Through lifespan, there are births that mark the beginning of a life, while others mark the rebirth of humanity. Over 1,400 years ago, on a quiet night in the desert of Mecca, a child was born who would carry on his shoulders the weight of the final message to mankind. There was no royal welcome, no fancy cradle, but a moment of heavenly grace. It was so powerful; the angels cheered and the universe seemed to breathe hope!
This child would grow to become Muhammad (PBUH), the final Prophet of the Almighty Allah. Every year, as the 12th of Rabee Al Awwal (Third month of the Islamic Calendar) returns, the world is reminded not just of the Prophet’s birth, but millions of hearts beat in harmony to commemorate his birth. It is a day not just of remembrance, but of renewal and recall of why he was born.
A day not just to recall his arrival, but what he brought with him! Light, when the world was drowning in darkness, hope when despair had become a way of life and unlimited and unconditional love. His birthday marks far more than a date on the Islamic calendar. It is a flame carried lovingly by generations, lighting souls with hope and faith.
Just imagine a man standing alone on a mountaintop, receiving words that would change the destiny of humanity. A man who wept in prayer for people who stoned him, a man who forgave those who troubled and assaulted him. He restored the hearts of the broken and sat with the lonely; that man was Muhammad (PBUH), the mercy to the world.
On his birthday, it is time to revisit the pages of his life and find guidance in his silence and strength in his struggles. It is to remember that leadership can be gentle, power can be humble and truth can be spoken without fear. In fact, in every contradiction the world throws at us, the Prophet offers balance. He teaches us how to live with purpose, lead with humility, serve with love and worship with sincerity. He shows us that true greatness lies in obedience to the One who created us.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born into a world of darkness and became the light that changed it. His light never faded, and his mercy still heals. Hence, it is always needed to turn our faces back towards the light and remember that Islam is not just a religion, but a revolution of the soul. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) walked on this Earth and left it better than he found it — not with an army or a throne, but with truth on his lips and mercy in his hands.
The Prophet never met any of you, but he cried for you. He once said, “I long to meet my brothers.” His companions asked, “Aren’t we your brothers?” He replied, “No, you are my companions. My brothers are those who will come after me and believe in me, without having seen me.”
Always remember that you were in his prayers before you were ever born. He carried your pain before you ever felt it and he loved you before you ever knew his name. So how can we not love him? How can we not celebrate the moment he came into this world, so that we might find our way out of darkness?
Commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birth is a call to revive the ethical and spiritual essence of Islam. It urges individuals to internalise the Prophet's message to mankind, not just in ritual worship, but in everyday interactions, with family, neighbours, colleagues and even strangers.
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