Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

4 September 2026 / 22 Rabiulawal 1448H

Prophetic Guidance: Cultivating Critical Minds, Nurturing Wisdom

My dear brothers,

Have taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. Fulfil His commands and abstain from His prohibitions. May we attain happiness and goodness in this world and in the Hereafter. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

Blessed congregation,

Rasulullah s.a.w. was sent as an exemplary teacher, guiding humanity with knowledge, wisdom, and compassion.

Allah s.w.t. says in Surah al-Jumu‘ah, verse 2:

Which means: "It is He who sent among the unlettered people a Messenger from among themselves, reciting His verses to them, purifying them, and teaching them the Book (the Quran) and wisdom, although they had previously been in clear error."

Dear brothers,

The Prophet s.a.w. introduced an educational revolution that shaped both the human mind and character. In today's age of abundance in information and Artificial Intelligence (AI), our challenge is no longer simply gaining access to information. Rather, it is developing critical minds that can distinguish truth from falsehood and evaluate matters with fairness and discernment.

This is why the Prophetic pedagogy, that is his approach to teaching and guiding, must be reinstated, not only by teachers, but also by parents and every mentor or guide within our community. What are some characteristics of this pedagogy?

First: Rasulullah s.a.w. nurtured critical thinking

Rasulullah s.a.w. taught by stimulating the intellect. In a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim, he asked his companions that which means: "Do you know who the bankrupt is?"

When they replied that it was someone without wealth, the Prophet s.a.w. corrected their understanding. He explained that the truly bankrupt person is one who comes on the Day of Judgement with good deeds, only to have them depleted as compensation for the wrongs they committed against others.

Through this method, Rasulullah s.a.w. teaches us to look beyond the surface, think critically, and reflect deeply before arriving at conclusions.

Second: Teaching according to the learner's level of understanding

Rasulullah s.a.w. delivered guidance gradually, according to people's ability to understand, and he educated his companions in the same way. In a narration recorded by Imam al-Bukhari, Sayyidina Ali r.a. advised that which means: "Speak to people according to the level of what they are able to understand."

Conveying the truth and religious teachings also requires patience, a gradual approach, and words that touch the heart – not coercion or harshness.

Third: Rasulullah s.a.w. touched the hearts of the people

Effective education begins with hearts that are connected. Sayyidina Mu'az ibn Jabal r.a. narrated that the Prophet s.a.w. held his hand and said that which means: "O Mu'az, by Allah, I truly love you." (Abu Daud)

Rasulullah s.a.w. expressed his love before offering his advice. When those we guide feel valued, cared for, and free from prejudice, they become more receptive to advice and learning with open hearts.

Beloved congregation,

The responsibility of educating extends beyond schools or the classroom. It is a trust entrusted to every one of us. Guided by the example of Rasulullah s.a.w., let us fulfil this responsibility with wisdom, compassion, and the best of approaches.

May Allah s.w.t. grant us wisdom in nurturing our families and communities, and shower His mercy upon all our teachers and educators in this world and the Hereafter. Amin ya Rabbal 'Alamin.

 

Sermon Second