Awal Muharram 1448H message by Mufti Dr Nazirudin Mohd Nasir

الحمد لله رب العالمين
والصلاة والسلام على أشرف الأنبياء والمرسلين سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين

We praise Allah s.w.t. for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us in our personal lives, our families, and our society. Through His permission and guidance, we have enjoyed a life that is progressive, comfortable, and harmonious. We are blessed with a caring community that is willing to assist those in need.

Indeed, each of us has aspirations and ambitions, and many of us continue striving to achieve them. Yet, whatever we have attained would not have been possible without the stability, peace, and harmony that form the foundation of communal life.

This was precisely what the Messenger of Allah s.a.w. sought to establish through the Hijrah, the migration of the believers from Makkah to Madinah, in order to build a community that could live in peace and unity. During the early years in Makkah, Muslims were unable to practise their faith freely due to widespread oppression, persecution, and hostility against the believers. The weak and vulnerable members of society who embraced Islam were tortured and even killed. Differences in religion and social status became justifications used by the powerful to oppress and persecute others.

When the Prophet s.a.w. arrived in Madinah, he was warmly welcomed by its people, who had long hoped for a peaceful and prosperous society under his leadership. Even his decision to allow his camel to determine the place where he would stay upon arrival demonstrated the values of justice and fairness that were essential in building a united community. The Constitution of Madinah that he established also laid down principles of unity and equality regardless of the religious or cultural backgrounds of its residents.

From the Constitution of Madinah:

“The Jews of Banu Awf are one community together with the believers. The Jews have their religion, and the Muslims have their religion. Likewise, the Jews of Banu al-Najjar shall enjoy the same rights as the Jews of Banu Awf.”

This charter clearly demonstrates that the message brought by the Prophet s.a.w. was one of well-being, security, and goodness for all humanity. These values are the very foundation of communal life. Without them, societies cannot move forward, nor can they achieve meaningful progress and development.

We see this reality reflected in the world today, where increasing conflict and division have undermined stability and quality of life in many societies. Differences are no longer viewed as strengths that enrich and strengthen communities; instead, they are often used to divide and weaken them. They become excuses for hostility, prejudice, violence, and aggression against the vulnerable and innocent.

Allah s.w.t. says:

“Had Allah not checked one group of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques—in which Allah’s name is frequently mentioned—would surely have been destroyed. And Allah will certainly support those who support His cause. Indeed, Allah is All-Powerful, Almighty.”

Surah Al-Hajj, 22:40

Such circumstances remind us that peace and harmony are not luxuries or optional advantages. They are fundamental necessities of human life. A society living in fear cannot effectively plan for its future.

Indeed, Islam consistently prioritises peace over hostility. Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Al-Anfal, verse 61:

“And if they incline towards peace, then incline towards it also, and place your trust in Allah. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.”

Surah Al-Anfal, 8:61

The Quran emphasises these principles across all aspects of human life. Justice and kindness are not confined to relations among Muslims alone; they extend to all people who seek to live together peacefully and harmoniously. Allah s.w.t. affirms this in Surah Al-Mumtahanah, verse 8:

“Allah does not forbid you from showing kindness and acting justly towards those who do not fight you because of your religion nor expel you from your homes. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”

Surah Al-Mumtahanah, 60:8

Alhamdulillah, we continue to enjoy and preserve a harmonious way of life in Singapore, despite living in a densely populated and highly diverse social environment. We have successfully built a society founded upon mutual understanding, respect for differences, and a strong culture of tolerance. This is because of our shared recognition that social stability and harmony are essential foundations for the progress and well-being of all.

However, this does not mean that such harmony will continue automatically. The world today faces numerous new developments and challenges, including advances in artificial intelligence (AI), social media, global warming, and climate change. These developments affect economies, employment, and social stability. While they offer significant benefits, they also have the potential to cause harm if not managed wisely.

Without strong moral values, new technologies and developments can weaken human relationships. This occurs when technology and communication platforms are used to highlight differences, spread hatred, and deepen divisions within society instead of strengthening common ground and unity.

Therefore, it is our responsibility to continue seeking positive and value-based approaches in responding to present and future developments. Progress should not weaken human bonds; rather, it should serve as a means to strengthen mutual understanding, deepen social ties, and contribute to the common good.

Even as currents of division and the flames of hostility spread across various parts of the world, let us continue building strong foundations for a religious life that brings goodness, strengthens human unity, and earns respect. In doing so, we can demonstrate the message of Islam as one of mercy, dignity and excellence.

The blessings and achievements of building a united, peaceful, and harmonious society must continue to be appreciated and safeguarded. More importantly, we must ensure that these values are passed on to future generations so that Singapore remains a peaceful, united, and mutually respectful society. With stability and tranquillity, we can practise our faith more effectively, orderly, and peacefully.

May the arrival of the year 1448H be an opportunity for us to renew our determination and commitment to preserving the well-being, security, and harmony that we have built together.

Amin, Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin

والله ولي التوفيق 
وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم والحمد لله رب العالمين
 

Read: Doa Awal Muharram and 3 other simple acts for Muharram

🎥Watch the livestream of Majlis Fi Rihabi Rahmah | Awal Muharram 1448H held at Masjid Al-Ansar on Tuesday, 16 June 2026!

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