We are still in this blessed month of Rejab. There was a very important event that took place to the Holy Prophet s.a.w. in this month; the event of Israk and Mikraj. Through this event, the five daily prayers were made an obligation upon all Muslims. Israk is the night journey of the Holy Prophet s.a.w. from Masjidil Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa. Mikraj was his ascension from Masjidil al-Aqsa to the highest heavens. The journey is to become a miraculous event that was bestowed solely upon Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. He was given the sole privilege to meet Allah s.w.t at the Sidratil Muntaha, a place never reached by man nor any angel before him.

We will not want to help others, or for that matter, care for others, if we do not have compassion and kindness (rahmah and ihsan) in us. Without these values, we would not care for those in need. But a mukmin will never be at peace knowing there are others who suffer in pain and hardship, until he/she comes forward to help in whichever way possible.

 Our morality reflects the extent to which we uphold our religious teachings. If we lack good moral character, certainly we have not completely followed Islamic teachings and the Syariah of Allah s.w.t. Therefore, my brothers, let us improve our moral behaviour. Check the way we speak to others. Check our language to others. Mix with others in a respectful manner. Do not insult others. Do not always carry bad presumptions about others.

 The heart of the faithful will always long for his Creator. The heart of the faithful will always want to speak (munajat) to Allah and to remember Allah. The faithful will weep in repentance. The faithful will yearn to purify his heart and soul. The faithful will want to improve his relationship with his Creator.Allah s.w.t, the Most Compassionate and Merciful to all His creations, has endowed upon His servants special time and moments to assist them to strengthen their relationship with Him.

The Prophet s.a.w. was sent as a “Rahmatan Lil Alamin” (to be blessings to all). He brought with him the beautiful message of Islam as a  “Rahmatan Lil Alamin” (to be blessings to all). The beauty of Islam and its noble values are meant to bring good to everyone. It’s beauty and values are to be shared with all mankind. Muslims being the torchbearers of these blessings must play a part in bringing about progress, peace and harmony through positive contributions that will make a difference.  We need to put forth more contributions that are meaningful.

Illnesses and death happen according to Allah’s plan. But those who are wise will seize the opportunities before them. When they are healthy, they will do all kinds of good deeds. The wise will also strive to remain healthy, so as to allow him/her to continue worshiping Allah s.w.t. and to do good deeds.

 Thus, we who live comfortably in our beautiful homes and with our beloved families should try our best to help those who suffer. We must be thankful for this blessing. We must appreciate our loved ones whilst we still see them. We must express our thanks and love to them whilst we can.  When we have the means, we should offer help to the victims of natural disasters. The help can be in kind or cash. Some members of our community have also contributed by offering emotional support.

Once, the Messenger of Allah s.a.w. passed by Sa’ad Bin Abi Waqqash whilst the latter was performing his ablution (wudhu'). The Prophet s.a.w. then said to Sa'ad: This is wastage. Sa’ad replied: Can one waste water even whilst performing the ablution? The  Prophet s.a.w. replied: Yes, you can waster water even if you were taking the ablution from a flowing river.”

We must take all challenges in good faith and with confidence. When there is a challenge, it does not mean our lives will become miserable. Instead, challenges are opportunities for us to reflect, think, and find solutions. At the same time, these are also opportunities for us to seek Allah's help and guidance. 

We must use our thinking faculty or mind in the best manner. We should not limit nor restrict its use. We should not use our minds narrowly despite contemporary challenges and modern life requiring us to think widely. Thus, it is as if we live in a very narrow world, when we know that the world is expansive and wide apart.

My dear brothers, know that it is only through knowledge that we can know Allah s.w.t. It is through knowledge that we can find the truth and seek the path of Allah’s pleasure, and protect ourselves from all forms of wrongdoings and deviance.

Our good relationship with others reflect the beauty of our iman and faith and is part of our Islamic identity. For this reason, Islam strongly emphasises on good moral behaviour and proper ethical conduct in the life of a Muslim. Infact, this is made part of one’s iman. Good moral behaviour will make us succeed despite the differences that exist between humankind.

Our youths are our hopes and our future. Their success is ours too. Therefore, let us together strengthen the Singaporean Muslim Identity in our youths. Their challenges today are very different from ours many years ago. It is our duty to assist them in all ways possible to overcome their unique challenges.

Despite all the challenges that we face, this is the most opportune time for us to contribute as Muslims. Guided by our Muslim identity which shapes us to be contributors towards goodness and peace, we must strive to contribute effectively and meaningfully in all walks of life, especially in our own areas of specialisation.

It should be one of our objectives or goals in life to continue upgrading ourselves. As Muslims, we want to bring goodness and benefit others; to benefit ourselves, our families and our community and society. The Holy Prophet s.a.w. has asked us to be an ummah that benefits others the most.

In this prayer, as captured in the verse, we ask Allah SWT to grant us wives and descendents/children who will be the joy of our eyes. This is our hope and prayer. We all hope for peaceful and harmonious families. But the verse teaches us to work hard towards this goal.

We know that bad acts are never like acts of kindness. Bad acts will only bring about enmity, discord and hatred. On the contrary, an act of kindness brings about love, peace and brotherhood. This is the main objective of Allah’s Syariah, that is to inculcate in humanity the values of brotherhood, peace and prosperity.

In facing the challenges of today, we must always seek the path of spreading compassion and blessings to others. Lets think of how others can enjoy the mercy and blessings of Islam through our personality and actions. What we therefore need to do is to embody the examples of the Holy Prophet s.a.w.

The Prophet s.a.w. exhibits honourable character, is not rough, and does not repel evil with evil. The Prophet s.a.w. holds no revenge, but loves to forgive and is always compassionate. When asked for help, the Prophet s.a.w. always gives and offer advice. He is always fast to assist those in need, and does not indulge in self-pride. He always help his own family. He loves the young, and respects the old. He takes care of the rights of his neighbours and do not hurt them in any way. Many people respect and love the Prophet s.a.w. for his calmness and patience. All who meet him are attracted to him, whilst those who interact with him are impressed by him.

Let us remain truly conscious of Allah through taqwa. Taqwa will develop in us the love for our most beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. In this glorious month of Rabiulawal, the birth month of the messenger of Allah, let us strengthen our love for him, by following his footsteps and emulating his most honourable character.