I remember you as an orphaned child, so that you would say "My Lord, My Lord" instead of "My father, my father," and thus the miracle of divine upbringing manifests in your life with the absence of a father. I remember this and send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you as a nursing infant in the home of Halima Al-Sa'diyya, where blessings descended upon her household. They marveled at your fairness, as you nursed from one breast and left the other for your foster brother. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you as a child playing with other children, when angels came to cleanse your heart and remove Satan’s portion from it. I recognize that Allah was preparing you to speak only the truth in all circumstances: " Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. (3) It is no less than inspiration sent down to him (4)" [An-Najm/3–4]. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you on that lonely night in the desert between Mecca and Medina, when death took your mother, leaving you when you needed her the most, as you were the dearest thing in her world. You became an orphan of both parents, so your heart would rely on none but Allah. "My Lord trained me, and how excellent was my training." I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you, beloved of Abu Talib, more than his own children. Yet you refused to be a burden on him and went out to graze sheep for Quraysh, earning a meager wage, teaching us self-reliance. It was preparation for leading nations, much like the preparation of Moses, peace be upon him. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you as the honest, trustworthy merchant who brought great profits while adhering to truthfulness and integrity, teaching us that blessings come with honesty and trustworthiness. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you choosing marriage based on wisdom, virtue, and goodness, not merely on beauty or age. You found in Khadijah a righteous wife who stood by you through hardships, supporting you, unlike modern notions of marriage driven by fleeting desires. Allah guided you to a blessed union. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you participating in rebuilding the Kaaba, raising the houses of Allah. Your nation, following in your footsteps, would continue building and defending mosques until the end of time. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember how all trusted you to mediate disputes because you were known on every tongue as "The Trustworthy, The Truthful. "
You saved your people from a potentially devastating war. I recall Allah’s words: "We sent thee not, but as a Mercy for all creatures." [Al-Anbiya/107]. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you amidst the struggles and burdens of the world, never forgetting the concerns of others, whether private or public. You maintained family ties, supported the weak, assisted the needy, and helped those in distress. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you in the Cave of Hira during your first encounter with Gabriel, insisting you were not a reader, while Gabriel commanded, "Read!" This marked your mission to transform an illiterate nation into a civilization of knowledge and enlightenment. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you teaching Islam in Dar Al-Arqam Ibn Abi Al-Arqam, instructing with gentleness, patience, discretion, and dedication, seeking only Allah’s pleasure. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you calling the tribes of Quraysh, reminding them of Allah, their origin, and their end, teaching them that happiness in this world and salvation in the Hereafter lie in following Allah’s commands. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you inviting people to Allah despite the mockery, arrogance, and hostility you faced. You persisted in guiding them with unshakable resolve. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you rejecting worldly temptations—wealth, women, power—and staying steadfast in devotion to Allah and in bringing Islam’s message of salvation to humanity. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you spreading the message far and wide, traveling to Ta’if despite rejection and humiliation, and presenting Islam during pilgrimage seasons, tirelessly working to make the faith accessible to all. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember you raising your hands in prayer, beseeching the Lord of all matters, knowing He alone could change circumstances. You taught us the value of sincere supplication, which many neglect today. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember the plots of Quraysh and the support of Allah for you and your companion in the cave, affirming His promise to establish an Islamic state unified in its submission to Him. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember your noble character, how Allah endeared you to people, young and old. Children sang, "The full moon rose upon us," welcoming you with joy. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember the foundations you laid for the mosque, for the community through brotherhood, and for justice through agreements. Upon these, the young Islamic state in Medina stood firm, unshaken by storms or challenges. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember your perseverance during the Battle of the Trench, enduring hunger with stones tied to your stomach, yet never neglecting prayer or justice even in times of war. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember your return to Mecca as a victor after just eight years of exile, leading an army of ten thousand. Yet, you showed humility and mercy, declaring to those who wronged you: "Go, for you are free." I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember your farewell pilgrimage, where you bid farewell, having delivered the message, lifted the burdens, and fulfilled your mission. You left us on the clear path of truth, illuminated like daylight. I send prayers and peace upon you.
I remember your companions bidding you farewell, accepting Allah’s decree, though tears flowed and hearts mourned. When Bilal later called the Adhan, the people of Medina wept in remembrance of you like never before. I send prayers and peace upon you, O Messenger of Allah, and upon your family, companions, wives, descendants, and all who follow your path until the Day of Judgment.
This is how, whenever I recall a moment of your immortal life, I send prayers and peace upon you. Each prayer reminds me of your greatness, making it present in my mind as it flows from my tongue.
We thank Allah for His blessings in sending you to us, and we pray for you after every Adhan, upon entering mosques, during lessons of knowledge and Quran, in supplications we hope are answered, in sins we wish to be forgiven, in enemies we seek to overcome, and in good we wish to see flourish.
Prayers and peace be upon you from the Most Compassionate, Most Praiseworthy.
