Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Bismillahir- Rahmanir-Rahim

1. Preface

In social psychology, humans have an innate instinct to seek figures of authority or role models. This phenomenon is called social learning, where our character is shaped by whom we most often observe and admire. In neuroscience, our brains possess a “mirror neuron” system that automatically mimics the emotions and behavior of those we follow.The difference in a person’s quality of life depends greatly on the “source of light” they follow. Following the Prophets means aligning the soul with the peaceful frequency of fitrah, while following tyrannical rulers or opportunistic desires will keep the soul constantly in _fight-or-flight_—stressed and anxious.Qur’anic and Hadith Evidence:

A. On the Character of Those Who Deny the Religion

أَرَأَيْتَ الَّذِي يُكَذِّبُ بِالدِّينِۗ فَذٰلِكَ الَّذِي يَدُعُّ الْيَتِيمَۙ

“Have you seen the one who denies the religion? For that is the one who repels the orphan.” (QS. Al-Ma‘un: 1–2)

B. On the Nature of a True Believer

الْمُؤْمِنُ مَنْ أَمِنَهُ النَّاسُ عَلَى دِمَائِهِمْ وَأَمْوَالِهِمْ

“A believer is one from whom people feel secure concerning their lives and their wealth.” (HR. Tirmidhi)

2. Explanation

In navigating life, we are often faced with a stark contrast. Imagine two pieces of meat: one is fresh meat—delicious to look at and enjoy—while the other is rotten meat, its stench reaching dozens of meters. People are the same; a believer is like a fragrant flower or fresh meat—his presence is longed for and puts others at ease. Conversely, a soul filled with evil is like something rotten and repulsive.Sometimes we act in ways that are humorous yet ironic. We pray to be gathered with the righteous, yet in daily life we are busy monitoring and imitating the lifestyles of celebrities who flaunt luxury and opportunism. This is like someone who longs for premium steak, yet his hands are busy rummaging through the trash. How shameful it is if we claim to be followers of the Prophet, yet our speech is sharper than bird’s eye chili and our hobby is looking for loopholes to “jump the gun” for personal gain.

3. Lessons and Message

True heroism does not lie in how strongly we dominate others, but in whom we take as our qiblah. Here are the moral messages we must internalize:The Prophetic Methodology: If you are a follower of the Prophet, then your path is generosity, patience, justice, and honesty. Social Integrity: A true believer will not betray trust, will not steal the wealth of others, and will not violate the honor of his fellow human beings. Gentleness of Character: To be a follower of the Prophet means drawing near to people through excellence of character, not through oppression or physical force. Wealth of the Soul: The presence of a sincere believer brings compassion that can soften the hardest heart. The wealth of soul in a follower of the Prophet shines far brighter than the splendor of an opportunist’s riches, full of deceit.

4. Conclusion

My beloved brothers and sisters, pay close attention to whom you take as the leader in your heart. This matter is greater than mere outward rituals of worship; it is about the integrity of the soul.A true believer is one who is honest and does not lie. Let us cleanse ourselves of opportunistic and hypocritical traits, then return to treading the path of perfect character exemplified by the Prophets. Remember a great principle: in the end, we will be gathered in the Hereafter with those we loved and followed in this world. May we be included among those under the banner of the Prophets.

والله أعلم بالصواب

الحمد لله رب العالمين

Abu Sultan Al-Qadrie