Celebrating Milad Sharif - Birth of our Holy Prophet
07/10/2011 21:28
Introduction
Miladun Nabi is the celebration & commemoration of the sacred birth of our Holy Prophet (s.a.w), and is also known as Mawludun Nabi or Mawlid.
It was on the 12th Rabiul Awwal 571, that the mother of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) gave birth to him in the holy city of
In this article, we will discuss the permissibility of celebrating such an event.
Miladun Nabi Events & Celebrations
Some people have declared the celebration of Miladun Nabi to be Haram, and an evil innovation because they say that celebrating birthdays and anniversaries have no connection with Islam and is a custom of the Kuffar [non-believers].
They say, "in upholding these innovatory customs, Muslims are in fact imitating the Kuffar and this has been strictly forbidden by Islam".
However, before we discuss the issue of Bidah [innovation], we must ask those people: what takes place in a Milad celebration?
In such a celebration, the following takes place:
- Naat Sharif (poems in praise of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w)) recitals
- Feeding the masses with food and refreshments
- Speeches about Islam, faith, Almighty Allah and the Holy Prophet are delivered
- People are reminded about the essence of Islam and Deen
- The community comes together under their love for Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w), which is the essence of one’s faith.
Hazrat Anas bin Malik narrated that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) said, "None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind."
[Sahih Bukhari, Book 2, Hadith 12]
What the Holy Qur’an Says
A reason to celebrate the Milad of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) is even stated in the Holy Qur’an which says:
"In the bounty of Allah Almighty and His Mercy, let them rejoice; that is better than the wealth they accumulate".
[Surah Yunus, verse 58]
In this verse, Almighty Allah has ordered us to rejoice and show happiness at the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Of all blessings, the greatest is surely our Holy Prophet who serves as a leader of guidance for all humanity, the Mercy unto the worlds.
If we are told to demonstrate our joy at all other blessings, it would be foolish and even disrespectful to not show our gratitude on the advent of our Holy Prophet (s.a.w). We should not just show this on Miladun Nabi, but everyday of our lives, although Miladun Nabi is a time for further devotion & virtue.
What Did the Noble Companions Do?
In the time of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w), the period of the Noble Companions [Sahaba] and the period of the Tabi'in [those who met the Noble Companions], Miladun Nabi was not celebrated as it is done in the present form today.
Many of those who object to this practise often use this as a basis for their argument.
However, an accepted principle of Shariah [Islamic law] is that although the act of doing something is proof of its Jawaaz (permissibility), if it is not done, this does NOT act as proof that such an act is prohibited.
We must also remember that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w), who has forewarned us and taught us to avoid many evil things, did not prohibit the celebration of Miladun Nabi – nor has it been forbidden by the Sahaba or Tabi'in.
The Importance of Miladun Nabi
The Miladun Nabi celebration is not compulsory, but it is Mustahab [recommended].
Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti states that it is Mustahab for Muslims to celebrate the Milad of our Holy Prophet as a means to thank Almighty Allah.
[Tafseer Ruhul Bayaan]
The scholars and Muslims of all countries have regarded Milad as Mustahab.
According to the Hadith of Hazrat ibn Masood , whichever deed is regarded as good by the majority of Muslims is regarded as good by Almighty Allah. Whichever deed is regarded as evil by the majority of Muslims is regarded as evil by Almighty Allah.
[Imam Ahmed]
The Origin of Miladun Nabi
Although the present form of Miladun Nabi is a Bidah [innovation], and a good innovation at that (more detail below), the origin of Miladun Nabi is indeed found during the time of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w).
The Holy Prophet's uncle & the bitter enemy of Islam, Abu Lahab, set his slave Thuwaiba free out of his happiness at the birth of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w).
It was one small act, one gesture of happiness towards the Holy Prophet by an evil being. However, for this reason, Abu Lahab's punishment is made lighter every Monday as a reward of that act i.e. of expressing happiness for the birth of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w).
“Hazrat Urwa says, ‘Thuwaibah was a slave of Abu Lahab. Abu Lahab set her free, and she suckled the Holy Prophet. When Abu Lahab died, someone from his family saw him in a dream, in the worst possible condition. The person asked him, ‘What did you get?’ Abu Lahab said, ‘After I was separated from you, I did not find any peace, except that because I freed Thuwaiba, I am given a drink through this (i.e. the finger).”
[Sahih Bukhari - vol 2, page no. 764]
In a similar manner, when a gathering takes place in remembrance of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w), a Muslim’s heart is filled with joy, therefore he invites people to partake in the food he shares with them out of this happiness.
To feed people after an important event or virtuous deed is the practice of the Noble Companions. It is also a Sunnah to commemorate happiness.
What Did the Holy Prophet Do?
Hazrat Abu Qatadah reported, that the Messenger of Allah was asked about fasting on Mondays. He said, "That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I received Revelation.''
[Muslim]
It is thus proven that to keep fast on Mondays is a Sunnah because Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) did so.
This also proves that Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) himself used to respect the day of his own Milad. He used to show his gratitude to Almighty Allah for that blessing, and used to fast in respect of that day.
Therefore, shouldn't we as his Ummah and his followers, respect that day and commemorate it in gratitude to Allah for such a great blessing?
The Importance of Praising the Holy Prophet
Miladun Nabi celebration encourages the recitation of Durood Sharif, as required by the Shariah.
“Indeed, Allah confers blessings upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [ Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [ Allah to grant him] peace.”
[Surah al-Ahzab, verse 56]
The Holy Qur’an also states:
“And each [story] We relate to you from the news of the messengers is that by which We make firm your heart. And there has come to you, in this, the truth and an instruction and a reminder for the believers.”
[Surah Hud, verse 120]
In reference to the above verse, we are in need of strengthening our hearts with the mentioning of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) and other Prophets, especially in these difficult times for the Ummah. Thus the occasion of Miladun Nabi gives us this opportunity and allows the masses to be educated about the righteous ones.
When the Noble Companions, such as Hazrat Hassan b. Thaabit, used to recite the praises of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) in poetry form, it would please Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) who would often reward those Companions.
Likewise, in the Milad function, the character and virtues of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) are explained, and poetry known as Naat Sharif is recited in his praise.
Also, as in the practices of Hajj, the running between Safa and Marwa is performed to refresh our remembrance of pious people i.e. Bibi Hazra and Prophet Ishmael.
Similarly, the celebration of Miladun Nabi is also performed to refresh the remembrance of the most pious of all i.e. Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w).
Additionally, Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) has told us of the virtues of the day of Jummah (Friday), explaining that Prophet was born on that day.
Therefore, one must understand how much greater the importance is for the day on which the best of all Prophets and all creation, was born.
Bidaat-e-Hasanah – Good Innovation
The literal meaning of 'Bidah' is to invent. In Islamic terms, Bidah means to create innovation in Islam.
Bidah is of two main kinds:
Bidat-e-Hasanah which is good innovation, or Bidat-e-Siyah which is evil innovation.
Bidat-e-Hasanah is that which does not endanger Islam in anyway. Bidat-e-Siyah is the one which endangers Islam and detriments/erases Sunnah.
For example, the use of loud speakers for Islamic purposes is Bidat-e-Hasanah. But its use against Islam is Bidat-e-Siyah.
It is stated in a Hadith that, “He who initiates a good practice in Islam, receives its reward, as well as the reward of those who act upon it subsequently, without any deduction from their reward. And he who initiates a bad practice in Islam accumulates its sin and the sin of those who act upon it subsequently, without any deduction from their burdens.”
[Mishkaat Sharif]
Imam Shafi states, "Anything which opposes (or changes) the Quran, Sunnah, Ijma (consensus) or the sayings of the Sahaba is Bidah. Any good deed which is not opposed to them is praiseworthy."
Thus, Miladun Nabi celebration does not oppose any of these and so it is indeed a praiseworthy act.
Imam Nawawi states: What the Holy Prophet meant when he said "every" or "all" innovations, is that it is general but restricted, i.e. that most innovations are "evil" but not "all".
[Imam Nawawi's Commentary on Sahih Bukhari - Vol.6, p.21]
Imam ibn Hajar Asqalani, explaining Sahih Bukhari, said: "Every action which was not in practice at the Prophet's time is called or known as Innovation, however, there are those which are classified as 'good' and there are those which are contrary to that."
Eid Miladun Nabi, Urs Mubarak, Giyarwi Sharif and likewise to specify a day and celebrate it in the Way of Allah is Bidat-e-Hasanah, as it does not endanger Islam in any way. In fact, to feed and recite in Allah's name is a source of goodness; this is common sense.
Also note that, offering 20 Rakats of Taraweeh in Jamaat [congregation] is in fact a Bidat-e-Hasanah which was established by Hazrat Umar during the reign as Khalifa. This was done in an effort to fill the Masjids again, as they had started to become empty during the sacred month of Ramadan. Prior to that, Taraweeh in Jamaat was not a common practise.
Surely, none can deny that this innovation was indeed praiseworthy. Thus, innovation which benefits the Ummah is permitted.
Statements of the Scholars Regarding Miladun Nabi
Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti writes: "The Shariah commands Aqeeqah on the birth of a child. This is a way to thank Allah and rejoice, but on the time of death, no such commandment has been given. In fact, mourning and grieving is prohibited. The same principle of Shariah demands that happiness and the joy should be expressed in Rabiul Awwal on the birth of the beloved Rasul, and to not grieve on his Wisaal (departure from this world)."
[Husnul Maqsad Fee Amalil Mawlid Al Haawi Lil Fatawa]
Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti also writes regarding Milad Sharif that: "According to me, gatherings, recitations of the Qur’an, mentioning incidents of the holy life of Sayyidina Rasulallah, and mentioning those signs which appear at the time of his birth, are amongst the good innovations in which a person is rewarded - because in this, there is respect, love and expression of happiness for the arrival of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w)."
[Al Haawi Lil Fataawa]
Imam Qastalani writes: "In the month of the birth of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w), Muslims have always had assemblies. In the nights of that month, they gave charities and expressed happiness. They always increased good deeds in those nights. They always made arrangements to perform the Milad of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) with the auspicious hope that Allah showers His blessings upon them. One of the experienced Barakah (blessings) of Milad is that the year passes upon them peacefully. May Allah send His blessings and favours upon that person who takes Miladun Nabi as Eid; this Eid should become a reason of hardness upon that person who has disease in his heart."
[Mawahibul Le Dunya]
Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Haqq Muhaddith Delwi writes: "Muslims have always celebrated Milad functions in the month of Rabiul Awwal. They always gave charities in the nights of that month and expressed their happiness. This is a common practice of Muslims that they particularly make mention of those incidents which are related to the birth of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w)."
[Ma Sabata Bis Sunnah]
Mullah Ali Qari writes: "Firstly, we see that it is permissible to arrange an assembly of Milad. It is permissible to participate in that assembly for the purpose of listening to the praises and character of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w). Inviting people and expressing happiness is permissible. Secondly, we do not say that it is Sunnah to celebrate Milad on any fixed night. Anyone who believes that it is Sunnah to celebrate Milad on any fixed night (and not in any other night) is a Bidati [wrongful innovator] because the Zikr of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) is required all the time. Though indeed, the month in which Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) was born has more preference."
[Al Mouridur-ravi fil Mawlidin Nabi]
Allama Ibn Abideen Shami writes: "Every person who is truthful in the love of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) should express happiness in the month of Rabiul Awwal. He should arrange an assembly for the Milad of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w) in which the incidents of his birth are explained with correct Ahadith. There is a strong hope from Allah that such a person will be included in the group of pious people blessed with the intercession of Sayyidina Rasulallah (s.a.w)."
[Jawahi Rul Bihaar]
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani used to host gatherings and give gifts in joy of this occasion on the 11th of every month, which is now known as Giyarwi Sharif. This practise is still performed to this day.
Imam ibn Kathir writes, “Sultan Muzaffar used to arrange the celebration of the Meelad Shareef with honour, glory, dignity and grandeur. In this connection he used to organise a magnificent festival". Then he said in praise of that man: "He was a pure-hearted, brave and wise Aalim (scholar) and a just ruler, may Allah shower His Mercy upon him and grant him an exalted status.”
[Al-Bi'dayah wa Nihaya - vol.13, p. 136]
We do not fix a particular day or night for the Milad, nor do we believe that Milad is not permissible on any other date. It is our view that whosoever assigns only one day for Miladun Nabi does so out of ignorance, because the love of Sayyidina Rasulallah demands that one should continuously be absorbed in his remembrance.
It should also be noted that no Muslim ever regards the Milad function as being more important than Salah. As for segregation, women always sit separate from men in Miladun Nabi gatherings and observe the necessary rules of Hijab.
Imam ibn Hajar Asqalani states, “If in the Milad Shareef only acts of virtue are done and acts of abomination are abstained from, then the Milad Shareef is a Bidat-e-Hasanah (good innovation), otherwise not." He then added "
Imam Mulla Ali Qari wrote a book which he named "The Quenching Spring on the Birthday of the Prophet".
Imam ibn Al-Jawzi said about the benefits of celebrating Milad, "Peace and tranquillity takes over during that year and a good glad tiding to obtain your wish and inspiration".
Hazrat Shah Abdur Rahim, father of Hazrat Shah Wali-ullah Muhaddith Dehlvi, would host annual gatherings in celebration of Miladun Nabi, and would distribute meals to the poor.
Hazrat Shah Wali-ullah Muhaddith Dehlvi and his learned son, Hazrat Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Dehlvi would invite people to Miladun Nabi gatherings in which they would speak on the Holy Prophet’s birth and then distribute food amongst those who attended.
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