In the Footsteps of the Prophet - Lessons from the Life of Muhammad’.
O Allah,
Grant us an awakening and sow in us the seeds of love for Rasulullah s.a.w., just like the love of the Companions for the Prophet. Let us be in togetherness with our true love Muhammad s.a.w. when we greet you on the Day of Testimony. Place us to be among Your servants who receive the syafa’ah (intercession) of Your great Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad s.a.w. Amin.