As the Islamic world prepares to mark Mawlid al-Nabi, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), on Wednesday night, the Prophet’s Lovers Foundation has called on Muslims to emulate the exemplary life of the Messenger and act with unity, faith, and strategic vision in addressing the challenges facing the Ummah today.

Molla Beşir Şimşek, General President of the foundation, emphasized in a statement for the Week of Mawlid al-Nabi that the Prophet’s life serves as a timeless guide for humanity. Quoting verse 21 of Surah Ahzab, Şimşek reminded believers that the Messenger of Allah is “the best example” for those who sincerely follow divine guidance.

“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrated through his actions and teachings how to live as an exemplary human being. His life is a living legacy, witnessed by history, for all who seek truth and righteousness,” Şimşek said.

Mawlid al-Nabi: More than celebration

Şimşek stressed that the observance of Mawlid al-Nabi is not a mere ceremonial celebration. Rather, it is a profound opportunity for Muslims to internalize and live the Sunnah, strengthen their moral character, and renew their commitment to communal solidarity.

“Every sincere effort during Mawlid al-Nabi to understand and embody the Prophet’s life strengthens the consciousness of faith, rekindles love for him, and reinforces the principles of cooperation, justice, and sharing that he instilled,” he explained.

He urged Islamic communities, civil society organizations, and state religious institutions, including the Diyanet, to actively promote educational and spiritual activities that highlight the Prophet’s life and guidance.

Facing the world with wisdom and strategy

Addressing contemporary challenges, Şimşek reminded Muslims to study the Prophet’s teachings not only spiritually but also in their social, political, and economic dimensions. He underscored the importance of recognizing threats and adversaries and preparing to act strategically: “Muslims must understand those who are hostile to them, form strategies guided by revelation, and act in accordance with the Prophet’s example. Unity and vigilance are key to safeguarding the Ummah and preserving its values,” he said.

He stressed that a Muslim community must go beyond mere declarations of faith, cultivating a consciousness of being a ‘good nation’ as prescribed in the Holy Qur’an.

“A good nation pursues goodness, justice, mercy, and ethical conduct, not only for itself but for others. Muslims must demonstrate these values through action. Failure to do so exposes the Ummah to calamities, such as the ongoing atrocities in Gaza perpetrated by the Zionist-evangelical global network,” Şimşek warned.

Organization and empowerment of the Ummah

Şimşek highlighted the need for serious coordination and organizational capacity among Muslim nations, civil society, and grassroots movements. Potential power must be mobilized effectively to achieve real-world impact.

“Potential must be converted into kinetic power. Every rejection must be met with solutions; boycotts with boycotts; cyber warfare with cyber strategies; art with art. These are not just defensive measures, but a reflection of the Prophet’s Sunnah,” he stated.

He encouraged Muslims to strengthen cooperation across borders and sectors, emphasizing that a strategically united Ummah could confront oppression, protect its values, and provide tangible support to the oppressed, particularly in Gaza.

Spiritual revival and public engagement

The foundation leader also called on the faithful to engage in acts of worship and remembrance during the Mawlid celebrations, including offering salawat, attending mosques, organizing home-based mevlids, conducting scholarly research, and sharing knowledge with neighbors and local communities.

“Mawlid al-Nabi is a time to deepen faith, educate ourselves and others about the Prophet’s life, and strengthen social bonds. Every act of devotion and solidarity counts in building a spiritually vibrant and morally conscious Ummah,” Şimşek added.

He concluded with a heartfelt prayer: “May the blessed Night of the Prophet’s Birth and the Week of Mawlid al-Nabi bring peace, prosperity, and blessings to the Islamic world, especially to Gaza, which continues to endure oppression and hardship. May the Ummah rise in unity, love, and action, reflecting the true spirit of our beloved Prophet.”

The Prophet’s Lovers Foundation plans to coordinate a series of educational, charitable, and commemorative events across Türkiye and in collaboration with global Muslim communities. These activities aim to instill the Prophet’s values in daily life, raise awareness about the plight of oppressed Muslims, and promote collective action grounded in faith and ethics.

As Muslims worldwide observe Mawlid al-Nabi, Şimşek’s message emphasizes that true celebration is measured by adherence to the Prophet’s teachings, communal solidarity, and active defense of justice and human dignity. (ILKHA)