Love for the Prophet’s Family: A Qur’anic Command for All Times

Introduction

As we approach Arbaeen, marking forty days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), it is sobering to reflect on the unjust treatment endured by the family of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after his passing – a painful history whose most tragic chapter unfolded in Karbala and its aftermath. In the Qur’an, Allah instructed His Messenger to ask no reward for his mission except love for his near relatives. This verse is not merely a historical reminder but a timeless directive for Muslims everywhere, especially in our diverse, modern societies.

قُلْ لَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَى

“Say, I ask of you no reward for it except love for my near relatives.” (Surah Ash-Shura, 42:23)

Educational Messages of the Verse for Teenagers and Young Adults

1. Love Requires Knowledge

True affection for the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) begins with knowing who they are, their lives, and their virtues.

Challenge: Read one authentic story about a member of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) this week and share it with a friend.

2. Love Requires Following Their Example

Real love for the Prophet’s family is shown by living according to their teachings in daily life.

Challenge: Choose one to saying or action of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) and apply it consistently for a week.

3. Pray for Your Family and Relatives

Prayer is one of the purest expressions of love and care for those close to you.

Challenge: Add a short prayer for your parents, siblings, or relatives in your daily supplications.

4. Value the Prophet’s Family as Role Models

Loving the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) means learning from their courage, patience, and justice in facing life’s challenges.

Challenge: Read a short biography of one member of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) this week and note one quality to apply in your own life.

5. Defend Respect for Sacred Figures

In a society where religious values can be mocked, standing up for respect towards the Prophet’s family is a sign of faith.

Challenge: If someone misrepresents the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT), respond calmly with a fact you have learned.

6. Avoid Disrespect Through Careless Words

Online jokes, debates, or memes can unintentionally insult sacred personalities.

Challenge: Before posting or sharing content, ask yourself if it shows due respect to the Prophet’s family.

Educational Messages of the Verse for Parents

1. Respect by Example

Treat your spouse and children with visible respect so others learn to honour them, just as the Prophet stood to greet his daughter.

Challenge: At your next gathering, show a clear act of respect to a family member and let others see it.

2. Give Importance to Your Family and Relatives

We will be accountable before Allah for how we treated our family; the Prophet valued his own relatives so highly that love for them was declared the reward of his mission.

Challenge: Dedicate time this week to call or visit a relative you have not spoken to in a while.

3. Teach Children the Meaning of Mawaddah

Help your children understand that love for the Prophet’s family is a Qur’anic command, not just a cultural tradition.

Challenge: Share one Qur’anic verse or hadith about the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) with your children this week.

4. Connect Family Values to the Ahl al-Bayt’s (PBUT) Example

Link everyday family virtues such as honesty, compassion, and patience to the lives of the Prophet’s family members.

Challenge: At the dinner table, tell a short story about an Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) member that illustrates one family value.

5. Mark Islamic Occasions in the Home

Celebrating key events related to the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) strengthens children’s connection to their heritage.

Challenge: Plan a simple family activity for an upcoming date connected to the Prophet’s family, such as reading stories or making food to share.

Educational Messages of the Verse for Imams and Religious Leaders

1. True Love Brings Resemblance

Teach your congregation that genuine love for the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) must shape our thoughts, speech, decisions, and actions to reflect their example.

Challenge: In your next sermon, ask listeners to choose one habit of Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) to consciously imitate this week.

2. Promote Unity Through Mawaddah

Highlight love for the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT) as a shared principle that unites Muslims across differences.

Challenge: Organise a community gathering involving diverse Muslim groups focused on the legacy of the Prophet’s family.