Message from Muhammet Rıfat Cinar, Imam of the Tokyo Camii, on the Night of Mawlid an-Nabi
On October 17, Sunday night will mark Mawlid an-Nabi, the anniversary of Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (SAW), honoring the world with his birth. He is the messenger of Islam, the representative of truth and reality, the master of the world and the hereafter, our guide, best example.
Praise to our Almighty Allah, who brought us to this holy night, and May Salah and Salaam be to our Prophet, whose Ummah we are honored to be, and his family and Companions.
Like every year, we celebrate the week, including the night of Mawlid as the “Mawlid an-Nabi Week.” Presidency of Religious Affairs decided the theme of this year’s Mawlid an-Nabi Week as “Our Prophet and the Society of Loyalty.” Loyalty is value and esteem for the individual, peace, and happiness for the society.
While counting the qualities of mature believers, the stories in the Qur’an point out that showing loyalty to the oath is their characteristic. The behavior of the Prophet (SAW) in his life reveals in the best way what kind of life believers should live.
The life of our Prophet (SAW) is full of examples of loyalty to Allah(SWT)’s orders, family, friends, and surroundings. We observe numerous examples of his loyalty; to each of the Islamic prophets individually, to Ummah he would leave behind, to his hometown where he had been expelled, and to both living and non-living.
He taught loyalty as a virtue throughout his life. Because of fulfilling the promise and adhering to the agreement, he was known as “Al-Amin (Trustworthy),” even by people who did not believe in the religion he preached.
Our Prophet (SAW), who considered act according to promise as a part of faith and demonstrating the best examples of loyalty throughout his life, perceived loyalty as a moral behavior both in worshiping Allah(SWT) and in gratitude for Allah(SWT)’s blessings and all his human relations and he reflected all these in his life. He explained the importance of loyalty to his family, companions, and Ummah by emphasizing loyalty under challenging situations or minor good deeds. He never violated any of his promises, even in the most challenging times, such as war.
“Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright verily Allah(SWT) loves those who act aright..” (Ali Imran, 3/76.)
At this moment, I would like to congratulate Mawlid an-Nabi Night and pray that this week will be an opportunity for our beloved nation, the Islamic world, and all humanity.
Muhammet Rıfat CINAR
Imam of Tokyo Camii