Tag Archives: Milad

History of the Mawlid / Milad Shareef and its Importance in the Contemporary World

 In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful

Prayers and Salutations upon the Holy Prophet  Muhammad

“Wa dhakkirhum bi ayyamiLlah” i.e. “And remind them [O Beloved sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam] of the Days of Allah” [The Holy Quran, Surah Ibrahim, 14:5]

What are the “Days of Allah?” According to Hazrat Maulana Ismail Haqqi rahmatullah alayh in his 350 year old commentary of the Holy Quran called “Roohul Bayan,” the Days of Allah mean “the blessings of Allah.” These blessings of Allah include the air we breathe, the water we drink, our health, our family, our friends. However, none of these would be in existence if it wasn’t for the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam as is clear from the Hadith Qudsi where Allah Almighty says:

“If it was not for you [O Prophet] I would not have revealed My Lordship.”

In other words Allah Ta’ala would not have created had it not been for the sake of His Beloved sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam.

Another Hadeeth related by Hazrat Salman Farsi written in the famous Mawahibe Laduniyah of Imam Qastallani rahmatullah alayh, a 500 year old foundational text states that:

“Gabriel alayhis salaam descended on the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam and said, ‘Your Lord says, ‘If I have taken Abraham as a beloved, intimate friend, I have taken you for the same. I have never created any creation more precious to Me than you, and I have created this world and its inhabitants for the purpose of letting them know your honor and what you mean to Me; and if it were not for you I would not have created this world.’”

Imam Qastallani rahmatullah alayh has written commentaries on both the Sahih al-Bukhari as well as Sahih Muslim. Any Hadeeth related by him must be accepted beyond the shadow of a doubt.

The same reality of the causality of creation is beautifully versified by Hazrat Imam Busiri rahmatullah alayh:

Wa kayfa tad’u ilad dunya darooratu man

Laulaahu lam tukhrajid dunya minal ‘adami

How can the necessities of such a noble personality incline him towards this world
For had it not been for him this world would not have come out of non existence

[Qasidah al-Burdah, Chapter 3, verse 5]

Maulaya salli wa sallim daiman Abadan

ala Habeebika khayril khalqi kullihimi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam)

It is then clear that Allah Ta’ala created all the blessings of the world for the sake of the Greatest Blessing – The Ni’matul Kubra – The Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam. This greatest Blessing is a Mercy to the worlds “Rahmatal lil alameen” as Allah Ta’ala says:

“And We have sent thee not but as Mercy to Worlds.” [The Holy Quran, Surah Al-Ambiya, 21:107]

Let us further examine what Allah Ta’ala has commanded for  us in regards to His blessings. Allah Ta’ala says:

“Say, ‘Upon Allah’s munificence and upon His mercy – upon these should the people rejoice …’” [The Holy Quran, Surah Yunus 10:58]

Imam Jalaaluddeen Suyuti rahmatullah alayh says in his famous Tafseer Durr al Manthoor, which is a Tafseer of the verses of the Holy Quran based on the Ahaadeeth of our Beloved Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam:

وأخرج أبو الشيخ عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما في الآية قال: فضل الله العلم، ورحمته محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم، قال الله تعالى
{ وما أرسلناك إلا رحمة للعالمين }
[الأنبياء: 107].

Abu Sheikh rahmatullah alayh narrated from Ibn Abbas radi Allahu anhuma:

That “Bounty of Allah” [in this verse] means Knowledge, whereas ”Mercy” means Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam. 

Allah Ta’ala said: And We have sent thee not but as Mercy to Worlds [As-Suyuti in Durr al Manthoor (4/330)]

The above verses make it clear that it is Allah Almighty’s command for us to express happiness at His Blessings; and therefore we must express the greatest happiness at His Greatest Blessing. The night when this Greatest Blessing was sent from the world of Spirits to this earthly life as a mercy for us must indeed be the Night of Greatest Happiness and one that must be remembered and celebrated over and over again. This is the Milad Shareef or the Mawlid or the Maulud. The word Milad comes from the Arabic root “walada” which means to be born.

In the Holy Quran, Syedna Isa alayhis salaam sends peace upon himself on the day that he was born:

“Was Salaamu ‘alayya yauma wulidtu…” i.e. “And peace is upon me the day I was born …” [The Holy Quran, Surah Maryam, 19:33] 

If peace descends upon Syedna Isa alayhis salaam on the day that he was born, would peace not descend on the day that the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, who is Syedul Mursaleen – the Leader of the Prophets, was born?

Indeed this night was so great that Allah Almighty Himself celebrated it by showing His Great Signs:

Transferred through generations of purity

Arrived into Aamina’s womb with complete security

No labor or birth pains did she have in the slight

What she saw coming from her was nothing but light

The castles of Qaiser and Kisra crumbled in the distance

The millennium old burning Magian light blew out in an instance

The winds of change were blowing in their finest

The scent of Madinah was arriving, at the Merciful’s behest

Maryam, Hawa, and Asiya were sent as nursemaids

To welcome this Mercy to the worlds, never to fade

A bright light shone from His  gentle, tender face

The joy of seeing which nothing could replace

Clouds covered the Ka’ba, stars bent in humility and awe

Ecstatic with Allah’s Greatest Blessing, which the world now saw

Food was at Abdul Muttalib’s for three whole days

Even Abu Lahab freed a slave on that blessed Monday

The first Milad however one must remember was conducted by Allah Ta’ala Himself in the pre-earthly spiritual realm before He even sent the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam to this earth. This Milad of the Spirits included in its audience the souls of all the Prophets where Allah Almighty praised the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam and took a covenant “The Meethaq” with the rest of the Prophets that they would support the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam. This blessed gathering is mentioned in Surah Aale Imran of the Holy Quran [3:81]:

And [recall, O People of the Scripture], when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets, [saying], “Whatever I give you of the Scripture and wisdom and then there comes to you a Messenger confirming what is with you, you [must] believe in him and support him.” [ Allah ] said, “Have you acknowledged and taken upon that My commitment?” They said, “We have acknowledged it.” He said, “Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses.”

This covenant was the first blessed gathering of the Mawlid as it mentions the coming of Prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam to this world which is the definition of the Mawlid.

Another beautiful Hadeeth elucidates the great blessings Allah Almighty bestows on even His enemies due to the birth of our Beloved Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam.

Narrated ‘Ursa; Thuwaiba was the freed slave girl of Abu Lahab whom he had manumitted, and then she suckled the Prophet. When Abu Lahb died, one of his relatives saw him in a dream in a very bad state and asked him, “What have you encountered?” Abu Lahab said, “I have not found any rest since I left you,except that I have been given water to drink in this (the space between his thumb and other fingers) and that is because of my manumitting Thuwaiba.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 62, Number 38]

Abu Lahab freed Thuwaiba out of joy at the birth of our Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam, who was his own nephew. Even the worst of Kuffaar and greatest of enemies is given relaxation in his punishment due to freeing Thuwaiba by pointing with his finger, so one can only imagine the situation of a believer who rejoices on the Mawlid.

So it is clear then that Allah Ta’ala celebrated the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam’s Blessed Birth, so isn’t it incumbent upon us to do so?

Did the Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam perform the Milad Shareef? Yes indeed he did.

Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Massenger (may peace 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. [Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2606]

This Hadith is also reported by Imam al-Bahayqi  in his “Sunnan ul Kubra” (Vol. 4, pg. 300 Hadith no 8182, 8259), in the “Sunan” of Imam Nisai and the “Musnad” of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal.

Therefore, performing an act of worship or many acts of worship on the day that he alayhi salatu wa salaam was born is proven from the Sahih Hadeeth. It is a good practice to initiate any good deed on this blessed day whether one holds Naat khwaani or arranges a Mehfil of Dhikr or a Conference because another Sahih Muslim Hadeeth says that “He who inaugurates a good practice in Islam earns the reward of it, and of all who perform it after him, without diminishing their own rewards in the least.” Of course one must be careful when performing these good deeds that they be free from all spiritual ailments such as riya (showing off), takabbur (arrogance) etc as well be within the bounds of the Shari’ah in terms of modesty, clothing and other etiquette.

There is another narration by Hazrat Anas  that the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam performed his own aqiqah and slaughtered an animal 40 years after his Blessed Birth to remember it even though it had been done for him by his grandfather Hazrat Abdul Muttalib. This is related by Al-Bayhaqi, and Imam Suyuti rahmatullah alayhim ajmaeen.

So it is clear then that the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam celebrated His own Milad, so isn’t it incumbent upon us to do so?

Let us now turn to the Sahaba Kiram radi Allahu anhum ajmaeen – did they celebrate the Milad Shareef? Yes indeed they did as is proven from authentic texts. In the famous book “Al Tanwir fil Maulood Al-Basheer wan-Nazeer” it is related that Hazrat Abu Darda said that he was passing the home of Hazrat Amir Ansari in the company of the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam. He said that we saw that he was mentioning the Blessed Birth events and saying, “This was that day! This was that day that he sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam came to this earth.” The Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam upon seeing this said, “Allah has opened the doors of mercy and all the angels pray for your forgiveness and deliverance. Whoever does this will receive success.” (aw kama qal)

Additionally, in the famous book Ni’matul Kubra, Shaykhul Islam Allama Ibn Hajar Makki rahamtullah alayh writes:

Hazrat Abubakr Siddeeq radi Allahu says: “Whoever spends even one dirham on the recitation of the Milad Shareef of Huzoor sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam will be with me in Jannah.”

Hazrat Umar Farooq radi Allahu anhu says: “Whoever honors the Milad Shareef of Huzoor sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam has essentially revived Islam.”

Hazrat Uthman Ghani radi Allahu anhu says: “Whoever spends even one dirham on the recitation of the Milad Shareef of Huzoor sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam is as if he or she was present at the battles of Badr and Hunayn.”

Hazrat Ali  Murtaza radi Allahu anhu wa karrama Allahu wajhu says: “Whoever honors the Milad Shareef of Huzoor sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam and became the cause of Miladkhwani, he or she will leave the world with the wealth of Iman and will enter Jannah without any accounting.”

So it is clear then that the Sahaba Kiram celebrated and promoted The Blessed Milad Shareef, so isn’t it incumbent upon us to do so?

Did the Tabi’een celebrate the Maulid? Yes indeed they did. Hazrat Imam Abubakr Qastallani writes that Imam Hasan Basri said, “If I had gold equal to the mountain of Uhud I would give it away in the way of the Milad.”

So it is clear then that the Tabi’een celebrated The Blessed Milad Shareef, so isn’t it incumbent upon us to do so?

Did the 4 Imams of Fiqh celebrate the Milad Shareef. Yes indeed they did. It is a well known narration that Hazrat Ahmed ibn Hanbal used to distribute dates on the 9th and 12th of Rabiul Awwal in the happiness of the Blessed Birth. Similarly, Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Muhammad Baqir, and Imam Jafar Sadiq used to distribute dates and gram flour (sattu). May Allah Almighty have mercy on them all.

So it is clear then that the Imams of our Deen celebrated The Blessed Milad Shareef, so isn’t it incumbent upon us to do so?

Did the Awilya Kiram celebrate the Milad Shareef? Yes indeed they did. It is written in Abu Muhammad Siyal Naqshbandi’s famous Tazkirah Ghause Azam that the Sultanul Awliya Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani radia Allahu anhu celebrated the 11th day of every lunar month because inevitably it would go into the 12th doing a Mawlid every month.

So it is clear then that the greatest Awliya of our Deen celebrated The Blessed Milad Shareef, so isn’t it incumbent upon us to do so?

Was the Milad Shareef celebrated in the actual birth place of the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam – the Holy City of Makkah? Yes indeed it was.

Early Commemoration of Mawlid in Makkah:

Ibn Jubayr (540-614) writes in his Rihal (“Travels”), wherein he describes his observation of Mawlid in Makkah Al-Mukarramah:

“This blessed place [the house of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam] is opened, and all enter to derive blessing from it (mutabarrikeen bihi), on every Monday of the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, for on that day and in that month was born the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam.”

The famous 8th-century historian Ibn Batuta relates in his Rihla: “On every Friday, after the Jumu’ah prayers and on the birthday of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam, the door of the Kaba is opened by the head of the Banu Shayba, the doorkeepers of the Kaba, and that on the Mawlid, the Shafi’I qadi (head judge) of Makkah, Najmuddin Muhammad ibn al-Imam Muhyiddin al-Tabari, distributes food to the shurafaa (descendants) of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam and to all the other peope of Makkah.”

“Each year on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, after the evening prayer, the four qadis of Makkah (representing the four Sunni Schools) and large groups of people including the scholars (fuqahaa) and notables (fudalaa) of Makkah, shaykhs, zawiya teachers and their students, magistrates (ru’asaa), and scholars (muta’ammameen) leave the mosque and set out collectively for a visit to the birthplace of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam, shouting out dhikr and tahlil (laa ilaaha illa Allah).”

“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. Having reached the birthplace, inside a special sermon for the occasion of the birthday of the Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam is delivered, mentioning the miracles that took place on that occasion.”

Similar events are recorded as having taken place in Makkah and Madinah up to the year 1917. Only then did these traditions and practices cease in these two holiest cities, though they are still held in the homes of many Hijazi families, attended by many Muslims who come from around the world. [taken from “Mawlid: Its Necessity” by Shaykh Hisham Muhammad Kabbani]

Until today in Muslim countries around the globe such as Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Lebanon, just to name a few, government offices, universities and businesses are closed on that day.

It should also be clear that the actual birth date of our Beloved Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam is the 12th of Rabiul Awwal as proven from the follow authentic references:

Opinion of Renowned Historians about the Authentic Date of Milad:

1. Imam Ibn-e-Ishaq (85-151 H): Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was born on 12 Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel. (Ibn-e-Jawzi in Al-Wafa, Page 87)

2. Allama Ibn-e-Hisham (213 H): Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was born on Monday 12 Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel. (Ibn-e-Hisham in As-Sirat-un-Nabawiya, Vol. 1, Page 158)

3. Imam Ibn-e-Jareer Tabari (224-310 H): Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was born on Monday 12 Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel. (Tarikh-ul-Umam-wal-Muluk, Vol. 2, Page 125)

4. Allama Abu-ul-Hasan Ali Bin Muhammad Al-Mawardi (370-480 H): Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was born 50 days after the event of Ashab-ul-Feel and after the death of His father on Monday 12 Rabi-ul-Awal. (Ailam-un-Nabuwa, Page 192)

5. Imam Al-Hafiz Abu-ul-Fatah Al-Undalasi (671-734 H): Our leader and our Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), the Messenger of Allah, was born on Monday 12 Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel. (Aayun-al-Asr, Vol.1, Page 33)

6. Allama Ibn-e-Khaldun (732-808 H): Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was born on 12 Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel. It was the 40th year of Emperor Kasra Noshairwan. (Ibn-e-Khaldun in At-Tarikh Vol. 2, Page 394)

7. Muhammad As-Sadiq Ibrahim Arjoon: From various turaq (chains) it has been established as true that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was born on Monday 12 Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel in the reign of Kasara Noshairwan. (Muhammad Rasool Ullah, Vol. 1, Page 102)

8. Sheikh Abdul-Haq Muhadath Dehlvi (950-1052 H):Know it well, that over-whelming majority of the experts of sayar and tarikh (i.e. biographers and historians) hold the opinion that The Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم was born in Aam-ul-Feel. It is well known that the month was of Rabi-ul-Awal and its date was 12. Various scholars have shown their agreement with this (date). (Madarij-un-Nabuwa, Vol. 2, Page 14)

9. Nawab Muhammad Sadiq Hasan Khan Bohapalvi: The birth (of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was happened in Mecca at the time of Fajar on Monday 12 Rabi-ul-Awal in Aam-ul-Feel. Majority of scholars holds this opinion. Ibn-e-Jawzi has narrated a consensus (of scholars) on it. (Ash-Shumama-tul-Anbariya Fi Mowlid Khair-al-Bariya, Page 7)

The historians / scholars from the first / second century of Hijri, as well as the scholars of later times, have accepted the 12th of Rabiul Awwal as the birth date of our Beloved Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam.

It is clear beyond the shadow of a doubt that the practice of celebrating the Milad Shareef was a practice with an unbroken chain which started with Allah Almighty in the pre-earthly Realm till about 100 years ago when the horns of Satan arose in the Najd as per the prophecy of the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam to cause confusion and doubt in the minds and hearts of people.

It is clear beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Eid Miladun Nabi sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam is not the 3rd most important Eid, but it is THE most important Eid because all the other Eids came from it. One must understand that “Eid” here is being used in the sense of a happy event that returns every year. The Blessed night of 12 Rabiul Awwal is not just an important night for Muslims, but it is THE most important night for all the worlds because all other nights and days were gifted to us because of this night.

Imam Qastallani further writes in his famous Mawahibul Ladunniya that there is no greater blessing for the world than that which was received on the day of the Holy Prophet’s sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam’s Blessed Birth. To express gratitude for this is obligatory. This can be done in the form of spiritual gatherings, feeding people, giving charity, reading the events of the Blessed Birth and teaching it to others. The year in which the Milad Shareef is read becomes a source of success and peace, and freedom from tribulations. Allah bestows His special blessings upon those who celebrate this day as Eid.

Tala'al Badru

In our contemporary world where most people are victims of depression, stress and anxiety, it would be to our own selfish interests to celebrate the Mawlid so that its blessings help alleviate our individual and social problems. However, let us celebrate for the sake of celebrating because it is Allah’s command. Let us say, Ya Allah:

“Rula tu hamein bas ghame Musatafa mein

Na dunya ke gham me rula mere Maula”

Let us celebrate to express our love for whom we honor, to honor whom we love, whom Allah loves, whom everyone and everything, every animal, every stone, every mountain, every cloud, every sky, every ocean knows and loves and honors. May Allah Almighty always keep up among such fortunate ones who are recipients of the prayers generosity of the Holy Prophet sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam. Ameen.

Uthee nazar to Unke karam par thahar gaee

Dil kya badal gaya meri qismat sanwar gaee

Diyare Nabi mein aah bhi kabhi na be asar gaee

Tadpe jo ham yahan to Madeene khabar gaee

Shahon se mila hai na qalandar se mila hai

Allah ka irfan Tere Dar se mila hai

More information on the Mawlid can be found via audio lectures by IECRC’s Founding Director, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ahmed Qadri at https://www.iecrcna.org/site/tag/milad-shareef/.

Some references for this article were taken from www.ahlus-sunna.com.

– Syeda Shagufta Ahmad Qadri

Celebrating Eid-e-Milad

When we celebrate Milad, we gather, in order to send salutations (Esal-e-Swaab) to the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace], give charity to the poor (Sadaqah Khairat) and remember wilaadah(Birth) and virtues of the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace]. The Ahl as-Sunnah does not say that one must celebrate “Milad” only on 12 Rabee’-ul-Awwal, in fact it can be celebrated at anytime of the year. Generally Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated, on the 12th of Rabee’ul-Awwal, by Muslims all over the world. In every Muslim country, there is a public holiday for “Milaad-un-Nabee”, except one country, but even in that country, the people celebrate “Milaad” individually. The birth of the Anbiyaa’ has been mentioned in the Qur’an. For example, Adam, Musaa, Eesaa, and Yahyaa (May Allah bless them and grant them peace). If it is wrong to talk about the birth of the Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him peace), then why has Allah TA’ALA mentioned it in the Qur’an?

Evidence of Milaad-un-Nabi from the Qur’an

Allah Ta’ala says in the Holy Qur’an:

Say: “In the bounty of Allah, and his mercy;- Therein let them rejoice.” That is better then what they Amass.

(Yunus, 58)

In this verse, Allah Almighty tells us that we should be happy when we receive blessings and mercy from Him. Without doubt, the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] is the greateset mercy and blessing of Allah Almighty

Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an:

“And we sent not to you but a mercy for all the worlds” (Al’Anbiyaa’, 107)

AllahAlmighty says in the Qur’an:

Oh Prophet! The communicator of unseen news. We have sent you as a present beholder and bearer of glad tidings and a warner.

And an inviter towards Allah by His command and a brightening sun.

And give glad tidings to the believers that for them is great bounty of Allah.

(Al-aHzaab, 44-47)

AllahAlmighty says in the Qur’an:

…remind them of the day of Allah…

(Ibraaheem, 5)

Hafidhh Ibn Kathir and Qadi Shawkani writes that:

“the day of Allah” refers to the day on which AllahAlmighty has done a favour on mankind. For example, the freedom of Bani Isra’il from the slavery of Fir’awn.

[Tafsir Ibn Kathir, and Fath-ul-qadeer, by Hafidhh Ibn Kather and Qaadee Shawkaanee]

Allah’s graetest favour on mankind was the birth of the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace]. This means that the Milaad of the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace] is a “day of Allah”, therefore we should remember it.

Hafidh Ibn Rajab writes that:

It is recommended to fast on those days on which Allah Almighty has sent blessings on us. The greatest favour which AllahAlmighty has bestowed us with, is the sending down of the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace]. Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an:

“I have favoured among nations and sent to you a Prophet from among you”(ltaa’if-ul-ma’rif, page 111, by Hafidh Ibn Rajab)

Some other evidences of Milaad

Our Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace] celebrated the birth of his son Ibraaheem by freeing a slave. (Tareekh Ibn Kathir, “Birth of Ibraaheem”).

Imam Muslim writes that the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] was asked about the fast on Mondays, which he used to keep, the Prophet replied “This is the day of my birth”.

(Muslim, “Kitaab-us-Sawm”)

This proves that the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] kept fast on Mondays to show gratitude for his birth.

Imam Bukhari writes that:

when Abu Lahab died, someone from his household saw him in a dream, they asked him what happened in the grave he said “I am being punished severely, but on Mondays, I get water from my finger with which I am freed Thuwayba,

(Bukhari, “Kitaab-un-Nikaah”)

Friday is a special day for Muslims because this is the day that Allah created Aadam[May Allah bless him and grant him peace]

(The Muslim book of Jum’ah, also Tareekh Ibn Kathir, vol.1, “Story of Aadam (May Allah bless him and grant him peace])

Hafidhh Ibn Kathir writes that Abu Lahab freed Thuwayba on the day that the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] was born.

(Sirat-un-Nabee, “Birth of Prophet May Allah bless him and grant Him peace]”, by Hafidh Ibn Kathir)

This proves that a kaafir, Abu Lahab, was happy on the day of the birth of the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] and was rewarded by having his punishment reduced. If this is true, then indeed Allah will bless a Muslim who rejoices the birth of the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace]. This Hadith has been used by many ‘Ulamaa’, to justify the celebration of Milad.

Allama Ibn Hajr Asqalani writes that Sohaily said that Abbaas Radi-Allahu-unhu, who was the uncle of the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace], had the above dream. Apart from this, other Muhadditheen have also attributed this dream to Abbaas Radi-Allahu-unhu. (Fath-ul-baari, “Nikaah”, by Hafidh Ibn Hajar Asqalaanee)

A person may ask, “When did Abbaas Radi-Allahu-unhu have this dream? Was it before or after he embraced Islam?” The answer to this is that he had this dream after coming into the fold of Islam (Seerah-Ibn-Hashaam) Abu Lahab died after the battle of Badr before which Abbaas Radi-Allahu-unhu embraced Islam.

Fatwa of Scholars for Milad

Hafidhh Ibn Taymiyyah writes:

“Those people who celebrate Milaad through the love and respect of the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace], will be rewarded by Allah.

[Iqtidaa’ us-siraat-il-Mustaqeem, page 294]

He also writes that:

If someone celebrates Milaad with the love and respect of Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace], he will have a “big reward”. He says that in Muslim communities, Milaad-un-Nabi gatherings are only done with the respect and love of the Muslims for the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace]

[Iqtidaa’ as-siraat-il-Mustaqeem, page 297, by Hafidhh Ibn Taymiyyah]

Hafidhh Ibn Kathir wrote that:

There was once a King, Abu Sa’eed Malik Muzaffar – a man of good deeds. In his kingdom, wherever he saw a lack of water, he would build a well. He also established many Islamic study centers. Every year, he would spend half a million dinars on hosting a gathering of his people to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace]

[Tareekh Ibn Kathir, see story of King Abu Sa’eed, Volume 13]

Ibn Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Najdi, in his book, writes:

“Thuwaiba, who was the freed slave of Abu Lahab fed Rasolallah Sallalalhu ‘alaihi wa sallam milk. Abu Lahab freed Suwaiba at the time when she informed him that a son has been born at your brother’s house. After the death of Abu Lahab he was seen in a dream, in which he said ‘I am in severe punishment but this is lessened on Mondays, he showed his forefinger, and said that he would suck from it. This is so because it was with this finger that I freed Suwaiba when she informed of the birth of the Prophet, and she also fed the Prophet Sallalalhu ‘alaihi wa sallam milk”. Ibn Jawzi states: Abu Lahab is that kaafir who has been specially referred to, in the Qur’an. If such a person can be rewarded for celebrating the Milaad of the Prophet Sallalalhu ‘alaihi wa Sallam, then imagine how great the reward would be for a Muslim when he celebrates it.

[Mukhtassar Sirat-ur-rasool, “Milaad-un-nabi”, by Ibn Muhammad bin Abdul wahhaab Najdi].

The above is evidence that celebrating the birthday of the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] in the form of a gathering is permissible. Otherwise Hafidhh Ibn Kathir would not have referred to it as a good deed and Hafidhh Ibn Taymiyyah would not have said that there would be a “big reward” for doing so.

Some people have the opinion that King Abu Sa’eed introduced the celebrating of this occasion. This is not true because Hafidh Ibn Kathir states that in the 5th Century hijree, a King named Malik Shah celebrated it also with a gathering

[Tareekh Ibn Katheer biography of Malik Shah]

Some people even argue that the Holy Prophet was not even born on the 12th Rabbi Awwal. This argument is baseless, as Hafidh Ibn Kathir has discussed this in Sirat-un-nabi. He states that the majority of the scholars agree that the Prophet was born on the 12th of Rabee’ul-Aawal. The evidence of the people who do not accept this is weak.

(As-Sirat-un-nabi, vol.1, “Birth of the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace]”)

Muhammad Ibn Is-haaq states that the Prophet was born on the 12th of Rabee’ul-Awwal.

(Seerah Ibn Hashaam, “Chapter Birth of the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace]”)

Ibn Is-haaq was a Taabi’ and was born in 75 Hijrah. His book is the oldest book available of seerah in Islamic history. The first book of Seerah was written by Musa bin Uqba. This book is no longer avaiable for reference.

The Ahl as-Sunnah celebrate the Milaad of the Prophet [May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace] with love and respect. If someone does not celebrate it, we do not call them a kaafir because the matter of Milaad does not affect the ‘Aqeedah of a person. The celebrating of this should not cause any divisions among Muslims.

Hafidhh Salaahuddeen Yoosuf [A great follower of Hafidhh Ibn Taymiyyah and Shaikh Najdee] writes:

On the birth date of the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant him peace], to give charity to the poor or to build a Masjid. We agree in this type of celebration of Milaad.

(Milaad-un-nabi, by Hafidhh.Yoosuf, page 92)

Hafidh Ibn Kathir writes: “On the day of the birth of Prophet[May Allah bless Him and grant Him peace], Shaytaan cried a lot.”

(Sirat-un-nabi, “Birth of the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace]”, by Hafidh Ibn Kathir)

From Ibn Kathirs narration we can see that to feel unhappy on the Birthday of the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant him peace] is the way of shaytaan not the way of a Muslim!

Some questions raised concerning the Milaad

Although the Prophet was born on the 12th of Rabee’ul-awwal he also died on the same date. How then can the 12th of Rabee’ul-awwal be a happy day?

Mourning for someone’s death should not be more than three days, except for a woman, who has lost her husband. The Prophet’s [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace] death was over 1400 years ago, so the period of mourning has passed. But, after someone dies, his death is remembered by reciting the Qur’an, remembering his merits, giving alms, and making du’a for him. Even if the period of mourning for the Prophet’s [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace] death exists, all the actions mentioned above are included when people gather for Milaad-un-nabee. For this reason, there is not need to separate the celebration of the Prophet’s [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace] birth, and the mourning of his death.

How can there be an Eid Milaad-un-nabi when there are only two Eids (Al-Fitr and Al-AdhHaa)?

Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an:

Prophet Isa [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace] prayed to Allah Almighty “Oh Allah, our Lord, send down to us a tray of food from the Heavens so that it may be an occasion of Eid for us for the first and the last of us.” (Al-Maa’idah, 114)

Imam Hakim writes that the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace] said “Friday is also an Eid day”. Once, in the Prophet’s time Eid came on Friday and the Prophet [May Allah bless him and grant Him peace] said “Allah has given you two Eids today”.

(Mustadrak, “Jum’ah” by Imam Haakim and summary by Imam Dhahabi).

Imam Tirmidhee writes

“Abdullah-bin-Abbaas was reciting verse 3 of surah maa’ida, from the Qur’an. A Jew, sitting close-by heard it and said to Abdullah “If that verse which you recited, was revealed to us, we would make that day an Eid day”. Abdullah-bin-Abbas replied “When this verse was revealed, there were two Eids on that day. One of them was the Hajj day and the other Friday”.

[Tirmidhee , “Tafsir”, and also Tafsir Ibn Kathir, surah 5, verse 3]

From the references above, it is proved that the term “Eid day” does not specifically apply to the two Eid days (Al-fitr and al-adhHaa), but instead, it could be used for any Islamic holy day. This means that we can refer to “Milaad-un-Nabi” as “Eid-Milaad-un-nabi”

Books on Milaad-un-Nabi (SallahoAleheWasalam)

Imam Tirmidhi, in his book even gives the title of one of this chapters, the name “Milaad-un-Nabee”. (Tirmidhi, shamaa’il)

Imam Waaqdi (A second century Scholar) also wrote a book entitled “Milaad-un-Nabi”. The original copy can be found in Cairo.

Allama Ibn Al-Jawzi, wrote a book called “Milaad-un-Nabi” in which he gives very strong proofs permitting the celebration of Milaad

–Md Nazeer

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): Our Role Model

During the blessed month of Rabiul Awwal 1431, a women and youth conference was organized in the beautiful country of Bahrain by Sister Shagufta Ahmad Qadri, representative of the Islamic Educational and Cultural Research Center, IECRC USA and Canada, and Sister Zarine Riaz Shaikh Qadri, a long time active member and teacher of the Bahrain community. The Conference was titled “Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): Our Role Model” and attended by almost 200 women and children from around the island.


The purpose of the Conference was to bring forth the foundational element of holding on to the Sunnah (practices) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the way to improving our lives, societies, countries and the world at large. The spiritual gathering began with a recitation from the Holy Quran followed by its English translation. Both reminded the audience through the beautiful chapter of Ar-Rahman, that truly “which of the favors of our Lord can we deny”? The greatest favor upon humanity is the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through whom we received the religion of Islam. It is a point to ponder that if Allah Almighty Willed it He could very easily have guided each of our hearts to Islam by revealing the Holy Quran into it. However, this honor of being the mediary to humanity as its perpertual guide was reserved for none other than the “Rahmatul lil Aalameen” in whose praise and devotion this blessed gathering of Dhikr (remembrance) was organized as a measure of thanks for the great gift of Islam.

The gathering continued with the recitation of the Qaseedah Burdah Shareef of the great 12th CE scholar Imam Sharafuddeen Al-Busiri rahmatullah alayh which he wrote in honor of the Holy Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam which then became the cause of his paralysis becoming cured. The youth group presented some verses of this 160 couplet poem. Writing and reciting poetry (Naat) in praise of Holy Prophet Muhammad sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam is a confirmed practice of many great Sahaba (Companions) of the Holy Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa Aalihi wa sallam, the most well known being Hazrat Hassan ibn Thabit radi Allahu anhu, the author of the famous Naat “As-subhu bada min tala’atihi”.

Many enlightening speeches were given by Bahrain’s illustrious youth on the topics of “Importance of Dhikr Allah,” “Importance of Knowledge in Islam,” “Rights of Parents in Islam,” and “Patience and Forgiveness in Islam.” Below are links to all the speeches and Naats that were a part of this program. We pray that Allah Almighty accepts this spiritual gathering which was organized purely for the sake of His Pleasure. Aameen.

The organizers would like to thank the dedicated volunteers of this event: Sister Shabana Zain, Sister Sadia Naiman, Sister Shabina, Sister Uzma and the many others whose name we couldn’t mention but Allah is well aware of their contributions and everyone’s reward is with the Almighty!

Links to items presented at the above Conference:

Surah Ar-Rahman Recitation by Brother Muzammil

Surah Ar-Rahman translation by Sister Mubashshira

Hamd by Sister Nazreen

History of Qaseeda Burda Shareef by Brother Alim

Qaseeda Burda Shareef by Youth Group

Importance of Dhikr Allah by Brother Shaiz

Importance of Knowledge in Islam by Sister Sadaf

Rights of Parents in Islam by Sister Danya

Dua after Adhan by Brother Inshaal

Lab pe aati hai dua by Children’s Group

Patience and Forgiveness in Islam by Sister Sadia

History of Tala’al Badru ‘alayna by Brother Aaqib

Tala’al Badru ‘alayna by Youth Group

Aaminah Bibi ke Gulshan Mein by Sisters Group

Jashne Aamade-e-Rasool (pbuh) by Sisters Group

As-subhu bada by Sister Zarine

Importance of Durood Shareef by Sister Zarine

Durood Shareef

Har ek sham-o-sahar se pehle by Sister Shagufta

Adab in Islam by Sister Shagufta

Salam by Sisters Group

Dua by Sisters Group

Nabi-e-Karim (pbuh) Ki Zindagi Namoona-e-Amal by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ahmed Qadri, Founding Director, IECRC

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd4m-DDjfoQ]