Allah Almighty says, “Whoever obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah.” Since Allah has linked obedience to Him with obedience to His Messenger, how should we obey the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) on the anniversary of his birth?

Obedience to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) is obligatory and constitutes obedience to our Lord Almighty. For this reason, Allah Almighty coupled obedience to His Messenger with obedience to Himself, declaring that whoever obeys his Messenger has obeyed Him, “Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah” (Quran, 4:80).

Our commemoration of the anniversary of the Prophet’s blessed birth should be characterized by adherence to the commands of Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) and refraining from all that they have prohibited. The Quran outlines for us the ideal way to do so in the words of Allah Almighty, “Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you from, refrain from” (Quran, 59:7). Accordingly, we should follow his way of life and guidance, emulating his noble example to earn his pleasure in his blessed grave.

Our commemoration of the anniversary of the Prophet’s birth should likewise be marked by avoiding temptations, unlawful desires, and the improper mixing between men and women, while promoting the noble Islamic principles among our fellow Muslims. In this way, we will have obeyed Allah and His Messenger and, by the will of Allah, attain happiness in this world and the Hereafter, thereby earning His pleasure.

And Allah Almighty knows best.