Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura
Friday Sermon
9 January 2026 / 19 Rejab 1447H
The Importance of Learning the Sirah
Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,
Let us nurture taqwa or God-consciousness in our hearts. Let us exemplify this taqwa in the way we think, our intentions, words, actions, and reactions. And let us consistently dedicate our time to learning the noble Sirah and sunnah of the Prophet s.a.w., for in it are timeless lessons and guidance for all of mankind.
Dear blessed congregation,
Can we long for someone whom we have never met? And is it possible for a person who has never seen us to express such deep longing for us?
The answer is: yes, my dear brothers. For that is exactly what our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. once expressed about us – the believers from the later generations. The Prophet s.a.w. said:
Which means: “I wish that I could have seen my brothers.” His companions then asked, “Are we not your brothers, O Rasulullah?” He replied, “Rather, you are my companions, and my brothers are those who have not yet come (they have not met me).” (An-Nasa’i)
Such was the expression of the Messenger of Allah s.a.w., reflecting his deep longing for his Ummah – those whom he never met in person, yet whose hearts are filled with faith and love for his teachings.
Dear brothers,
This is the Messenger of Allah s.a.w. – our teacher and our guide. Through his guidance, he purifies hearts, illuminates souls with the teachings of the Qur’an, and shows us the path of faith and wisdom.
Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Aal-‘Imran, verse 164:
Which means: “Allah has surely conferred favour on the believers when He raised in their midst a Messenger from among themselves who recites to them His verses and makes them pure and teaches them the Book and wisdom, while earlier, they were in open error.”
Therefore, let us ask ourselves: do we truly love the Messenger of Allah s.a.w.? Have we studied the Sirah, the life journey of the Prophet s.a.w., and strived to follow his teachings and Sunnah?
Dear brothers, this blessed month of Rajab carries many lessons from the significant events in the Sirah of the Prophet. Among them is the event of Isra’ and Mi’raj – the journey of the Prophet s.a.w. across the heavens and the earth of Allah.
As we set our intentions and nurture our spirituality in preparation for the month of Ramadan, the sermon today invites us all to draw guidance from the Sirah of the Prophet, which holds several key benefits:
First: The Sirah of the Prophet s.a.w. is a vast tradition that encourages reflection and deep understanding.
From the story of Bilal bin Rabah r.a., whose faith remained steadfast despite persecution for believing in Allah and His Messenger, to the profound lessons of friendship and loyalty exemplified by Abu Bakr as-Siddiq r.a. alongside the Prophet s.a.w.,
These events invite us to reflect on our own life journeys: how do we respond to trials? Do we inherit even a fraction of Bilal’s steadfastness in faith, or Abu Bakr’s love and loyalty? Surely, there are many opportunities for us to benefit from the examples preserved in the tradition of the Sirah.
Second: The Sirah is a guide to the highest moral character for all of humanity.
The character of Rasulullah s.a.w. represents the pinnacle of human excellence. He acted with complete compassion, prioritised forgiveness, stood firm in the face of injustice, and led his companions with care and kindness. This is the character of a true leader, and each of us here is a leader – beginning with leading our own hearts toward the pleasure of Allah s.w.t.
Dear blessed congregation,
Respond to the longing of the Prophet s.a.w. for us. Rasulullah s.a.w. deeply loves his Ummah. Amid the busyness of life and our personal commitments, make time to know and study his life, so that our own lives may be guided by his example and wisdom.
May this help us nurture our spirituality as we prepare for the month of Ramadan, and may we one day be reunited with the beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. in the Hereafter. Amin ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
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