Respected brothers, elders, and children,
As the summer holidays end and routines resume with work, school, and university, it is essential to reflect on one of the most fundamental responsibilities we bear—not only as parents or children, but as Muslims: to have sincere love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in our hearts.
Every Muslim naturally declares love for the Prophet ﷺ, as it is part of our shahādah. But is verbal love enough? True love is shown in action:
The way we speak.
The way we walk.
The way we deal with others.
Actions speak louder than words. Loving the Prophet ﷺ means striving to follow his Sunnah in our daily lives.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
Whoever sends one salutation upon me, Allah grants him ten rewards, forgives ten sins, and elevates him ten ranks.
When his name is mentioned, it is our duty to say ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa sallam.
Even Jibrīl عليه السلام declared curse upon the one who hears the Prophet’s name and does not send salutations—and the Prophet ﷺ replied, “Āmīn.”
If we claim to love someone, we should know about them:
How many children did the Prophet ﷺ have?
How old was he when he married Khadījah رضي الله عنها?
How old was he when he received prophethood?
How old was he when he migrated?
Sadly, many of us know more about celebrities than about the Prophet ﷺ. Real love means learning his life and teaching it to our children.
During a drought, the Prophet ﷺ and his companion stopped at the tent of Umm Maʿbad, an elderly woman. Though she had no food, the Prophet ﷺ miraculously drew milk from her weak goat. She later described the Prophet ﷺ in such beautiful detail that her words remain preserved today.
She said:
His face was radiant, glowing with light.
His body was perfectly proportioned.
His eyes were bright, his eyelashes long.
His speech was eloquent, clear, and simple.
From a distance, he was the most striking. Up close, the most beautiful of creation.
This description reminds us why he is truly worthy of love—not only for his beauty but for his character and mercy to mankind.
To grow in love for the Prophet ﷺ, we should:
Learn one Sunnah each week and practice it—whether greeting people, drinking water as he did, or showing kindness.
Share his life stories with our children.
Regularly send salutations upon him.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
A time will come when holding onto my Sunnah will be like holding a burning coal in your hand.
Practicing Sunnah today may be difficult, but its reward is immense.
May Allah grant us and our children true love for the Prophet ﷺ, allow us to send abundant salutations upon him, and help us live by his Sunnah. Āmīn.
Khutbah by Sheikh Zakariay Gangat
