What does it mean to love the Prophet Muhammad SAW? Following his example of compassion towards orphans

Every year, as the month of Rabiulawal arrives, Muslims around the world once again remember the great person we love most – the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

There are many ways to reflect on his life and mission. We increase our salutations upon him, share and reflect on stories from his life, and gather to commemorate Maulidur Rasul as an expression of our love for him.

Yet, have we ever asked ourselves:

What does it truly mean to love the Prophet Muhammad SAW?

Is our love for him expressed only through sending salutations and commemorating Maulidur Rasul? Or should that love also to be reflected in our character, our actions and the way we treat others?

The Prophet Muhammad SAW did not only teach his followers through his words but also demonstrated through his actions how to be compassionate, caring and attentive towards those in need.

Among those who receive special attention in Islam are orphans.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW was an orphan

Before he was chosen as a prophet, Prophet Muhammad SAW himself experienced life as an orphan. His father, Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib, passed away before his birth, while his mother, Aminah bint Wahb, passed away when he was still a young child.

Allah SWT reminded him of this part of his life in the Quran:

“Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter?” – Surah al-Duha, 93:6

Growing up as an orphan became an important part of the Prophet Muhammad’s SAW life journey. He understood the pain of loss and the need for a person to receive love, protection and support from those around them.

It is therefore no surprise that Islam places such great emphasis on the wellbeing and protection of orphans.

How did the Prophet Muhammad SAW show compassion towards orphans?

The Prophet Muhammad SAW taught Muslims to protect the rights of orphans, never to wrong them and to help fulfil their needs.

In fact, the status of those who care for orphans is so highly regarded that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

“I and the one who cares for an orphan will be like this in Paradise.”

He then gestured with his index and middle fingers held close together. – Hadith narrated by al-Bukhari

This hadith highlights the immense reward for those who care for and support orphans. Caring for an orphan is not simply about providing material assistance, but also about showing compassion and fulfilling a social responsibility that is greatly honoured in Islam.

Love for the Prophet Muhammad SAW should be reflected in our character

Loving the Prophet Muhammad SAW means striving to follow his character and teachings in our daily lives.

He taught us to show compassion towards the vulnerable, help those in need and never leave someone to face hardship alone.

When it comes to orphans, there are many ways we can translate our love for the Prophet Muhammad SAW into action.

We can care about their needs. We can support their education. We can share our blessings to provide food and basic necessities. We can also support initiatives that help them build better lives.

For an orphan, the support we provide may seem small to us, but it can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Orphans need more than financial assistance

When we think about helping orphans, the first thing that may come to mind is financial assistance.

However, a child’s needs go far beyond that.

They need opportunities to receive an education. They need sufficient and nutritious food. They need access to healthcare. They need a safe place to live and protection from harm.

More importantly, they also need love, attention and emotional support.

That is why efforts to support orphans should be viewed from a long-term perspective. Assistance is not only about meeting their needs today, but also about helping them build a better future.

This is the approach taken by Islamic Relief Malaysia through the MyYateem #CareForOrphan campaign.

MyYateem: Turning compassion into action

Through MyYateem #CareForOrphan, Islamic Relief Malaysia seeks to support orphans and their families affected by conflict, natural disasters, poverty and chronic illness.

The support provided is not intended to be temporary. Islamic Relief Malaysia focuses on long-term support that addresses education, food, healthcare, protection, as well as support for their families and communities.

Through MyYateem Care, contributions help improve the quality of life of orphans and their families, including through education, healthcare, basic food needs and family livelihood assistance.

For those who wish to provide ongoing support, MyYateem Sponsorship offers the opportunity to sponsor an orphan with a contribution of RM350 per month for a minimum of two years. This helps support essential needs such as food, education, shelter and healthcare.

Every contribution is part of an effort to give these children the opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life.

Rabiulawal: A time to revive the compassion taught by the Prophet Muhammad SAW

The month of Rabiulawal offers us an opportunity to reflect on the life of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and renew our love for him.

But perhaps this year, we can look at Maulidur Rasul from a slightly different perspective.

Instead of simply asking:

“How many salawats have we sent upon the Prophet?”

We can also ask:

“Which of the Prophet Muhammad’s SAW qualities have we tried to embody?”

If he taught us to care for orphans, have we taken the opportunity to support them?

If he taught us to show compassion towards those in need, have we shared some of the blessings Allah SWT has given us?

And if we say that we love the Prophet Muhammad SAW, can that love be seen in the way we treat the people around us?

We may not be able to do something extraordinary.

But a single contribution, a helping hand or one small act of sincere kindness could be the reason a child’s life takes a better turn.

Let love for the Prophet Muhammad SAW become an act of kindness

Do not let our love remain only in words. Let it be reflected in our character and actions. This Rabiulawal, let us follow the compassion of the Prophet Muhammad SAW by caring for and supporting orphans.

We may never have met the Prophet Muhammad SAW, but we still have the opportunity to follow his character and compassion through every act of kindness we choose to do.

Let us express our love for the Prophet Muhammad SAW through an act of kindness today.

Support MyYateem #CareForOrphan and join us in building a brighter future for orphans.