The essence of Maulud Nabi

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in his titah on the occasion of Maulidur Rasul, highlighted two very important things. First, our role model Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) has been chosen by Allah (SWT) and he will remain our role model forever because he cannot be replaced by another individual. Generally role models are selected by people last for a limited period of time and then are replaced by another with the passage of time. Since Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), as His Majesty rightly said has not been selected by us but Allah (SWT), no person on this earth can replace him nor he would fade away with the passage of time. In fact, His Majesty further reiterated: "It is for certain, that no other role model exists to replace Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)."

The second important point was in the form of a question posed to all of us. His Majesty asked us: "Isn't it not great that Allah (SWT) has selected our role model?" Then pointing to our commitment towards Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), His Majesty further asked: "Is this not the truth, that it is wajib to love Prophet Muhammad in accordance to Allah's will?"

His Majesty provided answers to these questions by saying that the best way to show our true commitment to Prophet is by following the path shown by him and emulating his character in all aspects of our lives. His Majesty said by upholding and practising teachings of the Prophet "we will be able to gain pangkat takwa before Allah, and that piety will open the blessed doors in the heavens and on earth." So, as advised by His Majesty, it should be our endeavour to make pangkat takwa our objective so that we all could reap benefits which are not limited to the achiever but cover the country. Let's us all make a pledge on this great day to strive for the status of takwa so that this Abode of Peace enjoys peace, prosperity and security.