True Love for the Prophet Lies in Obedience, Not Rituals: Maulana Abdul Ahad Fakarday Nadwi
Bhatkal | September 5, 2025 – Delivering the Friday sermon under the series Mohabbate Rasool ke Taqaazey, Maulana Abdul Ahad Fakarday Nadwi reminded the Muslim community that true love for
Bhatkal | September 5, 2025 – Delivering the Friday sermon under the series Mohabbate Rasool ke Taqaazey, Maulana Abdul Ahad Fakarday Nadwi reminded the Muslim community that true love for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not just a verbal claim but must be demonstrated through action and obedience.
Speaking on the differing scholarly opinions regarding the Prophet’s birth date – whether the 8th, 9th, or 12th of Rabi’ul Awwal – Maulana Nadwi emphasized that beyond such debates, the essence of love for the Prophet lies in faithfully following his Sunnah.
He explained that faith remains incomplete unless the Prophet’s love surpasses all other worldly attachments – wealth, family, and even one’s own life. Quoting Hazrat Ali (RA), he noted that the Companions expressed their love through sacrifice and obedience, unlike today when devotion is often limited to rituals.
Maulana Nadwi cautioned against mistaking cultural practices and innovations (bid‘ah) for Islam. “Rituals, superstitions, and wasteful traditions are not religion,” he said. “Islam is the Qur’an and Sunnah – nothing more, nothing less.” Citing a Hadith reported by Sayyidah Aisha (RA), he reminded that any addition to religion which is not part of it is rejected.
Highlighting the neglect of obligatory prayers, he lamented that while people spend generously on cultural programs, they often ignore the five daily prayers – the true foundation of faith. He warned that innovations disguised as religion frequently lead to wasteful spending, social evils, and immorality.
The Maulana urged Muslims to strengthen their faith by focusing on three essentials:
- Obedience to the Prophet (peace be upon him).
- Consistent recitation of Durood Sharif, especially on Fridays.
- Avoidance of innovations and superstitions.
He explained that abundant Durood brings countless blessings, including forgiveness of sins, elevation in rank, relief from worries, and closeness to the Prophet on the Day of Judgment.
Maulana Nadwi also warned against false claimants of Prophethood, reaffirming that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final Messenger. “Anyone who claims Prophethood after him is a liar,” he said, urging Muslims to safeguard their faith and educate their children against such misguidance.
Concluding his sermon, he drew parallels between the sacrifices of Muslims in Gaza today and the devotion of the Prophet’s Companions. He prayed for the martyrs, the oppressed, and for the liberation of Masjid Al-Aqsa, calling on Muslims to remain steadfast on Tawheed, Qur’an, and Sunnah.
Source: Friday sermon (Jumuah Khutbah) delivered by Moulana Abdul Ahad Fakarday Nadwi at Masjid e Abuzar Gafari Bilal Khand
