Living Qur’an 42:23: Turning Love for the Prophet’s Family into Action

Introduction & Occasion of Reflecting on this Ayah

The 3rd and 4th of Ordibehesht mark the commemoration of two noble sons of Imam Musa al-Kazim (peace be upon him), namely Hazrat Ṣāliḥ ibn Mūsā and Hazrat Aḥmad ibn Mūsā, known as Shah Cheragh (pbut). On this occasion, we reflect on a profound verse from Surah al-Shura that highlights the central role of love for the Prophet’s family.

«قُلْ لَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَى»

“[O Prophet], Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it except love for my near relatives.” (Qur’an 42:23)

Educational Messages from the Verse for Teens and Young People

1. Choosing Role Models Wisely

Choose righteous role models from the Prophet’s family to shape your character.

Practical Challenge: Follow one habit from one of the Ahlul-Bayt as your role model this week.

2. Identity with Purpose

Your faith identity grows through love and connection to noble figures such as Ahlul-Bayt (pbut) of the Prophet (pbuh).

Practical Challenge: Learn and share one story about the Prophet’s family.

3. Kindness in Action

According to this verse, love for the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut) is not merely expressed in words; rather, it is demonstrated through behaviour that reflects and aligns with their way of life.

Practical Challenge: This week, perform a charitable and public-benefit act, and dedicate its reward to the noble soul of one of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut) of the Prophet (pbuh).

4. Staying Firm in Challenges

The Ahl al-Bayt (pbut)  faced hardships – learn resilience from them.

Practical Challenge: Study the life story of one of the Imams and reflect on how they remained steadfast in the face of the hardships of their time.

5. Unity over Division

Love for the Prophet’s family should bring Muslims together, not divide them. This was a constant wish of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut)  of the Prophet (PBUH): that Muslims remain united.

Practical Challenge: Avoid one argument online and promote respectful dialogue.

6. Understanding Gratitude

Learn to appreciate those who guide and support your growth, such as Prophet (PBUH), Imams (as), parents and teachers; true gratitude is often shown through sincere love, not material reward.

Practical Challenge: Say a genuine “thank you” to someone who helps you, and show it through one kind action.

7. Staying Connected to Your Roots (Identity Building)

A strong emotional connection to meaningful values and religious figures helps you stay grounded in a confusing world.

Practical Challenge: Spend time learning about your faith heritage and reflect on what it means for your life.

Educational Messages from the Verse for Parents

1. Honour the Holy Occasions

By holding programmes at home to commemorate the occasions related to the Prophet’s Household, you teach your children the importance of paying attention to them.

Practical Challenge: On the occasion of the birth anniversary or martyrdom of one of the Imams, organise a small gathering at home with your family members.

2. Teaching Love Early

Instil love for the Prophet’s family in children from a young age.

Practical Challenge: Share one short story about them with your child this week.

3. Building a Home Based on the Teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut)

Establish a home grounded in the teachings and guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut), and explain these principles clearly to your children.

Practical Challenge: Each week, share one saying (hadith) from the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them) with your children, and discuss together how you can put it into practice as a family.

4. Encouraging Community Connection

Connect children with positive religious communities and gatherings.

Practical Challenge: Attend one community or mosque event as a family.

5. Prophet’s Household Storytelling

Instead of stories that often carry no message for them, or may even convey negative messages, share stories related to the Prophet’s Household with your children.

Practical Challenge: Starting tonight, set aside two evenings each week to tell your children stories of the Prophet’s Household.

Educational Messages from the Verse for Imams and Teachers

1. Teaching with Relevance

Present the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) to your audience in relation to contemporary challenges such as social media, identity, social justice, and peer pressure.

Practical Challenge: Include one real-life example in your next lesson or sermon.

2. Inspiring Action, Not Just Words

Remind your audience that if they love the Prophet’s Household, they should strive to align their thoughts, behaviour, and decisions with theirs, rather than expressing affection only verbally.

Practical Challenge: In each of your sermons or classes, highlight one example of the conduct of the Prophet’s Household and encourage your audience to reflect on how closely their own behaviour matches it.

3. Mawaddah (loving devotion) meaning and forms

Teach your audience what true mawaddah really means and the different ways they can express their devotion to the Prophet’s Household.

Practical Challenge: This week, organise a workshop with your audience and, with their participation, explore and suggest practical ways in which we can show our devotion to the Prophet’s Household in today’s world.