Brothers and sisters, the month of Rabi’ul-Awwal is here!
This blessed month, let us all use our time wisely to learn more about the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and strive to follow the his Sunnahs and perfect example in our daily lives. Naturally, we are accustomed to being reminded of the beautiful character of the Prophet s.a.w. more than usual during Rabi’ul-Awwal. However we should not single out this month to connect with the Prophet s.a.w., the best of creations.
Instead, we should take advantage of this blessed month to build and increase our good habits so that we are able to emulate him for the rest of the year. We should treat this month as a stepping stone in getting to know the Prophet s.a.w. more intimately, and to practise his Sunnahs as best as we can everyday.
The final Prophet of Islam, Muhammad s.a.w. was chosen by Allah s.w.t and is the best of creations to have walked this earth. He was known as As-Sadiq (the Truthful) and Al-Amin (the Trustworthy) and was the kindest of people, even before he received the Revelation.
A guide for humanity and a perfect role model, there are many attributes and actions of the Prophet s.a.w that we can follow. Amongst many good habits that you can emulate this month, below we share three ways to make the most out of this Rabi’ul-Awwal:
One of the best ways to follow the Prophet’s s.a.w. example would be to read, understand and follow the Quran. We know that different people have different schedules, time, and energy and we should aim to make the Quran a priority for our day – no matter how short the time we spend on it can be at the start. Increase your Quranic recitation, and bring life to the Quran and Sunnah in your household by practising kindness, generosity and patience.
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. is the best example for us, the best of creations, and we should always remind ourselves of the lessons he taught, especially during this month.
Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. went to great lengths to inform and guide the people on the importance of helping others during his lifetime and in spreading Islam. The Prophet s.a.w. did not discriminate – he emphasised on the importance of helping in charity and in action, even to those who we do not know or owe nothing to.
These lessons are timeless and are the best guide for all mankind, especially in today’s day and age where millions of people are living in dire conditions and help is much needed in many communities worldwide.
In our effort to better ourselves as Muslims, let us emulate the Prophet’s actions through his Sunnah by practising mercy and good will towards others, especially to those who are in desperate need.
The Messenger of Allah, said, ‘One who strives to help a widow or the poor is like one who struggles in the cause of Allah’ [Sahih Muslim]
Among the countless exemplary qualities of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w, generosity is one of it. The Prophet never turned anyone away empty-handed and he always prioritized the needy over his own needs.
In our current times, there is one factor that continues to divide communities and people worldwide – money. The disparity gap between the wealthy and the poor is getting larger and larger, however we have the capability to help improve the lives of the poor. With more than a billion people living in poverty across the world, we can give comfort to those in need and find our own comfort and reward in it as well.
Through the Quran and the Sunnah, we can learn from the Prophet’s s.a.w. example that every action is rewardable and every action towards another counts as charity.
This blessed Rabi’ul-Awwal, a great way to honour the memory of the Prophet s.a.w. would be to follow his guidance and best example. Giving to others, spreading good words and deeds in the name of Allah s.w.t. are rewardable actions from his Sunnah.
For example, you can also contribute to our Rabi’ul-Awwal campaign and Sponsor an Orphan today! There are many rewards of sponsoring an orphan (link to our article) and caring for orphans is a significant part of Islam. Our Prophet s.a.w. had also emphasised on the importance of caring for orphans.
May we all strive and hasten to do good deeds during this blessed month, and may we be able to reap the rewards insya-Allah.
