Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

14 August 2026 / 1 Rabiulawal 1448H

Love for Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

Dear blessed Friday congregation,

Have taqwa toward Allah by doing what He commands and avoiding what He forbids. It is only through taqwa, that we find success in the hereafter.

My dear brothers,

If we were to be asked: “Do we truly love the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.?” we would answer, yes, without hesitation.

In relation to this, today's sermon invites everyone here to reflect on the following question: “How do we actually show our love for the Prophet s.a.w.?” “Do our actions prove that this love goes beyond just words?”

Respected brothers,

We show our love for the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. in different ways. Some work hard to practice his daily teachings – sunnah.

Some love to recite qasidah or burdah in praise for him. Others try to reflect his teachings in how they speak and act. Whatever way we choose to show our love for him, let us keep doing it, so long as it stays within the boundaries of Islamic law.

This sermon also intends to remind us that this love should be demonstrated everywhere: when we're alone, with our families, with classmates or colleagues, and even in public places. All of this is part of the Prophet's teachings and reflects the true spirit of Islam.

Beloved brothers,

Allah says in Surah At-Taubah, verse 24:

Which means: “Say (O Muhammad): ‘if your parents, and children, and siblings, and spouses, and extended family, and the wealth you have acquired, and the trade you fear will decline, and the homes you cherish, (if all these) are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and struggling in His Way, then wait until Allah brings about His Will. Allah does not guide the rebellious people.’”

My brothers, this is a reminder from Allah that our love for Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. must be demonstrated in real life.

With this in mind, let us reflect on the three following reminders, so that our love for him is proven through our actions and our way of life.

Firstly: Learn and practice his sunnah

Learn from a qualified and trustworthy teacher. Get to know, and practice the Prophet's sunnah, because doing so will deepen our love for him. The more we practice it, the more we feel its beauty, and the more we'll want to discover and practice other parts of his teachings in our daily lives.

Secondly: Loving the Prophet through action is a responsibility

Remember the Prophet's warning that those with knowledge will be questioned on the Day of Judgment about what they did with that knowledge (narrated by Imam At-Tirmidhi). This reminds us that every teaching we learn, and every lesson we take from the Prophet's life story, is a trust we will be held accountable for.

Being aware of this responsibility builds discipline, helping us keep following his example in every part of our lives.

Thirdly: Start with small steps and stay consistent

Dear congregation, true love for the Prophet s.a.w. must be shown through action. We can start with small acts of sunnah practiced consistently until they become part of our daily life, like saying “Bismillah” before doing something good. The Prophet s.a.w. said, which means: “The deed most loved by Allah is the one done consistently, even if it is small.” (Narrated by Imam Al-Bukhari and Imam Muslim)

Blessed brothers,

Through this sermon, we now understand that answering the question “Do we truly love the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.?” requires a complete journey, from love felt in the heart, expressed in words, and then followed through with action and practice.

So, as we leave this mosque today, let us resolve to bring one small sunnah to life, even something as simple as smiling more often, or treating one another kindly.

To close, and in the spirit of the birth month of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., and the month of loving the Prophet s.a.w., I end today’s sermon with a hadith narrated by Imam Ibn Hibban:

Sayyidatuna Aisha r.a. once heard the Prophet make this prayer, which means: “O Allah, forgive Aisha for all her past and future sins, those done openly and those hidden, the small and the big.”

Hearing this prayer, Sayyidatuna Aisha felt very happy. The Prophet then said to her: “Are you happy hearing my prayer just now, O Aisha? Know that this is my prayer for my followers (ummah) in every prayer.”

So let us take this opportunity to practice this prayer of the Prophet s.a.w. as a sign of our love for him. May Allah make us among those who truly love the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w., and may Allah gather us together with him s.a.w. in His Paradise. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

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