The Prophet (PBUH) as a Living Role Model

The occasion for reflecting on this Ayah: 27 Rajab: The Beginning of the Prophet’s Mission (Biʿthah)

Introduction

The 27^th of Rajab marks the anniversary of the Bi‘thah as the divine mission of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). On this occasion, the Qur’an reminds believers that the Prophet (pbuh) is not only a messenger of revelation, but also a living example whose character, conduct, and choices provide a practical model for those seeking closeness to God and success in the Hereafter:

لَقَدْ كانَ لَكُمْ في رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كانَ يَرْجُوا اللَّهَ وَ الْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَ ذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثيراً (احزاب، ۲۱)

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often.” (Surah al-Ahzab, 33:21)

Educational messages of the ayah for teens and youth

1. Be Careful Who You Look Up To

Not everyone who is popular or successful is a good role model; before choosing good examples, you must distance yourself from harmful ones.

Practical Challenge: List two people or influencers you follow and ask yourself whether they help or harm your values.

2. Learning from the Prophet (pbuh) Requires Inner Readiness

Benefiting from the Prophet (PBUH) as a role model needs preparation; the Qur’an says it requires hope in Allah, belief in the Hereafter, and remembering Allah often.

Practical Challenge: Choose one of these three (hope in Allah, thinking about the Hereafter, or dhikr) and practise it daily for one week.

3. Faith, Hope, and Remembrance Go Together

Hope in Allah, hope in the Hereafter, and remembering Allah are connected; when one is weak, the others also fade.

Practical Challenge: Each day, do one small act that strengthens all three – such as a short du‘ā before making a decision.

4. Follow Real Role Models

True role models are those whose lives are guided by faith and ethics, not popularity or online fame.

Practical Challenge: Choose one quality of the Prophet (PBUH) – such as honesty or patience – and practise it this week.

5. Faith Is Shown Through Behaviour

Loving the Prophet (PBUH) means reflecting his values in daily actions, not just words.

Practical Challenge: Do one kind or fair act today without seeking praise.

6. Hope in Allah Shapes Your Choices

Hope in Allah and the Hereafter helps you make long-term, wise decisions.

Practical Challenge: Write one goal that benefits both your dunya and ākhirah.

Educational messages of the ayah for parents

1. Bring the Prophet’s Life into Everyday Conversations

Reading stories from the life and character of the Prophet (PBUH) and linking them to your children’s daily experiences makes his example meaningful and real.

Practical Challenge: This week, share one short story from the Prophet’s life and ask your child how it applies to school or friendships.

2. Be a Living Example, Not Only a Speaker

Children learn the Prophet’s way more from what parents do than from what they say.

Practical Challenge: Choose one Prophetic behaviour (patience, honesty, kindness) and practise it consciously at home for one week.

3. Balance Mercy and Discipline

The Prophet (PBUH) combined compassion with clear boundaries.

Practical Challenge: Correct one mistake with both firmness and kindness.

4. Build a Home of Remembrance

A home connected to Allah nurtures calm, trust, and ethical behaviour.

Practical Challenge: Establish a simple daily family habit of du‘ā or Qur’an recitation.

Educational messages of the ayah for imams, chaplains, and religious leaders

1. Teach How to Learn from the Prophet (pbuh), Not Only About Him

Explain practical methods for understanding and applying the Prophet’s words and life so followers can turn knowledge into daily action.

Practical Challenge: In your next khutbah or lesson, present one Prophetic teaching and show one clear way to practise it this week.

2. Emphasise Righteousness as the Basis of True Following

Clarify that real following of the Prophet (PBUH) requires personal integrity, hope in Allah, belief in the Hereafter, and remembrance of Allah – not mere claims.

Practical Challenge: Invite the congregation to choose one of these three qualities and work on strengthening it over the next seven days.

3. Address Modern Pressures with Prophetic Guidance

The Prophet’s example offers answers to identity crises, social division, and moral confusion.

Practical Challenge: Organise a talk or workshop on applying the Sunnah to modern life.