COLOMBO : As the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal dawns in the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims across the world today (26) commemorate Milad-un-Nabi, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, with deep devotion and reverence, placing sacrifice at the forefront. With the aim of creating a society founded on equality, this is a commemoration that seeks a profound spiritual transformation that goes beyond a mere celebration.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad was one of the greatest teachers to have ever been sent to humanity, illuminating the path of boundless patience and compassion to lead people from darkness to light. The purpose of the many hardships he endured and the unparalleled sacrifices he made over a period of 23 years was to build a virtuous society in which peace, brotherhood, purity, trustworthiness and justice would prevail.
Rejecting the notion of judging people based on race, caste, colour or nobility, the Prophet taught that all humanity originates from a single source, and that true greatness can be measured only by noble values such as truthfulness, tolerance and compassion. By narrowing the gap between the privileged and the disadvantaged in society and securing due rights for the oppressed, he established the fundamental principles of social justice and equality. The Prophet’s vision provides us with abundant guidance to realise our aspiration of creating a country governed by the rule of law, justice and equal treatment for all, and a society founded on coexistence and harmony.
Islam rejects all forms of vice that corrupt both the inner purity of the individual and the moral fabric of society. Therefore, the teachings and example of the Prophet provide immense strength to programmes aimed at uplifting the moral fabric of society, such as the national campaign launched by the Government to combat the scourge of illicit drugs, which is spreading like a blight across our motherland.
It is my firm belief that, as we journey towards a new era in which broken hearts are healed, love is valued over hatred and brotherhood over estrangement, the light of the unparalleled sacrifice and humanity demonstrated by the Prophet will illuminate our path. I invite you all to shape your lives by giving true meaning to the life and example, dedication and noble endeavours of the Holy Prophet.
May Milad-un-Nabi be a meaningful celebration for all Muslim devotees in Sri Lanka and across the world!
Anura Kumara Dissanayake
President
