Faith in Words, Faith in Deeds: Following the Prophet Wholeheartedly: Reflections on Qur’an 33:56

Introduction

On the 17^th of Rabi‘ al-Awwal, Muslims across the world commemorate the blessed birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Messenger of mercy and guidance. In honour of this occasion, this week’s verse focuses on a powerful Qur’anic command:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ۚ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا ﴿الأحزاب، ٥٦﴾

Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings upon him and greet him with peace in full submission.

Educational messages from the verse for teenagers and youth

1. Words and Actions Together

True devotion to the Prophet means combining verbal respect with real-life actions; words alone are not enough.

Challenge: After reciting salawat, act on one sunnah in your daily routine.

2. The Purpose of Salawat

Sending blessings should lead to practical obedience; if action does not follow, the blessing loses its purpose.

Challenge: Each time you send salawat, remind yourself of one action you can improve in your behaviour.

3. A Sign of True Faith

Real believers are those who combine verbal honour and practical obedience to the Prophet; this is a clear marker of faith.

Challenge: Reflect honestly: Does your lifestyle align with Prophet’s teachings?

4. Consistency Matters

Respecting and following the Prophet is not a one-time effort; it requires continuity throughout life.

Challenge: Track one prophetic habit for 30 days and stay consistent.

5. Joy in Obedience

Sending blessings and following the Prophet should bring happiness, not feel like a burden.

Challenge: When you follow a sunnah, consciously thank Allah for giving you the honour to do so.

6. Obedience Beyond Logic

Submitting to the Prophet means obeying even when the wisdom is not clear, trusting that divine guidance exceeds human understanding.

Challenge: Practise one sunnah you do not fully understand, as an act of humble trust.

7. Building Identity Through Love of Prophet

Loving the Prophet gives strength against peer pressure and negative cultural trends.

Challenge: Each day, read or listen to one saying (hadith) of the Prophet and share it with a friend.

8. Strength in Unity

Sending blessings on the Prophet connects you to a global community of believers.

Challenge: Join a local or online group that promotes Islamic values positively.

9. Role Models Beyond Celebrities

The Prophet’s character is a healthier guide than today’s fleeting influencers.

Challenge: Compare one prophetic teaching with the advice of a modern celebrity and note the difference.

Educational messages from the verse for parents

1. Teaching the Prophet’s Life

Children can only follow the Prophet if they know his words and actions; parents must introduce them to his life and teachings.

Challenge: Read one short hadith or story about the Prophet with your children before bedtime at least once a week.

2. Parenting with Compassion

The Prophet’s example of gentleness inspires patient and loving parenting.

Challenge: When frustrated, recall one moment of the Prophet’s patience before reacting.

3. Family Prayer and Blessings

Sending blessings on the Prophet together strengthens family bonds.

Challenge: After one daily prayer, recite salawat as a family.

Educational messages from the verse for Imams and religious leaders

1. Connecting Blessings with Action

The ayah calls for submission, meaning imams should remind believers that salawat is not symbolic but should lead to living the Prophet’s sunnah.

Challenge: After teaching salawat, highlight one practical sunnah for people to implement that week.

2. Teaching the Meaning of Submission

The verse commands believers to “submit fully” in sending peace. Imams should explain that this submission requires humility before the Prophet’s example.

Challenge: Dedicate part of a class to unpacking what “taslīman” (full submission) means in practice today.