Preparing for Rabi' al-Awwal Sharif | An Advice by Shaykh Habib Umar bin Hafiz [Tarim, Yemen]

Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala sent his final and beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam to this world in the blessed month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. The arrival of the Beloved Messenger SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam to this world is the greatest gift from the gifts of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala. The Noble Qur’an, in several places, teaches us to mention the gifts of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala immensely and that we should express joy and happiness due to them and we should thank Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala for the gifts bestowed upon us. Thus, on the occasion of the blessed month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, Eid Milad of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is celebrated throughout the Islamic World. Let us also celebrate the birth of the Beloved Master SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and thus express joy and happiness for this great bounty that Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala has bestowed upon us.

 

Following are some advices regarding preparations for Rabi' al-Awwal Sharif from Shaykh Habib Umar bin Muhammad bin Salem Bin Hafiz (may Allah preserve him) that he delivered while answering to the following questions:

Is any special formula of prayer upon the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that we should read during Rabi` al-Awwal?

He said that there is no doubt that this is the month of bestowing prayers upon the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Many of the pious of the Ummah are united with the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in this month. Any formula that we read is beneficial. You benefit according to the degree to which your heart is filled with the intention of obeying the command (to bestow prayers upon him) and love, longing and veneration for him. Read whatever formula you know and while doing so ask Allah to relieve the suffering of the Muslims.

Habib `Ali bin Salim al-Ada`j bin Shaykh Abu Bakr bin Salim saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) at the blessed shubbak (the grille in front of his grave) and asked him to teach him a formula to read. He told him to read:

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ على سَيِّدِنا مُحَمَّدٍ حَبِيبِ الرَّحْمَنْ عَدَدَ ما يَكوُن و ما قَدْ كَانْ
“O Allah, bestow Your prayers upon our Master Muhammad,
the Beloved of the Most Compassionate to the number of things that will be and that were.”

What is the most beautiful gift that someone can give to the Messenger of Allah in the month of Rabi` al-Awwal?

In reality we are unable to benefit him in any way but what pleases him is for us to understand his speech and his teachings and through that to attain high stations. He is thus content with that which benefits us.

One of the greatest of those things (as we understand from the Book and the Sunnah) is for us to be a means of guidance for someone. That person may be a non-Muslim who accepts Islam or a disobedient or heedless Muslim who repents and becomes upright.

Another thing is giving life to his Sunnah and establishing it. If we establish the Sunnah in our homes and teach it to our children this makes him happy because it us that benefit from this. He said in the hadith: “Whoever brings life to my Sunnah during the time of corruption of my Ummah will have the reward of a martyr” (or in one narration “one hundred martyrs”).

Another thing is to do good to the creation in general, to the believers specifically, and the elite of the believers more specifically.

A further thing is to strengthen our love for the believers, for the people of the Prophetic Household and for the Companions.

Finally, we should make big intentions in Rabi’ al-Awwal, such as gathering together with our brothers and attending or arranging lessons or courses.

How can we inspire people to long for the Messenger of Allah?

By mentioning his virtues, qualities and his life.
By embodying his character and his dealing.
By deepening our love, longing and veneration for him.

If such a person speaks he will have such an effect on those listening such that they begin to long for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

———
Translated by: Ustadh Amin Buxton
at Dar al-Mustafa on 27th Safar 1433 / 21st January 2012