Masjid Nabawi Postcard Silver Foil

The last time I visited the Prophet Muhammad’s resting place and mosque with its unmistakable rich green dome, was before undertaking the hajj pilgrimage over 10 years ago. Those who have visited will agree there is a serenity and warmth incomparable to anywhere else, as though the prophet himself is welcoming you and inviting you into his city and home.

I asked friends recently what resonates the most about this incredible figure of history and qualities of him arose such as justice, resilience, patience, humility, equality, grace, mercy, compassion, kindness, forbearance, loyalty, empathy.

Allah Himself informs us that He sent the Prophet as a mercy to mankind and in 3:159 of the Quran describes the prophet as gentle, ‘If you had been harsh and cruel-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you’ and in 1:28 as ‘full of kindness and mercy’ emphasising the importance of his good character.

In lieu of a dua on the mosque today, and in recognition that we are in the last 10 holy nights of Ramadan, I have chosen to write a description God uses to tell us about the prophet Muhammad in Surah Al Ahzab verse 21:

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيراً

‘Assuredly you have in God's Messenger an excellent example to follow for whoever looks forward to God and the Last Day, and remembers and mentions God much.’

God's Messenger, upon him be peace and blessings, set a perfect example to follow in all aspects of life. He set this example as a spiritual guide, a teacher of minds, a perfect model of morality, an educator, a president, a commander, a diplomat, and a husband, father, friend, neighbor, and as an individual human being among other human beings. May he be an inspiration to us always.