Should we celebrate Mawlid
(The Prophet’s “SallalahoAleheWasalam” birthday)?
Yes we should celebrate it every year
And every month and every week
And every hour and every moment.
Dr. `Isa al-Mani` al-Humayri, Department of Awqaaf, Dubai (U.A.E)
Office of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Dubai Administration of Ifta’ and Research
We find nowadays publications filled with lies and deception which mislead many Muslims into thinking negatively about the
honorable Mawlid of the Prophet. These publications claim that to celebrate the Mawlid is an act of innovation that goes against
Islam. This is far from the truth, and it is therefore necessary for those who can speak clearly to help clarify and reverse the doubts
surrounding this most blessed day. It is with this humble intention that I present the following proofs in support of celebrating our
beloved Prophet’s birthday.
The Prophet said, “He who innovates something in this matter of ours that is not of it will have it rejected.” He also said, “Beware of
innovations, for every innovation (kul bida`) is misguidance.”
Those opposed to Mawlid cite this saying and hold that the word every (kul) is a term of generalization, including all types of
innovations, with no exception, and that therefore, celebrating Mawlid is misguidance. By daring to say that, they accuse the scholars
of Islam of innovation. At the top of the list of those they have accused, then, is our Master `Umar (RadiAllahoAnho). Those in opposition to Mawlid
quickly reply to this, “But we did not mean the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad.”
It follows, then, that the meaning of every (kul) cannot be taken in its general sense. Therefore, although the Prophet may not have
said to celebrate his blessed birthday, it is nonetheless not innovation to do so. For, as the following examples show, there were
many actions and practices instituted by his close followers after his time that are not deemed innovation.
Compiling the Qu’ran.
(From a Prophetic saying related by Zaid Ibn Thabit.(RadiAllahoAnho)) “The Prophet died and the Qu’ran had not been compiled anywhere. `Umar
(RadiAllahoAnho) suggested to Abu Bakr (RadiAllahoAnho) to compile the Qu’ran in one book. When a large number of Companions were killed in the battle of
Yamama, Abu Bakr wondered, “How could we do something that the Prophet did not do?’ `Umar said, “By Allah, it is good.’ `Umar
persisted in asking Abu Bakr until Allah expanded his chest for it (Allah made him agree and accept these suggestions) and he sent
for Zaid Ibn Thabit and assigned him to compile the Qu’ran.” Zaid said, “By Allah if they had asked me to move a mountain, it would
not have been more difficult than to compile the Qur’an.” He also said, “How could you do something that the Prophet did not do?”
Abu Bakr said, “It is good, and `Umar kept coming back to me until Allah expanded my chest for the matter.” The saying is narrated
in Sahih Al Bukhari.
The Maqam of Ibrahim (AlehiSalam) in relation to the Ka’ba.
(Al Bayhaqi narrated with a strong chain of narrators from Aisha.) “The Maqam during the time of the Prophet and Abu Bakr was
attached to the House, then `Umar moved it back.” Al Hafiz Ibn Hajar said in Al Fath, “The Companions did not oppose `Umar,
neither did those who came after them, thus it became unanimous agreement.” He was the first to build the enclosure (maqsura) on
it, which still exists today.

Adding the first call to prayer on Friday.
(From Sahih Al Bukhari, from Al Sa’ib bin Yazid.) “During the time of the Prophet (SallalahoAleheWasalam), Abu Bakr (RadiAllahoAnho) and `Umar (RadiAllahoAnho), the call to Friday
prayer used to occur when the Imam sat on the pulpit. When it was Othman’s (RadiAllahoAnho) time, he added the third call (considered third in
relation to the first adhan and the iqama. But it is named first because it proceeds the call to the Friday prayer.)”
Salutations on the Prophet composed and taught by our Master `Ali (RadiAllahoAnho).
The salutations have been mentioned by Sa’id bin Mansoor and Ibn Jareer in Tahzeeb al Aathar, and by Ibn Abi Assim and Ya’qoob
bin Shaiba in Akhbar `Ali and by Al Tabarani and others from Salamah Al Kindi.
The addition to the tashahhud by Ibn Mas’ud.
After “wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu,” and the Mercy of Allah and Blessings, he used to say, “assalamu `alayna min Rabbina,” peace
upon us from our Lord. Narrated by Al Tabarani in Al Kabir, and the narrators are those of the sound transmitters, as it has been
mentioned in Majma’ Al Zawa’id.
The addition to the tashahhud by Abdullah Ibn `Umar.
He added the basmalah at the beginning of the tashahhud. He also added to the talbia, “labbaika wa sa’daika wal khayru bi yadayka
wal raghba’u ilayika wal `amalu” This is mentioned in Bukhari, Muslim, et al.
These are some of the developments instituted by the Prophet’s Companions, the scholars, and the honorable members of his
nation, which did not exist during the time of the Prophet, and which they deemed good. Are they, then, misguided and guilty of bad
innovation?
As for the claim that there is no such thing in religion as good innovation, here are some sayings of the brilliant scholars of Islam
belying this claim.
Imam Nawawi said in Sahih Muslim (6-21)
“The Prophet’s saying every innovation is a general-particular and it is a reference to most innovations. The linguists say, “Innovation
is any act done without a previous pattern, and it is of five different kinds.’” Imam Nawawi also said in Tahzeeb al Asma’ wal Sifaat,
“Innovation in religious law is to originate anything which did not exist during the time of the Prophet, and it is divided into good and
bad.” He also said, “Al-muhdathat (pl. for muhdatha) is to originate something that has no roots in religious law. In the tradition of
religious law it is called innovation, and if it has an origin within the religious law, then it is not innovation. Innovation in religious law
is disagreeable, unlike in the language where everything that has been originated without a previous pattern is called innovation
regardless of whether it is good or bad.”
Shaykh Ibn Hajar Al Asqalani, the commentator on Al Bukhari, said,
“Anything that did not exist during the Prophet’s time is called innovation, but some are good while others are not.”
Abu Na’eem, narrated from Ibrahim Al Junaid, said, “I heard Ash-Shafi’i saying,
“Innovation is of two types; praiseworthy innovation and blameworthy innovation, and anything that disagrees with the Sunnah is
blameworthy.’”
Imam Albayhaqi narrated in Manaqib Ash-Shafi’i that Ash-Shafi’i said,
“Innovations are of two types: that which contradicts the Qu’ran, the Sunnah, or unanimous agreement of the Muslims is a innovation
of deception, while a good innovation does not contradict any of these things.”
Al `Izz bin Abdussalam said, at the end of his book, Al Qawa’id,
“Innovation is divided into obligatory, forbidden, recommended, disagreeable and permissible, and the way to know which is which is
to match it against the religious law.”
Clearly we see from the opinions of these righteous scholars, that to define innovations in worship as wholly negative without
exception is ignorant. For these pious knowers, among them Imam Nawawi and Ash-Shafi’i, declared that innovations could be
divided into good and bad, based on their compliance or deviance with religious law.
Moreover, the following Prophetic saying is known even to common Muslims, let alone scholars: “He who inaugurates a good
practice (sunnatun hasana) in Islam earns the reward of it, and of all who perform it after him, without diminishing their own rewards

in the least.” Therefore it is permissible for a Muslim to originate a good practice, even if the Prophet didn’t do it, for the sake of doing
good and cultivating the reward. The meaning of inaugurate a good practice (sanna sunnatun hasana) is to establish a practice
through personal reasoning (ijtihad) and derivation (istinbat) from the rules of religious law or its general texts. The actions of the
Prophet’s Companions and the generation following them which we have stated above is the strongest evidence.
The ones prejudiced against celebrating the Prophet’s birthday have paved the way for their falsehood by deceiving the less-learned
among the Muslims. The prejudiced ones claim that Ibn Kathir writes in his Al Bidaya wal Nihaya (11-172) that the Fatimide-Obaidite
state, which descends from the Jew, Obaidillah Bin Maimoon Al Kaddah, ruler of Egypt from 357-567 A.H., innovated the celebration
of a number of days, among them, the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday. This treacherous lie is a grave insult to the scholarship
of Ibn Kathir and the scholarship of all Islam. For in truth, Ibn Kathir writes about the Prophet’s birthday in Al bidaya wal nihaya [13136]
“The victorious king Abu Sa’id Kawkaburi, was one of the generous, distinguished masters, and the glorious kings; he left good
impressions and used to observe the honorable Mawlid by having a great celebration. Moreover, he was chivalrous, brave, wise, a
scholar, and just.” Ibn Kathir continues, “And he used to spend three hundred thousand Dinars on the Mawlid.” In support, Imam Al
Dhahabi writes of Abu Sa’id Kawkaburi, in Siyar A’laam al nubala’ [22-336] “He was humble, righteous, and loved religious learned
men and scholars of Prophetic saying.”
Following are some sayings of the rightly guided Imams regarding the Mawlid.
Imam Al Suyuti, from Alhawi lil fatawi, wrote a special chapter entitled “The Good Intention in Commemorating the Mawlid,” at the
beginning of which he said,
“There is a question being asked about commemorating the Mawlid of the Prophet in the month of Rabi’ Al Awal: what is the religious
legal ruling in this regard, is it good or bad? Does the one who celebrates get rewarded or not?” The answer according to me is as
follows: To commemorate the Mawlid, which is basically gathering people together, reciting parts of the Qu’ran, narrating stories
about the Prophet’s birth and the signs that accompanied it, then serving food, and afterwards, departing, is one of the good
innovations; and the one who practices it gets rewarded, because it involves venerating the status of the Prophet and expressing joy
for his honorable birth.
Ibn Taymiyya said in his book Iqtida’ Al Sirat Al Mustaqeem (pg. 266)
“Likewise, what some people have innovated, in competition with the Christians in celebrating the birth of Jesus, or out of love and
veneration of the Prophet⦣128;榱uot; and he continues “⦣128;æ´¨at the predecessors didn’t do, even though there is a reason
for it, and there is nothing against it.” This is a saying of someone who set fanaticism aside and sought to please Allah and his
Prophet. As far as we are concerned, we commemorate the Mawlid for no other reason but what Ibn Taymiya said, “Out of love and
veneration of the Prophet.” May Allah reward us according to this love and effort, and may Allah bless the one who said, “Let alone
what the Christians claim about their Prophet, and you may praise Muhammad in any way you want and attribute to his essence all
honors and to his status all greatness, for his merit has no limits that any expression by any speaker might reach.”
In the same source previously mentioned, Al Suyuti said,
“Someone asked Ibn Hajar about commemorating the Mawlid. Ibn Hajar answered, “Basically, commemorating the Mawlid is an
innovation that has not been transmitted by the righteous Muslims of the first three centuries. However, it involves good things and
their opposites, therefore, whoever looks for the good and avoids the opposites then it is a good innovation.’ It occurred to me (Al
Suyuti) to trace it to its established origin, which has been confirmed in the two authentic books: Al Sahihain. When the Prophet
arrived in Medina he found that the Jews fast the day of Aashura; when he inquired about it they said, “This is the day when Allah
drowned the Pharaoh and saved Moses, therefore we fast it to show our gratitude to Allah.’ From this we can conclude that thanks
are being given to Allah on a specific day for sending bounty or preventing indignity or harm.” Al Suyuti then commented, “What
bounty is greater than the bounty of the coming of this Prophet, the Prophet of Mercy, on that day?”
“This is regarding the basis of Mawlid. As for the activities, there should be only the things that express thankfulness to Allah, such
as what has been previously mentioned: reciting Qu’ran, eating food, giving charity, reciting poetry praising the Prophet or on piety
which moves hearts and drives them to do good and work for the Hereafter.”
These are the derivations that those opposed to Mawlid call false conclusions and invalid analogies.
Imam Mohammed bin Abu Bakr Abdullah Al Qaisi Al Dimashqi.
Jami’ Al Athar fi Mawlid, AlNabiy Al Mukhtar, Al lafz al ra’iq fi Mawlid khayr al khala’iq, and Mawlid al sadi fi Mawlid Al Hadi,

Imam Al `Iraqi.
Al Mawlid al heni fi al Mawlid al sani.
Mulla `Ali Al Qari.
Al Mawlid Al rawi fil Mawlid al Nabawi.
Imam Ibn Dahiya.
Al Tanweer fi Mawlid Al basheer Al Nadheer.
Imam Shamsu Din bin Nasir Al Dimashqi.
Mawlid al Sadi fi Mawlid Al Hadi. He is the one who said about the Prophet’s estranged uncle, Abu Lahab, “This unbeliever who has
been dispraised, “perish his hands” [111: 1], will stay in Hell forever. Yet, every Monday his torment is being reduced because of his
joy at the birth of the Prophet.” How much mercy can a servant expect who spends all his life joyous about the Prophet and dies
believing in the Oneness of Allah?
Imam Shamsu Din Ibn Al Jazri.
Al Nashr fil Qira’at Al `Ashr, `Urf Al Ta’reef bil Mawlid al shareef.
Imam Ibn Al Jawzi
Imam Ibn Al Jawzi said about the honorable Mawlid, “It is security throughout the year, and glad tidings that all wishes and desires
will be fulfilled.”
Imam Abu Shama
Imam Abu Shama (Imam Nawawi’s shaykh) in his book Al ba’ith ala Inkar Al bida` wal hawadith (pg.23) said, “One of the best
innovations in our time is what is being done every year on the Prophet’s birthday, such as giving charity, doing good deeds,
displaying ornaments, and expressing joy, for that expresses the feelings of love and veneration for him in the hearts of those who
are celebrating, and also, shows thankfulness to Allah for His bounty by sending His Messenger, the one who has been sent as a
Mercy to the worlds.”
Imam Al Shihab Al Qastalani
Imam Al Shihab Al Qastalani (Al Bukhari’s commentator) in his book Al mawahib Al Ladunniya (1-148) said, “May Allah have mercy
on the one who turns the nights of the month of the Prophet’s birth into festivities in order to decrease the suffering of those whose
hearts are filled with disease and sickness.”
There are others who wrote and spoke about Mawlid, such as Imam Al Sakhawi, Imam Wajihu Din bin `Ali bin al Dayba’ al Shaybani
al Zubaidi, and many more, which we will not mention due to the limited space available. From these many evidences, it should be
clear by now that celebrating the Mawlid is highly commendable and allowed. Surely we cannot simply shrug off as heretics the
scholars and dignitaries of this nation who approved the commemoration of the Mawlid and wrote countless books on the subject.
Are all these scholars, to whom the whole world is indebted for the beneficial books they have written on Prophetic sayings,
jurisprudence, commentaries, and other sorts of knowledge, among the indecent who commit sins and evil? Are they, as those
opposed to Mawlid claim, imitating the Christians in celebrating the birth of Jesus? Are they claiming that the Prophet did not convey
to the nation what they should do? We leave answers to these questions up to you.
And yet we must continue to examine the errors which those opposed to Mawlid utter. They say “If celebrating the Mawlid is from the
religion, then the Prophet would have made it clear to the nation, or would have done it in his lifetime, or it would have been done by
the Companions.” No one can say that the Prophet did not do it out of his humbleness, for this is speaking evil of him, so they cannot
use this argument.
Furthermore, that the Prophet and his Companions did not do a certain thing does not mean they made that thing prohibited. The
proof is in the Prophet’s saying, “Whoever establishes, in Islam, a good practice…” cited earlier. This is the strongest evidence that
gives encouragement to innovate whatever practices have foundations in religious law, even if the Prophet and his Companions did
not do them. Al Shafi’i said, “Anything that has a foundation in religious law is not an innovation even if the Companions did not do it,
because their refraining from doing it might have been for a certain excuse they had at the time, or they left it for something better, or
perhaps not all of them knew about it.” Therefore, whoever prohibits anything based on the concept that the Prophet did not do it, his
claim has no proof and must be rejected.

Thus we say to the rejecters of Mawlid: based on the rule you have attempted to found, that is, that whoever does anything that the
Prophet or his Companions did not do is committing innovation, it would follow that the Prophet did not complete the religion for his
nation, and that the Prophet did not convey to the nation what they should do. No one says this or believes this except a heretic
defecting from the religion of Allah. To the doubters of Mawlid we declare, “Based on what you say, we convict you.” For you have
innovated in the basics of worship a large number of things that the Prophet did not do⦣128;⦣128; nor did his Companions,
the Generation after the Companions, or the Generation after them. For instance:
• Congregating people behind one Imam to pray Salat al Tahajjud after Salat Al Tarawih, in the two Holy Mosques and other
mosques.
• Reciting the Prayer of Completion of the Qu’ran in Salat al Tarawih and also in Salat al Tahajjud.
• Designating the 27th night of Ramadan to complete reading the entire Qu’ran in the two Holy Mosques.
• A caller saying, after Salat al Tarawih, in the Qiyam prayer, “May Allah reward you.”
• Founding organizations which did not exist in the time of the Prophet, such as Islamic universities, societies for committing
the Qu’ran to memory, and offices for missionary work, and committees for enjoining good and forbidding evil. We are not
objecting to these things, since they are forms of good innovation. We merely list these innovations to point out that those
who oppose Mawlid clearly contradict their own rule stating that anything that neither the Prophet nor his Companions did
is innovation. And since they claim that all innovation is bad, they themselves are guilty.
Yet another claim they make is to say that those who commemorate the Mawlid are mostly indecent and immoral. This is a vulgar
statement and it only reflects the character of the one saying it. Are all the distinguished scholars that we have mentioned, from the
point of view of those opposed to Mawlid, indecent and immoral? We won’t be surprised if this is what they believe. This is a most
serious slander. We say, as the poet said, “When Allah wants to spread a virtue that has been hidden, He would let a tongue of an
envious person know about it.”
Those opposed to Mawlid, may Allah guide them, have confused some expressions, and claim that some religious scholars
associate partners with Allah. Take for example the plea of Imam Al Busiery to Prophet Muhammad, “Oh, most generous of creation,
I have no one to resort to, save You, when the prevailing event takes place.” They must examine carefully the saying of Imam Al
Busiery: inda hulul il amim, when the prevailing event takes place. What is al Amim? It means that which prevails over the whole
universe, and all of creation, in referring to the Day of Judgment. Imam Al Busiery is asking intercession from the Prophet on the Day
of Judgment because on that Day we will have no one to resort to, or appeal to. Imam Al Busiery seeks his intercession to Allah
through the Prophet, for when all other Messengers and Prophets will be saying, “Myself, myself,” the Prophet will be saying, “I am
the one for it, I am for it [the Intercession]” It becomes even more clear now that the doubts of those opposed to Mawlid are
unfounded, just as their charges of associating partners with Allah are unfounded. This is due to their blindness, both physical and
spiritual.
Another similar example can be found in the well-known saying transmitted by the distinguished Imam Al Kamal bin Al Hammam Al
Hanafi, author of Fath il Qadeer fi manasik al Farisi, and Sharh al Mukhtar min al sada al ahnaf. When Imam Abu Hanifa visited
Medina, he stood in front of the honorable grave of the Prophet and said, “O, most honorable of the Two Weighty Ones (humankind
and jinn)! O, treasure of mankind, shower your generosity upon me and please me with your pleasure. I am aspiring for your
generosity, and there is no one for Abu Hanifa in the world but you.” Again, we must not misinterpret this entreaty, but realize its true
meaning.
Yet another misconception those opposed to Mawlid hold can be seen in their statements such as these: “What occurs during
Mawlid is mixing between men and women, singing and playing musical instruments, and drinking alcohol.” I myself know this to be
a lie, for I have attended many Mawlids and have not seen any mixing, and never heard any musical instruments. And as for
drunkenness, yes, I have seen it, but not that of worldly people. We found people intoxicated with the love of the Prophet, a state
surpassing even the agony of death, which we know overcame our master Bilal at the time of his death. In the midst of this sweet
stupor he was saying, “Tomorrow I shall meet the loved ones, Muhammad and his Companions.”
To continue, those opposed to Mawlid say, “The day of the Prophet’s birth is the same day of the week as his death. Therefore, joy
on this day is no more appropriate than sorrow, and if religion is according to one’s opinion, then this day should be a day of
mourning and sorrow.” This kind of lame eloquence, is answered by the Imam Jalal al Din al Suyuti, in Al hawi lil fatawi (pg.193),
“The Prophet’s birth is the greatest bounty, and his death is the greatest calamity. Religious law urges us to express thankfulness for
bounties, and be patient and remain calm during calamities. Religious law has commanded us to sacrifice an animal on the birth of a
child [and distribute the meat to the needy], which is an expression of gratitude and happiness with the newborn, while it did not

command us to sacrifice at the time of death. Also, it prohibited wailing and showing grief. Therefore, the rules of Divine Law indicate
that it is recommended to show joy during the month of the Prophet’s birth, and not to show sorrow for his death.”
Furthermore, Ibn Rajab, in his book Al lata’if, dispraising the rejecters of Mawlid based on the above argument, said, “Some
designated the day of Aashura as a funeral ceremony for the murder of Al Hussein. But neither Allah nor His Prophet commanded
that the days of the prophets’ great trials or deaths should be declared days of mourning, let alone those with lesser rank.”
We conclude this article with a saying of the Prophet, which has been narrated by Abu Ya’la, from Hudhaifa and about which Ibn
Kathir said, “It’s chain of transmission is good.” Abu Ya’la said, “The Prophet has said, “One of the things that concerns me about my
nation is a man who studied the Qu’ran, and when its grace started to show on him and he had the appearance of a Muslim, he
detached himself from it, and threw it behind his back, and went after his neighbor with a sword and accused him of associating
partners with Allah.’ I then asked, “Oh, Prophet of Allah, which one is more guilty of associating partners with Allah, the accused or
the accuser?’ The Prophet said, “It is the accuser.’”
Completed, with all Praises to Allah and salutations and peace be upon our master Holy Prophet Muhammed, his blessed and
purified Family, Progeny and loyal Companions. 

11. If a person in need has taken loan from us, we should either pardon the entire loan or a part of it based on our own ability, just for the sake of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala and the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam. Also, the person can be given some more time to return the loan.

12. Try meeting relatives, friends and neighbours and presenting them with authentic books on the biography of the Holy Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, admonishing them to be steadfast on the teachings of Islam and making them pay attention towards Salah, Sawm and other Islamic duties.

13. Those having an habit or I must say disease of swearing and using abusive slang language in their conversations must leave this act as it is detested by Almighty Allah and is taken as an unethical act even by the general public.

14. Another Beautiful Sunnah Mubarak of our Beloved Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him is to wear the blessed Turban. Wearing a turban is the tradition of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam), especially during the prayers. The prayer that is performed wearing a turban carries more reward and according to another narration, the prayer performed wearing a turban carries 70 times reward than that of without the Turban.

15. Recite as much as Durood Sharif as we can. Apart from the virtues and blessings of reciting Durood Sharif described in Ahadith, this will also help us avoid unnecessary and unwanted talks and gossips and reward for avoiding useless conversation will be achieved as a bonus in sha Allah!!

16. We must try and make a paramount effort towards lighting up our homes and surrounding area and making the pathways clean.

17. We must keep our parents pleased and contented with ourselves at the extreme. We have to make sure that we don’t give them a single chance to complain to any of our action that can possibly hurt them.

18. We must try transforming our internal conflicts into love and making a covenant to live and work together and that none amongst us will ever create conflicts.

19. We have to respect our elders especially our parents, grandparents and teachers. Also, we should be kind, affectionate and loving towards our younger and give them sweets, toffees and other small gifts that please them.

20. Last but not the least, we must read and share the narrations of celebrating the blessed Birth of the Beloved Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him from the authentic books of our prominent Ahl as-Sunnah Scholars in sha ALLAH!!

Jazakumullaho Khairah aHsan al Jaza fid Daarain

O Rabi’ al-Awwal! Your joys surpass thousands of ‘Eid
All in the universe are rejoicing, except Shaytan!!

قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَآئِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ تَكُونُ لَنَا عِيداً لأَوَّلِنَا وَآخِرِنَا وَآيَةً مِّنكَ وَارْزُقْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ

Eisa, the son of Maryam, said, “O Allah, O our Lord! Send down to us a table spread from heaven, so that it may become a day of celebration for us – for our former and latter people – and a sign from You; and give us sustenance – and You are the Best Provider Of Sustenance.” [Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verse 114]

وَأَمَّا بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثْ

And abundantly proclaim the favours of your Lord. [Surah Al-Duha, Verse 11]

هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَى وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَكَفَى بِاللهِ شَهِيدًا

It is He Who has sent His Noble Messenger with the guidance and the true religion, in order to make it prevail over all other religions; and Allah is sufficient as a Witness. [Surah Al-Fatha, Verse 28]

وَإِذْ قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللهِ إِلَيْكُم مُّصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَمُبَشِّرًا بِرَسُولٍ يَأْتِي مِن بَعْدِي اسْمُهُ أَحْمَدُ فَلَمَّا جَاءَهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ الُوا هَذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ

And remember when Eisa the son of Maryam said, “O Descendants of Israel! Indeed I am Allah’s Noble Messenger towards you, confirming the Book Torah which was before me, and heralding glad tidings of the Noble Messenger who will come after me – his name is Ahmed (the Praised One)”; so when Ahmed came to them with clear proofs, they said, “This is an obvious magic.” [Surah As-Saf, Verse 6]

لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَؤُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

Indeed there has come to you a Noble Messenger from among you – your falling into hardship aggrieves him, most concerned for your well being, for the Muslims most compassionate, most merciful. [Surah Tauba, Verse 128]

لَقَدْ مَنَّ اللهُ عَلَى الْمُؤمِنِينَ إِذْ بَعَثَ فِيهِمْ رَسُولاً مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ يَتْلُواْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُواْ مِن قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلالٍ مُّبِينٍ

Allah has indeed bestowed a great favour upon the Muslims, in that He sent to them a Noble Messenger (Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) from among them, who recites to them His verses, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom; and before it, they were definitely in open error. [Surah Aal-e-Imran, Verse 164]

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ۔۔۔ قُلْ بِفَضْلِ اللّهِ وَبِرَحْمَتِهِ فَبِذَلِكَ فَلْيَفْرَحُواْ هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ

O mankind! The advice has come to you from your Lord and a cure for the hearts – and guidance and mercy for believers. Say, “Upon Allah’s munificence and upon His mercy – upon these should the people rejoice”; that is better than all their wealth and possessions. [Surah Al-Yunus, Verse 57/58]

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ

And We did not send you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him) except as a mercy for the entire world. [Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 107]

عَنْ أَبِى قَتَادَةَ الأَنْصَارِىِّ رضى الله عنه أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ -صلى الله عليه وسلم- سُئِلَ عَنْ صَوْمِ الاِثْنَيْنِ فَقَالَ « فِيهِ وُلِدْتُ وَفِيهِ أُنْزِلَ عَلَىَّ

Abi Qatada Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (may Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me.

ورأت أمي حين حملت بى أنه خرج منها نور أضاء له قصور بصرى من أرض الشام

Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) said: “When my mother gave birth to me she saw a light proceeding from her which showed her the castles of Syria”

أول ما خلق الله تعالى نوري

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has stated, “The very first thing which Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala created was my Noor.”

كنت نورا بين يدى ربى قبل خلق آدم باربعة عشر ألف عام

“I was a Noor (Light) by my creator 14000 years before the creation of Hadrat Adam (Alaihis Salaam)”

روى عبد الرزاق -فيما قيل- عن جابر رضي الله عنه قال: “قلت: يا رسول الله بأبي أنت وأمّي أخبرني عن أول شىء خلقه الله تعالى قبل الأشياء؟ قال: يا جابر إن الله تعالى خلق قبل الأشياء نور نبيّك من نوره فجعل ذلك النور يدور بالقدرة حيث شاء الله ولم يكن في ذلك الوقت لوح ولا قلم ولا جنّة ولا نار ولا ملك ولا سماء ولا أرض ولا شمس ولا قمر ولا جني ولا إنسي، فلما أراد الله أن يخلق الخلق قسّم ذلك النور أربعة أجزاء فخلق من الجزء الأول القلم، ومن الثاني اللوح، ومن الثالث العرش، ثم قسم الجزء الرابع أربعة أجزاء فخلق من الجزء الأول حملة العرش، ومن الثاني الكرسي، ومن الثالث باقي الملائكة، ثم قسّم الرابع أربعة أجزاء فخلق من الأول السموات، ومن الثاني الأرضين، ومن الثالث الجنّة والنار، ثم قسم الرابع أربعة أجزاء فخلق من الأول نور أبصار المؤمنين، ومن الثاني نور قلوبهم وهي المعرفة بالله، ومن الثالث نور أنسهم وهو التوحيد لا إله إلا الله محمّد رسول الله….”

O Prophet of Allah! My parents be sacrificed upon you, what did the Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala first create?” The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) replied: “Allah first created my Noor (Light) of His Noor. This Noor traveled about according to the Will of Allah. At that time, there was no Heaven, Hell, Lawh (Divine Tablet), Pen, Earth, Skies, Sun, Moon, Jinn or Human Beings. When He decided to create, He divided that Noor into four parts. From one part He created the Pen, from the second, the Lawh and from the third, he made the Arsh (Throne). He divided the fourth part into a further four parts. From one, He created those Angels who carry the Arsh, from the second, the Kursi (Divine Chair) and from the third, He created the Angels. He again divided the remaining parts into a further four parts. From one, He created the skies. The second was used in creating the planets. From the third, Heaven and Earth were created. Once again, He divided the fourth part into a further four parts. From one part He created the power with which the believers see. From the second, He created in the hearts of the Believers the Noor of Marifat. From the third, He created Noor in the tongues of the Believers, so that they can read the Kalima of Tawheed.

لَمَّا مَاتَ أَبُو لَهَب رَأَيْته فِي مَنَامِي بَعْد حَوْل فِي شَرّ حَال فَقَالَ : مَا لَقِيت بَعْدكُمْ رَاحَة ، إِلَّا أَنَّ الْعَذَاب يُخَفَّف عَنِّي كُلّ يَوْم اِثْنَيْنِ ، قَالَ : وَذَلِكَ أَنَّ النَّبِيّ صَلَّى الله عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وُلِدَ يَوْم الِاثْنَيْنِ ، وَكَانَتْ ثُوَيْبَة بَشَّرَتْ أَبَا لَهَب بِمَوْلِدِهِ فَأَعْتَقَهَا

After his death, people of Abu Lahab’s household saw him in a dream, and asked him how he had fared. To this, Abu Lahab said that after departing from them he did not meet with any good but was being given water every Monday from the finger with which he had indicated the emancipation of Thuwaibah, and this water lessened his torment.

Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam after announcing his prophet hood, did his Aqeeqa, not only this, he also stood on his mim’ber sharif (pulpit) and recited his Shajra (Ancestral Tree), commemorated the birth of Hadrat Adam and Status of Hadrat Ibrahim, Hadrat Esa, Hadrat Moosa Alaihimus Salam. He ordered few of his companions to recite his praise; Many of the Companions offered poems in the prominence and praise of Syyiduna Rasoolullah, He was delighted hearing this and prayed for his companions. [Houl al-iH’tifal Bi Zikri Mawlid an-Nabawi Ash-Sharif, Published in Lahore 1987]

Another trick (Irony) that opposition use to attain is saying that some ignorant people from India and Pakistan of the last few decades have invented the celebrations of Mawlid an-Nabawi Sharif being influenced by the Hindu Celebration culture and It was never ever celebrated before in previous ages and bla bla bla. Let them have some glimpses of facts from the very true history.

1. Hadrat Allama Mulla Ali Qari narrating the routine of the people of Madina Munawwarah writes,

“The people of Madina Munawwarah (May ALLLAH have Mercy on them) used to arrange and attend mawlid gatherings with great enthusiasm and sincerity on the occasion of Mawlid Sharif.” [Mawrid ar-Rawi Fi Mawlid an-Nabawi, Page 29]

2. Ibn Jauzi says:

“People of Haramain Shareefain (Makkah and Madinah) and Egypt and Yemen and Syria and of the eastern and western cities of Arabia hold functions in celebration of the birth of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam), they rejoice at the sighting of the moon of Rabi al-Awwal, bathe and put on their best dresses adorn themselves in various ways, put on scent, and give alms with great joy, and exert themselves in listening to the Mawlid of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam). By doing so, they themselves attain to success, as it has been proved that by celebrating the Mawlid of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) much good accrues the whole year round, security and comfort, greater means of livelihood, increase in children and in wealth, peace in cities and contentment and peace in homes.”

References:

1. Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan by Allama Ismail Hiqqi, Vol. 9, Page 56
2. Milad al-Uroos – Urdu “Bayan-e-Milad-un-Nabi”, Page 34/35, Published in Lahore.
3. Ad-Durr al-Munazzam, Page 100/101
4. Al-Milad an-Nabawi, Page 58

3. Gatherings of Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was switched to Prose in 3rd/4th Hijri then 700 years back from today, A pious and virtuous person named Umer bin Mullah Muhammad Mousli Alaihir RaHma established it on regular basis. Following him the great commander Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi’s dearly loved Sultan Arbal Malik Abu Saeed Muzaffar al-Din celebrated Mawlid an-Nabi officially. Ibn-e-Khalqaan Arabali Sha’fai was eyewitness of that festival.

4. According to “Tarikh-e-Mar’at az-Zaman” billion of rupees were used to spend on those festivities. In the beginning of 7th Century of Hijri Calendar; Great Scholar named Abul Khattab Umer Bin Hasan dah’hia Qalbi Andalusi Balansi wrote a book on the topic Milad an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam named “At-Tanveer Fi Mawlid as-Siraj al-Muneer”. In 1207, He went to Sultan Arbal’s castle and presented his book on Mawlid to him, for which he was awarded thousand Gold Coins from Sultan. This was the status and respect of Mawlid Shareef in hearts of earlier leaders of Islam.

5. Not only Sultan Arbal, King of Egypt celebrated the Mawlid Shareef; Allama Ibne Juzri Alaihir RaHma is one the eyewitnesses. For the celebration of this festival 1000 Mithqal of Gold was spent on it. Sultan Abu Hamu Musa Talamsani and earlier rulers of Aqsa and Andalus used to Celebrate Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Abdullah Tonsi Summa Talamsani has written the details of these festivals in his book “Raah al-Arwah”.

References:

1. Subl al-Huda wa ar-Rishaad Fi Seerah Khair al-Ibaad by Muhammad Bin Ali Yusuf Damishqi
2. Ad-Durr al-Munazzam Fee Hukmi Mawlidin Nabi Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam
3. Wafyat al-Da’yaan Anba’a Abna az-Zaman, Published in Cairo
4. Allama Muhammad Raza Misri’s Muhammadur Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Published in Lahore, Page 33
5. Ahsan al-Maqsad Fee Amilil Mawlid
6. Anwar as-Sati’aa (1307 H), Pg 261, Published from Murad Abadi

6. It is stated in Seerah al-Halabiya that:

Muslims have been celebrating gatherings of Mawlid Sharif in large cities for-long. [Seerah al-Halabiyah, Page 80]

7. Shaykh Yusuf bin Ismail an-Nabhani states:

Dwellers of Makkah visits Birthplace of Prophet Peace be Upon him on the eve of Mawlid an-Nabawi every year and arrange enormous gatherings. [Jawahir al-BiHar, Page 122]

8. In “Fuyudh al-Haramain”, Shah Waliullah has pointed out,

“The birth of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was celebrated by the people of Makkah who received blessings on account of it.”

9. The Al-Qibla Newspaper of Makkah al-Mukarrama witnesses:

On the eve of Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam celebrations are observed in Makkah and dwellers of Makkah name this day as Youm al-Eid Mawlid ar-Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. People use to cook food. Ameer of Makkah and Commander of Hijaz with their army use to visit birthplace of Prophet Peace be Upon Him and recites Qasida there. Rows of shining candles are positioned from Haram al-Makki to Birthplace and Shops and Houses on the way are also decorated. People use to recite Qasaid whole day at Birthplace. On the night of 11th Rabi al-Awwal after Isha, Mawlid Gathering is organized. From Maghrib prayer of 11th Rabi al Awwal to Asar Prayer of 12th Rabi al Awwal, after every prayer Salutations of 21 tanks is presented.

References:

1. Al-Qibla Paper – Makkah Mukarramah
2. Monthly Tariqat – Lahore, January 1917, Page 2/3

10. Encyclopedia of Islam verifies:

On the Eve of Mawlid an-Nabi; whole Islamic world is observed to be delight and celebrating it. And it is celebrated till now with enthusiasm and integrity. [Encyclopedia of Islam, Vol. 21, Page 824, Published By: Punjab University, Lahore]

11. Ibn Jawzi in his book on Mawlid, says:

In Haramayn (i.e. Makkah Mukarrama and Madina Munawwarah), in Egypt, Yemen rather all people of Arab world have been celebrating Mawlid for long. Upon sight of the moon in Rabi ul Awwal their happiness touches the limits and hence they make specific gatherings for Dhikr of Mawlid due to which they earn immense Ajr and Success. [Bayan al-Mawlid an-Nabwi, Page 58]

12. Shah Waliullah Dhelvi mentions one of his all time wonderful experiences as:

I took part in a gathering of Mawlid inside Makkah where people were sending Darood and Salam upon Prophet (Peace be upon him) and commemorating the incidents which took place during the time of the blessed birth (before and after) and those which were witnessed before He was appointed as a Nabi (such as Noor eliminating from Bibi Amina Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha, she seeing Noor, woman proposing to Sayyiduna Abdullah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho on sighting the Noor on his forehead etc…) suddenly I saw Noor to have enveloped one group of people, I don’t claim that I saw this with my bodily eyes, nor do I claim that it was spiritual and Allah knows the best regarding these two, however upon concentration on these Anwaar a reality opened upon me that these Anwaar are of those Angels who take part in such gatherings, I also saw Mercy to be descending along with Anwaar of Angels. [Fuyudh al-Haramayn, Pages 80/81]

13. Shaykh al-Islam Imam Ibn Hajr al Haytami (Rahimuhullah) writes:

The gatherings of Mawlid and Adhkaar which take place during our time, they are mostly confined to good deeds, for example in them, Sadaqat are given, Dhikr is done, Darud and Salam is sent upon the Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and he is praised. [Fatawa al-Hadithiyyah, Page 202]

14. The 7th-century historians Shaykh Abu al-Abbas al-Azafi and his son Abu al-Qasim al-Azafi wrote in their Kitab al-Durr al-Munazzam:

Pious pilgrims and prominent travelers testified that, on the day of the Mawlid Shareef in Makkah al-Mukarrama, no activities are undertaken, and nothing is sold or bought, except by the people who are busy visiting the noble birthplace, and rush to it. On this day the Holy Ka’abah is opened and visited.

15. The famous eighth-century historian, Ibn Battuta relates in his Rihla that

On every Jum’uah after the Salah and also on the birthday of the Beloved Prophet Alaihis Salat wa as-Salam, the door of the Holy Ka’abah is opened by the head of the Banu Shayba the doorkeepers of the Holy Ka’abah while on the Mawlid Shareef, the Shafi’i head judge of Makkah al-Mukarrama, Najm al-Din Muhammad ibn al-Imam Muhyi al-Din al-Tabari, distributed food to the descendants of the Beloved Prophet Alaihis Salat wa as-Salam and to the people of Makkah al-Mukarrama.

16. The historian Shaykh Ibn Zahira from his Jami al-Latif fi Fadli Makkata wa-Ahliha; Shaykh al-Haytami from his book al-Mawlid al-Sharif al-Muazzam; and the historian Shaykh al-Nahrawali from al-Ilmam bi-Alam Bayt Allah al-Haram says:

Each year on the twelfth of Rabi al-Awwal Shareef, after Maghrib Salah, the four Qadhis of Makkah al-Mukarrma (representing the Four Sunni Schools) and large groups of people including the jurists and notables of Makkah al-Mukarrma, Shaykhayn, Zawiya teachers and students, magistrates and scholars, leave the Mosque and set out collectively for a visit to the Noble Birthplace of the Beloved Prophet Alaihes Salato Salaam, shouting out Dhikr and Tahlil.

The houses on the route are illuminated with numerous lanterns and large candles, and a great many people are out and about. They all wear special clothes and they take their children with them.

Inside the Noble Birthplace, a special sermon for the occasion of the birthday of the Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is delivered. Hereafter the Dua’ for the (Ottoman) Sultan, the Ameer of Makkah al-Mukarrma, and the Shafi’i Qadhi is performed and all pray humbly.

Shortly before the ‘Isha prayer, the whole party returns to the Great Mosque, which is almost overcrowded, and sit down in rows at the foot of Maqam Ibrahim.

A similar description is given by Shaykh al-Diyar Bakri (d/960) in his Great Sirah entitled Ta’rikh al-Khamis fi Akhbari Anfasi Nafis.

Having read the words of those who had lived with the Holy Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam and had closely watched his every action, we shall now turn to some great scholars of Islam, whose writings are considered most authentic in Islamic affairs. Pay heed to these to dispel any doubts that you may have regarding the subject. All these great scholars firmly believed that celebrating Mawlid Sharif of the Holy Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam is authentic and lawful.

1. After relating Abu Lahab’s relief on setting Thuwaibha free, Hadrat Maulana Shah Abdul Haq Dehlvi in his famous book Madarij an-Nabuwwah says:

“This event provides a clear proof to those who celebrate Milad Sharif by rejoicing and alms giving on the night of the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), People of Makkah gather on 12th Rabi al-Awwal to is it the house in which the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born. Only because he was his nephew, he has been receiving, in spite of this being an idolater, the benefits of thus rejoicing in his grave every Monday, then how much more blessing will fall to the lot of him who acknowledges the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) as the beloved of ALLAH and His true Prophet, and celebrates Milad Sharif repeatedly.” [Madarij an-Nabuwwah, Vol. 2, Page 34, Publisher: Zia al-Quran Publication]

As the poet says:

دوستاں را کجا کنی محروم
تو کہ با دشمناں نظر داری

How would you (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) leave out friends?
You, who feel great compassion, even for your enemies.”

2. Due to the rejoicing he made at the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), Imaam Qastalaani says:

“How would anyone of the Ummah the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) fare, who is a Muslim and is steadfast in his belief in the unity of Allah and rejoices at his (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) birth and who spends whatever he can afford for the love of him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)? I swear by my life, that Allah, out of His Grace, will not reward such a person but by entering him into the Gardens of Bliss.” [Mawahib al-Ladunniyah by Imam Qastalani, Vol. 1, Page 27, Published in Egypt]

3. Imaam Qastalaani further states:

“May ALLAH bless a person who celebrates ‘Eid’ on the nights of the blessed month of the holy birth of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), so that it hurts them the most who have a serious disease in their hearts and who suffer from an incurable ailment on account of the blessed birth”. [Mawaahib-dunniyah by Imam Qastalani, Vol. 1, Page 27, Published in Egypt]

Oppositions would have now found the required word “Eid” in such an authentic book. If they do not agree with the writings of Imaam Qastalaani, then they should condemn their own leaders and scholars who have called this book the best and of great virtue.

4. Imaam Qastalaani further says that How blessed is the month in which the Prophet of ALLAH (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born!

How very superior and sacred! How very respected the nights (of the month) as though they are pearls shining bright throughout the ages! How full of light and pure the face of the one born! How blessed the Being (ALLAH) who made the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) a springtime for the hearts and his (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) face a manifestation of splendor!

يقول لنا لسان الحال عنه

The tongue of the Prophet of ALLAH (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) Speaks the truth. And the thing is that the voice of truth appears to be sweet to the listener

وقول الحق يعذب السميع

And, O questioner! If you want to know about my attributes and my affairs, I would say this:

فوجهي والزمان وشهر وضعي

My face and my age and the month of my birth is springtime in the month of Rabi al-Awwal.

ربيع في ربيع في ربيع

He (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) has likened his blessed face to springtime in respect of blessed beauty and splendor and that his face blossomed in springtime in the month of Rabi al-Awwal.

Reference: Mawaahib al-Ladunniyah by Imam Qastalani, Vol. 1, Page 73, Published in Egypt

5. Imam Sharf al-Din al-Busairi, in chapter 4 of his Qasida Burda Sharif speaks of the birth of Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam.

The blessed day on which Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, was born is a praise worthy event. The birth of Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, illuminated the entire universe. Some miracles and incidents, which took place at the time of birth, are mentioned in this chapter. These were signs of the greatness of Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam.

أبان مولده عن طيب عنصره

His birth distinctly showed his pure, good origin,

ياطيب مبتدإ منه ومختتم

Oh, the excellence, of his beginning and his end!

والجن تهتف والأنوار ساطعهٌ

And the jinn hailed and the lights shone,

والحق يظهر من معني ومن كلم

And the truth appeared from the meaning and its word.

Reference: Qasida Burda Sharif, Chapter 4 – Concerning the birth of Rasulullah SallAllahuAlayhi Wasallam, Couplet 1/7

6. Ibne Jauzi has devoted a whole book to Milad, which is called “Mawlid al-Uroos”. Allamah Ibne Jauzi says:

“And whosoever rejoices at the birth of our beloved Mustafa (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), this rejoicing by him will turn the Fire away, and whosoever spends even a dirham on the occasion of the Milad of the Prophet of ALLAH, He (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) will intercede on his behalf and his intercession will be accepted”. [Mawlid al-Uroos, Page 9]

7. And, Ibn Jauzi has also written:

“O Milad of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)! You are mightily praised, and the praise is such that it is the loftiest and the remembrance is such that it is the most excellent; how I wish the remembrance of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) shall be with me for a long time! How I wish his (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) Milad shall be with me for a long time!” [Mawlid al-Uroos, Page 28]

8. In this regard, Shah Waliullah Dehlvi says:

“Following the ancient practice, I recite the Holy Qur’an and distribute food etc. Of the Niyaaz (Faatihah) of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and made a public display of his blessed hair (Moo’e Muboarak). While reciting (the Holy Qur’aan), Mala’i A’la (Angels nearest to Allah) came to attend the Mahfil-e-Milad and the blessed soul of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) showed much kindness to me (Shah Waliullah) and my friends. I, thus, saw that Mala’i A ‘la (Angels nearest to Allah) and, with them, the whole group of Muslims, were ascending to high heaven (on account of the blessings of the Prophet) and this blessed condition was reflected (in the Mahfil-e-Milad).” [al-Qaul al-Jalee, Page 74]

9. Hadrat Shah Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Dehlvi (may Allah have mercy on him), in his book “Ma Sabata min as-Sunnah” referring to the night of the blessed birth, of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) says:

“We would rather say that the night when the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born is definitely superior to Lailat al-Qadr. This is so because the night of the birth is the night when he was manifested and Lailat al Qadr was bestowed on him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), and a thing which became blessed on account of him upon whom it was bestowed is more blessed than that which became blessed because of it being conferred upon him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and because Lailat al-Qadr is blessed because on this night Angels descend, and the night of the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) is blessed because of himself (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), and because Lailat al-Qadr is a blessing only for the Ummah of Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and the night of his blessed birth is a blessing for all beings. Thus the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) is he who Allah Ta’Aala sent down as a mercy to all the worlds and it is through him that Allah completed His blessings on all His creations in all heavens and in all earth.” [Ma Sabata Min as-Sunnah, Page 82, Published by Qaiyyumi Press, Kanpur, August 1923]

10. Those calling themselves followers of Shah Waliullah’s family should also note the following statement of Shah Waliullah Dehlvi. In his book, “Ad-Durr as-Sameen”, he says:

“My dear father, Hadrat Shah Abdur Raheem Dehlvi (may ALLAH have mercy on him) informed me that he used to get food cooked on Milad days as a mark of rejoicing for him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). One year it so happened that he could not afford anything except roasted grams, so he distributed those among the people, with the result that he had a vision of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) in his dream and saw that those roasted grams were lying before him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and he (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) looked pleased”. [Ad-Durr as-Sameen, Page 3]

11. Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (may ALLAH have mercy on him) says:

“The practice of this faqeer has been that I participate in Milad Sharif functions. In view of the fact that doing so brings blessings, I myself hold Milad every year, and find great solace and joy in Qiyaam (reciting salutations in a standing position)”

References:

1. Faislah Haft Mas’alah, page 5, published by Matba’ Majeedi, Kanpur, December, 1921
2. Faislah Haft Mas’alah Ma’a Taleeqat, page 111, published in Lahore.
3. Faislah Haft Mas’alah, page 5, published in Lahore 1986

12. In the fourth chapter of his book “Ad Durr al-Munazzam”, Mawlana Shaykh Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Allahabaadi has recorded in detail incidents which manifested themselves at the time when the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born. These include:

“A cluster of stars concentrated over the roof of his house at the time of the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam); Angels hoisted flags on holy Baitullah and in the east and in the west; the whole atmosphere was filled with the voices of Angels and houres reciting salutations to him in the standing position and congratulating each other and rejoicing with abandon; animals also congratulated each other at the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), the Ka’batullah bowed in a manner of saluting, and the falsehood vanished and the light of truth spread light in all directions.”

References:

1. Page 54, 72, 91; Mawaahib al-Ladunniyah by Imaam Qastalaani
2. Page 57; Mawlid al-Uroos by Imam Ibne Jauzi
3. Page 3, 7, 26, Shawahid an-Nubawwah by Mawlana Jaami
4. Page 55; Seerat al-Halbiyah by Allamah Ali Bin Burhaan
5. Khasaa’is al-Kubra by Imaam Suyooti Vol. l, Page 45, 94
6. Zarqaani ala al-Mawahib by Allamah Zurqaani Vol. 1, Page 112, 116.

13. Imam Abul Hussain Muahammad Bin Ahmad known as Ibn-e-Jabeer Andalusi writes,

“Place of Birth of Prophet Peace Be with Him is one of the Holy Places in Makkah Mukarramah. The soil of this place have an honor that it kissed the blessed body of Allah’s Beloved Peace Be with Him very first and this is the place where the Birth of Prophet Peace Be Upon Him took place who is the blessing for whole universe. In the Month of Rabi al-Awwal especially on the occasion of his Birth Day this place is open for all and sundry and people incessantly visits this place to attain Allah’s Mercy and blessing.” [Rehlah Ibn-e-Jabeer, Page 60]

14. Ibn Kathir has stated:

“Iblis cried loudly four times, first when Allah declared him as cursed, second when he was thrown out, Third when Prophet (SalAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was born and fourth when Surah Fatiha was revealed.”

References:

1. al-Bidayah wa al-Nihaayah, Vol. 2, Page 166
2. Shawaahid an-Nubuwwah by Mawlana Jaami, Page 51

15. Shaykh Muhammad Bin Alawi al-Maliki said:

“Holy Prophet Peace Be With Him due to importance of his Birthday use to avow it a great incident and use to pray to Allah Almighty as it was a great blessing for him also beloved Prophet have supremacy on everything in this universe because everything in this universe through HIS foundation got providential.” [Houl al-Ihtifaal bil Mawid an-Nabawi Ash-Sharif, Pg 8-9]

16. Hadrat Shah Ahmed Saeed Mujaddidi said:

“As Beloved Prophet used to say Salutations upon himself we too must celebrate Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllahu Alaihi Wasllam, Cook food and do other adulations and praise to Almighty Allah by other ways of delight.” [Isbaat al-Mawlid wa al-Qayam, Page 24]

17. Hadrat Shaykh Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Dehlvi used to pray:

“O Lord! I do not have such deeds that I can present in your mighty court. Wrongdoer influences all of my deeds. But there is an act of this Humbler just because of your mercy to present you and that is my Salutations on your Beloved Prophet Peace Be Upon Him that I use to offer with honesty and integrity standing in the blessed gatherings of Mawlid Sharif.” [Akhbar al-Akhyaar, Page 644]

18. Hadrat Shaykh Yousuf bin Ismail an-Nabhani said,

“Only Pagans and Non-Believers are against celebrating Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam.” [Jawahir al-Bihar]

19. A scholar stated that he was blessed with the vision of Holy Prophet Peace Be Upon Him. He asked,

“Ya Rasool Allah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam, Are you pleased about Muslims; who celebrate your birthday?” He replied “Those who love me; I love them too” [Tazkirat al-Wa’izeen, Page 200, Published from Maktaba Habibia – Quetta]

20. Ibn Kathir says regarding Shah Malik al-Muzzafar regarding whom so-called Salafis spread deception by forging words of Ibn Kathir i.e. he was actually a Fasiq, cruel and Bidati ruler but in reality Ibn Kathir said:

“He was a generous, mighty master, and glorious ruler, whose works were very good. He built Jamiya al Muzaffari near Qasiyun … During Rabi al-Awwal he used to celebrate Mawlid Sharif with great celebration, Moreover, he was benevolent, brave, wise, a scholar, and just person. Shaykh Abul Khattab wrote a book on Mawlid an-Nabwi for him and named it At-Tanwir fi Mawlid al Bashir al Nazeer, for which he gave him 1000 dinars. His rule stayed till the Rule of Salahiya and he captured Aka and he remained a man worthy of respect.”

Al-Sabt mentions that a person attending the gathering of Mawlid held by Muzzafar said:

“He used to fill the table with 5000 well cooked goats, 10,000 chickens, 100-thousand bowls (of milk) and 30,000 trays of sweets.” [Tarikh Ibn Kathir, al Bidayah wa an-Nihaya, Vol. 13, Page 174]

21. Imam Shahab al-Din Abul Abbas al-Qastalani (Rahimuhullah) said:

When it is said that Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was born at night time then the question arises which of the two nights is greater i.e. Night of Decree or Night of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam)’s birth?

The Night of Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam birth is superior due to 3 reasons:

First: He (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) arrived (in this world) on the Night of Mawlid whereas Night of decree was granted to him (afterwards), therefore the arrival of Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is greater than what has been granted to him, hence night of Mawlid is higher in virtue.

Second: If Night of decree is vitreous night because Angels descend in it, then Night of Mawlid has the virtue of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) being sent to world. The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is superior to Angels, therefore night of Mawlid becomes superior.

Third: Due to night of decree, the Ummah of Muhammad (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was given imminence, whereas due to Night of Mawlid all creations were given Fadhilah (Superiority), as Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) is sent as Mercy to worlds/creations (Quran 21:107), hence the blessing was made general for all creations.

References:

1. Imam Qastalani in al-Muwahib al-Laduniya, Vol. 1, Page 145
2. Imam Zarqani in his Sharah of Al-Muwahib, Vol. 1, Page 255/256

22. Imam Jalal al-Din Suyuti (Rahimuhullah) writes:

The reality of Mawlid is that people gather to recite Quran to the extent that is easy, also to discuss narrations which are regarding Prophet (SalAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam), the signs which took place on his birth. Then dinning is arranged for them and they return without adding anything more to this “Bidat al-Hasanah”. The one who arranges it gets Thawab due to honoring Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and showing gratitude on his birth [Al Hawi lil Fatawi, Vol. 1, Page 292, Published by Maktaba al Athriya, Beirut – Lebanon]

23. Imam Jalal al-Din Suyuti (Rahimuhullah) answers why celebrating on birth supersedes the sorrow of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) passing away on same date?

The birth of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) is a great blessing for us and his death is very saddening for us too, however Shariah has ordered us to rejoice and thank Allah on blessings, whereas on calamity it has taught us to have patience while hiding it. Hence in light of rulings prescribed by Shariah one should rejoice in Rabi al-Awwal on birth of our beloved Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam). [Al Hawi lil Fatawi, Vol. 1, Page 298, Published by Maktaba al Athariya, Beirut – Lebanon]

24. Imam Shams al-Din Dimishqi (Rahimuhullah) writes:

It is proven that Abu Lahab’s punishment of fire is reduced on every Monday because he rejoiced on brith of Prophet (SalAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and freed the slave-woman Thuwaiba Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anha. When Abu Lahab, whose eternal abode is hell fire and regarding whom whole surah of Tabad Yada (i.e. Surah Lahab) was revealed, he gets Takhfif in his torment every Monday then Imagine the situation of a (momin) who has spent his life in rejoicing over birth of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and died as a Mawhid.

References:

1. Mawrid as Sadi fi Mawlid al Hadi by Imam al-Dimishqi
2. Imam Suyuti in Hassan al-Maqsad fi Amal al-Mawlid, Page 66
 

To celebrate Mawlid is amongst the great tributes to Prophet (SalAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam), but the condition is that it should be clear of evil things. Imam Suyuti has said: It is Mustahab for us to be happy on birth of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam). [Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan, Vol. 9, Page 52]

All good is from Allah Ta’ala whereas mistakes are from this humble speck. May Allah Ta’ala bless all readers, bringing you all closer to Him and His Rasul SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam. May He accept our humble efforts and grant us the capacity to be good and do well… Ameen!!
— — —

هاجرت إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقدمت عليه منصرفه من تبوك، فأسلمت، فسمعت العباس بن عبد المطلب يقول: يا رسول الله إنى أريد أن أمتدحك، فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: قل، لا يفضض الله فاك

After gaining victory and success in Ghazwa Tabook when Rasoolullah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) arrived in Madinatul Munawwara, Hadrat Sayyiduna Abbas (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) requested permission from the Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) to read a few stanzas in his praise then Mercy on the Mankind (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) said, “My dear Uncle! Go ahead. May Almighty Allah keep your mouth well.”

This is what Sayyiduna al-`Abbas ibn `Abd al-Muttalib said:

من قبلها طبت في الظلال وفى مستودع حيث يخصف الورق
ثم هبطت البلاد لا بشر أنت ولا مضغة ولا علق
بل نطفة تركب السفين وقد ألجم نسرا وأهله الغرق
تنقل من صلب إلى رحم إذا مضى عالم بدا طبق
وردت نارا لخليل مستترا في صلبه أنت كيف يحترق
ثم احتوى بيتك المهيمن خندف علياء تحتها النطق
وأنت لما ولدت أشرقت الارض ونارت بنورك الافق
فنحن في ذلك الضياء وفى النور وسبل الرشاد نخترق

… Before you came to this world,
you were excellent in the shadows and in the repository (i.e. loins)
in the time when they (Adam and Eve) covered themselves with leaves.
Then you descended through the ages…
When you were born, the earth shone
and your light illuminated the horizon.
We travel in that illumination and in the light and in the paths of right guidance.”

References:

1. Kitaab al-Wafa, Page 35, Vol. 1
2. Khasais al-Kubra, Page 97, Vol. 1
3. Insaan al-Uyoon page 96, Vol. 1
4. Seerat an-Nauwiya, Page 37
5. Jawahir al-Bihaar, Page 40
6. Anwaar al-Muhammadiyah, Page 62-84
7. Hujjatulahi Ala al-Alameen, Page 222
8. Muwahib al-Laduniyah, Page 23
9. Al Isti’aab Mustadrik, Page 327, Vol. 3
10. al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya, Page 258, Vol. 2
11. Kitaab al Mallal wan Nahal, Page 240, Vol. 2
12. Majma’i Zawahid, Page 217, Vol. 8
13. Talkhees al-Mustadrik, Page 327, Vol. 3
14. Subl al Huda war-Rishaad, Vol. 5, Page 469
15. Ibn-e-Kathir’s Mawlad al-Mustafa, Page 29-30, Published in Lahore 1958.

Mullah Ali al-Qari in his ‘Sharh al-Shifa’ (1:364) says it is related by Abu Bakr al-Shafi`i and Tabarani, and cited by Ibn `Abd al-Barr and Ibn al-Qayyim respectively in ‘al-Isti`ab’ and ‘Huda Nabiyy Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)’.

This has been stated in distinguished works of great Muhaditheen such as Imam Jalal al-Din as-Suyuti, Muhadith ibn Jauzi, Allamah Ibn Hajr, Allamah Halbi, Allamah Dahlaan Makki, Allamah Nabhaani, Allamah ibn Abdul Birr, Allamah Haakim, Ibn Kathir and Allamah Sharistaani (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhum al-Ajma’een).

Those who object on praising Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam in poetry and reciting his praise on his mawlid must take a serious note to it!!

Flags on the Birth of Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam:

Sayyidatuna Aamina Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha states,

ورأيت ثلاثة أعلام مضروبات علما في المشرق وعلما في المغرب وعلما على ظهر الكعبة فأخذني المخاض فولدت محمدا صلى الله عليه وسلم

“I saw three flags are sited, One in East, One in West and the third one over the roof of Ka’ba and Prophet’s (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) birth took place.” [Khasais al-Kubra, Vol. 1, Page 82, Published from Dar al-Kutub Ilmia, Berut – Lebanon]

Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and His Companions Entered Madina Munawwarah Carrying a Flag:

When Prophet Peace and Blessings be Upon Him Migrated to Madinah Munawwarah, on reaching MoDa-e-Gameem near Madina; at that time Burayda Aslami along with 70 Horse riders of Bani Saham Tribe came to Prophet Peace and Blessings be Upon Him to arrest him (Ma’aadh Allah) but being inspired of Prophet’s blessed and wonderful personality, he got highly admired and accepted Islam along with his tribe. Then he asked Prophet Peace and Blessings be Upon Him

لا تدخل المدینة الا ومعك لواء، فحل عمامة ثم شدھا في رمح ثم مشی بین یدیه صلی الله علیه وسلم

Please do not enter Madinah Munawwarah until we have a Flag. So, he tied his Turban on his arc and entered in Madinah Munawwarah with Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam carrying that FLAG. [Wafa al-Wafa, Vol. 1, Page 243, published from Dar aHya at-Turath al-Arabi, Berut – Lebanon]

Noble Companion of Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam recites his Mawlid and Praises Him

Hadrat Hassan Ibn Thaabit (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) said:

وأحسن منك لم تر قط عيني

Wa Ah’sanu Minka Lum taraqattu Aienee
I haven’t seen the lovely personality like you

وأجمل منك لم تلد النساء

Wa Ajmalu Minka Lum Talidin Nisa’u
And no mother have given birth to such a wonderful personality

خُلِقْتَ مبرءاً من كل عيب

Khuliqta Mubarra’am Min Kulli Aie’bin
You are created free from every fault

كأنك قد خُلِقْتَ كما تشاء

Ka’Annaka Qud Khuliqta Kama Tasha’u
You were created, as you wanted to be

References:

1. Tafseer al-Aalusi, Chapter 2, Vol. 7, Page 422
2. Tafseer Rooh al-Ma’ani, Vol. 2, Page 34

And witness how the Beloved Prophet of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala rewarded him? Hadrat Aaisha (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha) narrates that Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) built a pulpit for Hadrat Hassan (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) in Masjid al-Nabawi Sharif, and Hadrat Hassan use to Recite his praise standing on that pulpit giving answers to mushriqeen on behalf of Sayyiduna Muhammadur Rasoolullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). For this act of Hadrat Hassan, Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) said

إن روح القدس لا يزال يؤيدك ما نافحت عن الله ورسوله صلى الله عليه وسلم

“Jibril al-Ameen (RooH al-Quds) assists Hassan while He recites and refutes mushrikeen on their accusations on Allah and His Prophet Peace and Blessings be upon Him”

References:

1. Sunan al-Kubra lil Bayhaqi, Vol. 10, Page 238
2. Mau’jam al-Kabir lil Tibrani, Vol. 4, Page 35
3. Musannaf Abi Shayba, Vol. 6, Page 173
4. Dalail al-Nabuwwah, Vol. 5, Page 75
5. Sahih Muslim, Vol. 16, Page 226
6. Sunan Abi Dawood, Vol. 14, Page 357

Spending on the Celebrations of Mawlid Sharif

Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basari (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) said,

قال حسن البصري رضي الله تعالی عنه وددت لو کان لی مثل جبل احد ذھبا فانفقته علی قراءة مولد النبي صلی الله علیه وسلم

“I would like have gold equivalent to the Mountain of Uhud so that I should be able to spend it on the Mawlid Sharif of the Holy Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam).” [An-Ne’mat al-Kubra, Page 6, Published Istanbul – Turkey]  —