The Teacher of Souls: Prophetic Nurturing

Dear blessed congregation,

Have taqwa or consciousness of Allah s.w.t. Fulfil all His commands and avoid all His prohibitions. In conjunction with the month of commemorating Maulidurrasul, let us prove our love for Rasulullah s.a.w. by embodying his teachings in our daily lives.

May Allah s.w.t. be a witness to our love for him. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

Dear esteemed congregation,

Is the following statement true – that besides being sent as a Prophet and a mercy to all creation, Rasulullah s.a.w. was also sent as a teacher and nurturer of souls?

Indeed, our beloved Rasulullah s.a.w. was sent as a teacher and nurturer of souls. His guidance led humanity from darkness to light, from misguidance to the recognition of the One Almighty God, that is Allah s.w.t.

This is described in the words of Allah in Surah Al-Jumu’ah, verse 2:

Meaning: “It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom – although they were, before that, in clear error.”

Dear honorable congregation,

This verse clearly highlights the central role of Rasulullah s.a.w. as an educator; a nurturer who empowered his people.

Moreover, when we reflect on the noble life of Rasulullah s.a.w., we find that he not merely conveyed the teachings of Islam. Through his noble character, Rasulullah s.a.w. successfully touched the hearts and left a profound impact on all who encountered him.

For instance, a companion named Anas ibn Malik r.a. was only around 10 years old when he met the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Sayyidina Anas r.a. then served the Prophet s.a.w. for another 10 years. At such a youthful age, he had the privilege of being close to the Prophet and receiving his direct guidance.

How did Sayyidina Anas describe Rasulullah s.a.w.? He said: “I have never seen anyone more compassionate towards children than the Messenger of Allah s.a.w.” (Narrated by Muslim).

My dear brothers,

What are some of the noble qualities of Rasulullah s.a.w. that made him such an effective teacher and nurturer of souls?

**First: Educating with ihsan and compassion**

Rasulullah s.a.w. understood that effective nurturing requires hearts that are open to receive. Hence, his approach was always filled with ihsan and compassion.

For example, a man once came to Rasulullah s.a.w. and asked for permission to commit adultery – something clearly forbidden in Islam. Yet how did Rasulullah s.a.w. respond to this? Did he raise his voice, scold him, or humiliate the man in public? Not in any way.

Instead, Rasulullah s.a.w. educated him with calmness and wisdom. He gave examples that the man could easily relate with. Then, Rasulullah s.a.w. placed his blessed hand on the man’s chest and prayed sincerely for him. All of this unfolded in a calm and safe atmosphere, filled with empathy and mercy.

Second: Understanding and adapting to those under his guidance

Rasulullah s.a.w. always ensured that his words were suited to his audience. Although he was a Prophet and leader of the community, carrying immense responsibilities and holding a high position, Rasulullah s.a.w. never failed to adjust his approach when speaking, even when speaking with a child.

For example, Rasulullah s.a.w. knew a young boy named Abu Umair who had a pet bird. Whenever he met him, the Prophet s.a.w. would ask about his beloved pet. Even though Rasulullah s.a.w. had many more important matters to manage, he never regarded his interaction with a child – or anyone else – as insignificant.

Dear congregation loved by Allah,

Through the Prophet’s nurturing, he succeeded in shaping the character of the Sahabah – a generation consisting of a large number of youth. With compassionand a suitable approach, Rasulullah s.a.w. was not only a teacher who conveyed, but a nurturer who touched the hearts and laid down the foundations for the enduring legacy of the ummah.

May Allah s.w.t. keep us steadfast on Hadyun Nabiy – the path set forth by Rasulullah s.a.w. – so that we may be given the opportunity to meet our beloved one day. And may Allah s.w.t. reward every teacher, educator, and nurturer who has ever touched our hearts and contributed their service, with the best of rewards and blessings. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

Second Sermon

My dear brothers,

In the early hours of this coming Monday, 8^th September, we will witness a lunar eclipse, which will be visible from 12:27 a.m. until 3:56 a.m. As Muslims, we regard the eclipse as a sign of Allah’s greatness. We are encouraged to perform the voluntary eclipse prayer individually or in congregation, at home or at the mosque, and increase our supplications when it occurs, in accordance with the words of Rasulullah s.a.w. in the hadith reported by

Muslim: “If you see it (the eclipse), then pray and supplicate.”

Therefore, do not miss this opportunity to follow the Sunnah of Rasulullah s.a.w. Perform the voluntary eclipse prayer if possible, or at the very least, increase our supplications and acts of worship. May Allah s.w.t. accept and bless every one of our deeds. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.