08/28/2026
Today, on the 17th of Rabi al-Awwal, we celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (S), the final messenger of Allah (SWT). According to Shia tradition, he was born in Mecca in the Year of the Elephant, approximately 570 CE, into the noble tribe of Quraysh, from the clan of Banu Hashim.
When the prophet came into this world, he was surrounded by cruelty: infanticide was common, the weak were exploited, the poor had no standing, and tribes settled disputes with generations of bloodshed. This is why we see that when we look back at Prophet Muhammad (S), he was defined by mercy rather than military or political power.
Even though he was the greatest prophet of god, blessed with infallibility and had the ability to live a lavish life, he instead chose to mend his own sandals and help with household chores. It is stated that regardless of the faith of a deceased person, he stood at their funeral. It is known that he never raised his hand against a servant, a woman, or an animal. It is known that when given the chance to call down punishment on those who had driven him from his home and tortured his companions, he said, “go, you are free.”
The Quran describes him perfectly in a single sentence: “And We have not sent you except as a mercy to all the worlds.” (21:107). When we look back at the life of Prophet Muhammad (S), the first thing we should see is his mercy.
Although we visit the masjid every year to celebrate his birth and legacy and mourn his death, we must realize that this is not enough to keep the message of the prophet alive. It is our duty to carry his character into how we treat our families, our neighbors, our communities, and the strangers we will never meet again.
Milad al-Nabi Mubarak to our entire community. May we be worthy of his intercession.
