History of Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam Celebrations

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.

 

History of Celebrating Mawlid an-Nabawi Sharif

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

“The people of Madina Munawwarah (May ALLAH 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 Jawzi says:

"People of Haramain Sharifayn (Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah) 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

Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam procession at Boulac Avenue in 1904 at Cairo, Egypt.

 

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

Mawlid an-Nabawi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam Celebrations in Cairo in 1878

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.

The Ottoman flag is raised during Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa ala Aalihi wa saHbihi wa Baaraka wa Sallam Celebrations in Benghazi - Libiya in 1896. The city was then part of the Ottoman Empire!!

— — —
May we be sacrificed at this Merriment O blessed month of Rabi' al-Awwal!!
Your joys surpass thousands of 'Eids; All in the world are rejoicing, except Shaytan

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Prominent Scholars of Islam on Celebrating Mawlid an-Nabawi Sharif

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.

 

Sayings of the Prominent Scholars about Celebrating Mawlid

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

 

25. The great Mufasir and Sufi, Hadrat Ismail al-Hiqqi (Rahimuhullah) said:

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]

 

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May we be sacrificed at this Merriment O blessed month of Rabi' al-Awwal!!
Your joys surpass thousands of 'Eids; All in the world are rejoicing, except Shaytan

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The Glorious Companions Commemorating the Blessed Birth [Mawlid an-Nabawi Sharif]

Dear Readers, in the previous email, we provided the proofs from Qur'an and Hadith over the legitimacy of Celebrating the Blessed Birth (Mawlid Sharif) of Beloved Habeeb Kareem Alaihi afDalus Salati wat Tasleem. Now let us examine the Aqeeda (belief) of the Glorious AsHaab al-Kiraam in this concern, who are guiding beacons for us.

What Does the Glorious Companions Believe?

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]

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In the Blessed house of Amina, The King of the Prophets has arrived;
Rejoice, O the Troubled, Your comforter has arrived!!

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