Friday sermon: Remember the goodness of the Prophet on his birthday

On the occasion of his birthday, this week's Friday sermon reminds worshippers of all the things the Prophet Mohammed has done for them.

To mark the Prophet Mohammed's birthday, today's sermon reminds worshippers of all the good deeds of Allah's apostle - and advises them on ways to commemorate the occasion.

"As one who prays for us, asks Allah to forgive us and guides us from ignorance to enlightenment, the Prophet Mohammed surely deserves our ultimate love," says the sermon.

"His birth was a message and civilisation that glowed the face of history."

Prophets preceding him such as Ibrahim and Jesus announced his arrival to their people.

"And when Jesus son of Mary said: O Children of Israel! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah unto you, confirming that which was [revealed] before me in the Torah, and bringing good tidings of a messenger who cometh after me, whose name is the Praised One. Yet when he hath come unto them with clear proofs, they say: This is mere magic," says a verse from the Quran.

Even his enemies recognised the ethics and humanitarian gestures of the Prophet Mohammed.

Hercules once asked Abu Sufian before he converted to Islam: "Did you accuse him of lying before he said what he said [about being the messenger of Allah]?" Abu Sufian said they did not.

Then Hercules asked: "Would he commit treachery?" Abu Sufian said he would not.

"Then what does he order you to do?" asked Hercules.

"Worship Allah alone and don't give him partners, leave what you fathers say. He also orders us to pray, pay zakat [charity], speak the truth, have chastity and good relations with family."

Then Hercules said: "If what you are saying is true, he will own where my two feet are sitting right now. If I were to know how to reach him I would spend great effort to meet him, and if I were with him I would wash off his foot."