Salaam dear young friends, and heartiest congratulations to you all on the Grand Day of Mab’ath that heralded the advent of the universal mission of Islam.
Yesterday, we celebrated the formal appointment of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) as the Almighty’s Last and Greatest Messenger to all mankind, with prayers, supplications in the Divine Court and a fast of thanksgiving to the Lord Most High, for having enlightened us with the true faith.
The Prophet of Islam has been the greatest example for humanity throughout history because, in addition to teaching and guiding the people with his words, he instructed them with his personal behaviour.
That is why the holy Qur’an calls him the “Most Excellent Exemplar”.
The Prophet’s personality is not an example for a specific period, generation, nation, religion or place. Rather, he is a lasting global symbol for all peoples of all times.
In today’s world, when children are being cruelly slaughtered by the Saudis, the Zionists, and other agents of the Great Satan (the US), it is very important go given them full attention in societies, for their proper upbringing with focus on respect for their personality.
Unfortunately, people today do not pay as much attention to children’s instruction as the Prophet of Islam has said, and as shown practically by the Infallible Imams of his Household the Ahl al-Bayt.
Although sometimes statesmen in industrialized countries visit orphanages and kindergartens, sometimes hugging children for photo ops and media publicity, demonstrating their love and respect for children, to date no individual can be compared with the Prophet of Islam. With the utmost simplicity and kindness, he passed through the lanes and streets, expressing his love and kindness towards children and hugging them. The Prophet had a special love of children, whether they were his own children or those of others. It has been written about him: “Kindness towards children was one of the special practices of the Prophet.”
The Prophet of Islam used to have great affection for his own two grandsons, Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husain (AS). But this should not be interpreted as family prejudice or the mere doting of a grandfather. As a matter of fact, the Prophet was commanded by God Almighty to show to Muslims that the love and affection for Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husain (AS), is a divine obligation.
Alas, after the passing away of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA), those had seized the political rule of the Islamic realm by depriving Imam Ali (AS) and the Ahl al-Bayt of their God-given rights, mistreated Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husain (AS).
Today, the 28th of Rajab is the fateful day in history when Imam Husain (AS) was forced to leave his hometown Medina in 60 AH for Mecca, since the Godless Yazid after usurping the caliphate, demanded allegiance from the Prophet’s grandson.
The Imam thus started his fateful journey that would end some six months later in Karbala and his martyrdom and that of his children, family members, and friends, on the day of Ashura (Muharram 10).
Before we bid you goodbye, we felicitate you on the threshold of the month of Sha’ban and the blessed anniversaries it has. God bless you.