Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

21 August 2026 / 8 Rabiulawal 1448H

Prophetic Guidance: Living Life with Exemplary Character

Dear blessed Friday congregation,

Let us strengthen our taqwa of Allah s.w.t. by obeying all His commands and abstaining from all that He has forbidden. May this taqwa be our shield and our motivation to nurture a noble character that earns His pleasure. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

Dear brothers,

The arrival of Rabiulawal once again stirs our hearts, renewing our longing and love for our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

This season of commemorating the Prophet’s birth is a fitting time for us to renew our commitment to following the Hadyun Nabawi – the Prophetic guidance and way of life shown to us by Rasulullah s.a.w. This is the message conveyed in verse 21 of Surah Al-Ahzab, where Allah s.w.t. calls upon us to reflect upon the Prophet’s way of life, and make it an example for us in every aspect of our daily lives. Allah says:

Which means: “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever places their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.”

My dear brothers,

The way we live today is increasingly advanced and fast-paced. At times, it creates the impression that we must make a choice – between preserving our spiritual values rooted in religious teachings, and pursuing progress and success in this world.

Some may even feel that genuine worldly success can be achieved without holding firmly to religious values and guidance.

Yet the life of Rasulullah s.a.w. shows us otherwise. The Prophet s.a.w. demonstrated that religious values and worldly life are not necessarily in conflict with one another. Rather, they can complement and strengthen one another.

The Hadyun Nabawi, that is the approach exemplified by the Prophet, equips us with resilience, strength, and confidence to2face the challenges of our time without compromising our religious principles.

In Makkah, the Muslims were an oppressed minority, yet they remained resilient and steadfast in their belief in the Oneness of Allah. After the migration to Madinah, Rasulullah s.a.w. built and nurtured a Muslim community within a diverse society, fostering harmony among its people.

The Prophet s.a.w. built strategic relationships and engaged with people of various backgrounds and dispositions, while consistently displaying noble character. His leadership was pragmatic: he was open to everyone, realistic, and proactive in pursuing what would bring good to all. At the heart of his leadership was his outstanding character – a character that earned the respect and love of those around him.

Dear congregation,

Consider for a moment: How can we translate this Hadyun Nabawi into our own lives?

The answer lies in understanding and embodying the noble character that Rasulullah s.a.w. demonstrated at all times and in every circumstance.

Our everyday interactions – whether at work, at home, within the community, or even online – should be guided by Prophetic character. Being just and refraining from harming others, avoiding excessiveness in our actions, and exercising care in what we say: these are all Prophetic qualities. They are essential to navigating life today with peace, balance, and success. Rasulullah s.a.w. said that which means: “Indeed, those among you whom I love most and who will be closest to me on the Day of Judgement, are those with the best character.” (At-Tirmizi)

So let us ask ourselves: To what extent does our character reflect the noble qualities of Rasulullah s.a.w., as a true expression of our love for him?

May Allah s.w.t. grant us the guidance and strength to follow in the footsteps of Rasulullah s.a.w., to bring benefit to all people, and to be gathered together with him in Paradise in the Hereafter. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

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