The Essence of True Faith: Love for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Adherence to His Teachings

In a profound Jumma sermon at Jama Masjid Bhatkal, Moulana Abdul Aleem Khateeb Nadwi delivered a compelling message on the critical role of loving Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for the completeness of one’s faith. He highlighted that without a true and deep love for the Prophet surpassing even love for one’s family and all humanity faith remains incomplete.

Moulana explained that love for the Prophet is not merely a spoken expression but is shown through adopting his manners, ethics, actions, lifestyle, and following his guidance in all aspects of life. He stressed that this love must align strictly with the principles and teachings brought by the Prophet ﷺ, and not be mixed with innovations or practices contrary to his message.

The sermon elaborated on how true faith brings a sweetness and dedication toward good deeds, sacrifices for religion, and motivates one to stay steadfast on the path of Islam. This spiritual flavor and enthusiasm stem from genuine love for Allah and His Messenger, which should overpower all worldly attachments.

Moulana further reminded that Allah sent the Prophet to guide humanity out of ignorance and to establish monotheism (Tawheed) worshiping Allah alone without associating partners. He cautioned against extremism or elevating the Prophet’s status beyond what was ordained, drawing parallels with Christian and Jewish misbeliefs about their prophets which Islam rejects as shirk (associating partners with Allah).

Moulana Aleem Khateeb warned against religious innovations (bid’ah) made under the guise of loving the Prophet, underscoring that such acts contradict the pure teachings of Islam.

In conclusion, Moulana Abdul Aleem Khateeb Nadwi urged believers to deepen their study of the Prophet’s life, follow his Sunnah sincerely, and mold their speech, behavior, and entire lifestyle accordingly. True love for the Prophet, he said, manifests through living by his example, avoiding innovations, and nurturing faith with discipline and devotion.

This guidance, according to Moulana Nadwi, is essential to experience the real sweetness of faith and remain firmly on the righteous path until the end. He prayed for Allah to grant steadfastness and sincere love for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to all believers.