On the morning of 12 Rabi’ul Awwal 1448 A.H., while discussing the topic of the birth of our beloved Nabiy (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), Shaykh Muhammad ‘Awwamah (hafizahullah) made the following insightful comment:

عُنْوانُ المَحَبَّةِ: الاِتِّباعُ

.The hallmark of love [for Nabiy sallallahu’alayhi wasallam] is: following [the Sunnah]

Reflection

Shaykh (hafizahullah) then recalled a book that was published by one of his teachers nearly seventy years ago, titled:

التَّكْريمُ الصَّادق بالاتِّباعِ الكامِل

which translates as:

Sincere Veneration by Perfect Adherence

The author, Shaykh Ahmad Al-Bayanuniy (rahimahullah) (Demise: 1395 A.H.= 1976) passionately implores the Muslim Ummah in the book to sincerely adopt the way of the Sunnah.
In one passage he writes:

“The world has not forgotten the grace of this Noble Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Therefore, every Rabi’ul Awwal, throughout the Muslim world banners are erected, beaututiful articles are penned, the tongues flow with his praise and hearts are filled with love. This is just a fraction of our duty to Nabiy (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam).
Furthermore, this remembrance [of Nabiy (sallalhu ‘alayhi wasallam] should never be restricted to gatherings, articles and lectures. None of these will ever fully capture the true reverence and veneration due to him (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Rather, true veneration and sincere respect for Nabiy (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) lies in complete adherence to the Quran Karim…
True veneration is in following the Sunnah of this Noble Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and in depth study of his lifestyle (Sirah).” – pg.52.

May Allah Ta’ala inspire us with the correct understanding at all times.