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Heri Mahbub
Born approximately 1,500 years ago [Qamariyah], the light of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminds us of his teachings as a blessing to the universe. Let's explore the history, meaning, and brilliance of the Prophet's light from his birth to the present day.
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Quran Cordoba - About 1500 years ago, in a small city called Makkah, a light was born that would illuminate the world. A noble and holy baby, who would later become the cover of the prophets, Rasulullah Muhammad ﷺ.
The light grows in the mercy of Allah, bringing messages, illuminating the universe that was long in darkness and guiding humanity to the straight path, with glad tidings and warnings.
" O Prophet! Indeed, We have sent you to be a witness, a bearer of good news and a warner, and to be a caller to Allah (religion) with His permission and as a light that illuminates. " (QS. Al-Ahzab, 33: 45-46)
Let us start by praising Allah SWT, the Creator of the universe, who sent down His messenger, then all creatures offer prayers to our lord, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Shalawat is a prayer so that we will be among those who receive the intercession of the Prophet Muhammad on the Day of Judgment, and be gathered under his banner, liwaa'ul hamd . Without this intercession, life's journey will feel too heavy, dark and lonely.
This is where the meaning of the 1500 light years of the Prophet Muhammad SAW becomes important. Because the Hijriyah calendar records this year as 1447 AH, if we add 53 years before the Hijrah - the period since his birth - then it will be 1500 years since the Prophet's light illuminated the world.
" Indeed, Allah and His angels offer salawat to the Prophet. O you who believe! Pray to the Prophet and greet him with full respect ." (QS. Al-Ahzab, 33: 56)
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This long period represents sixteen centuries of the light of mercy and justice. The Prophet was born into an Arab society of ignorance—a society that knew the truth but was reluctant to practice it. They knew that idol worship was a lie, and that oppressing the weak was abominable, yet they continued to do so as if it were normal.
In the midst of this darkness, prophetic light is present. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ brought revelation, knocking down idols not only from stones, but also from the hearts and minds of people. Allah SWT confirms:
" And We did not send you (Muhammad), but as a mercy to the worlds ." (QS. Al-Anbiya: 107)
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For 1,500 years, the Prophet's light never faded. From Mecca to Medina, it spread to Damascus, Baghdad, Cairo, Andalusia, Istanbul, Bukhara, and even throughout the Indonesian archipelago. From mosques and madrasas to libraries and even to religious councils—all bore witness to its radiance.
Islam changed the face of the world. From the barren desert, a civilization emerged that turned history upside down. From an unknown people to a people leading the world with knowledge, morality, and monotheism as their primary foundations.
However, the important question is: are we still faithfully guarding that light?
Today, we have the same Koran, the same Sunnah of Rasulullah and shalawat, as well as the legacy of ulama heirs of the Prophet. But many people are more busy with petty disputes, differences rather than principles, and are busy chasing the glitter of the world, rather than maintaining the great mandate of Islam which is rahmatan lil 'alamin.
If the light of the Prophet is extinguished in our hearts, then modern ignorance will return to engulf humanity: hedonism, injustice, hatred, strife and endless war.
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“ Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow for anyone who hopes for Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah often .” (QS. Al-Ahzab, 33: 56)
The Prophet ﷺ not only taught worship, but was also an example in building a civilized society. He educated people to be fair, honest, merciful, and have the courage to speak the truth.
His light guided the world toward Islamic civilization. However, when people abandoned this example, or even extinguished it, they fell into narrow fanaticism, evil, division, and loss of direction.
"They wanted to extinguish the light (religion) of Allah with their mouths (speech), but Allah continued to perfect His light even though the disbelievers hated it.
He is the One who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, to make it victorious over all religions, even though the polytheists hate it.”
(QS. As-Saff, 61: 8-9)
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This commemoration of the Prophet's birth is both a call and a warning. The world awaits to see whether Muslims will rekindle the Prophet's illuminating example or allow it to be covered in the dust of neglect.
Like the poem of the Ansar when welcoming the Prophet:
Asyroqol badru 'alainaa… Fakhtafat minhul buduuru
“The full moon has risen over us, and the light of the other moons has disappeared because of its light.”
That is a symbol that the light of the Prophet Muhammad is the main light, surpassing all other lights.
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Let's make this 1,500-light-year milestone a pledge. We want to continue walking under his banner, from this world to the next. The light of the Prophet must continue to illuminate our hearts, homes, communities, and this troubled world.
The light of the Prophet is God's promise. It will never be extinguished. The question is: will we be the generation that preserves it, or will we neglect it?
Wallahu'alam
