In commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Maulid Nabi) 1448 H/2026, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar called on Muslims to make moral character (akhlak) the foundation for building civilization. By doing so, justice, power, and compassion will flourish within society.

“He began his mission by cultivating human moral character. Moral character is the foundation of every civilization. When moral character stands firm, justice will flourish. Knowledge will bring benefit, power will be exercised with integrity, and compassion will become the bond that holds society together,” the Minister of Religious Affairs said in Jakarta on Monday (8/24/2026).

The Minister of Religious Affairs said this moral foundation is key to understanding the transformation brought by the Prophet Muhammad. The changes born from the Prophet's mission shaped not only religious life but also transformed the face of human civilization.

“The transformation brought by the Prophet Muhammad was a civilizational leap rooted in the values of monotheism (tauhid), the advancement of knowledge, the establishment of justice, the strengthening of compassion, and respect for human dignity,” he explained.

He then quoted a saying of the Prophet Muhammad, “Innamā bu'itstu li utammima makārimal akhlāq,” which means, “Indeed, I was sent only to perfect noble character.”

According to the Minister of Religious Affairs, this teaching is key to understanding how the change brought by the Prophet Muhammad was able to transform the course of human civilization. The Prophet began his mission by cultivating moral character, so that religious values became not merely individual teachings but also a force that shaped social life and civilization.

Fourteen centuries ago, he said, humanity lived in what is known as the age of jahiliyyah (ignorance). At that time, human values had deteriorated: the strong oppressed the weak, while women lost their dignity.

Today, humanity has undergone a civilizational leap. Knowledge has advanced without limit, and human life has undergone major change. The Minister of Religious Affairs reminded that this progress is a blessing that must be met with gratitude and safeguarded through human values.

“Behind it lies the tremendous struggle of a chosen Messenger of Allah, sent as a mercy to all the worlds. He is the noble Prophet Muhammad, who devoted his entire life to freeing humanity from the shackles of ignorance,” he said.

The Minister of Religious Affairs also called on Muslims to strengthen their love for the Prophet Muhammad, who remained devoted to his followers until the end of his life.

“Separation by space and time has never diminished our love for the Prophet Muhammad. That love will continue to flourish for a man who constantly thought of, prayed for, and sought forgiveness on behalf of his people,” he said.

The Minister of Religious Affairs extended his greetings on the occasion of the Prophet Muhammad's Birthday 1448 H. He expressed hope that this moment would strengthen Muslims in emulating the Prophet's moral character and keeping his teachings alive.

“May Allah grant us the strength to continually emulate his moral character and keep his teachings alive. And may we all become part of the community that will receive his intercession on the Day of Judgment,” he concluded. (Biro HKP)