by: M. Aqib Farid Qadri - 11 Rabi-ul-Saani 1424; 11 June 2003
ALLAH - IN THE NAME OF - THE MOST BENEFICENT, THE MOST MERCIFUL.
Peace And Abundant Blessings Be Upon Our Master Mohammed - The Leader Of The Creation
- And Upon His Progeny, His Companions, And All His Followers.
The issue of the celebrations of the noble birth of our Holy Prophet Mohammed sparks much debate and questions are raised as to whether it is correct or otherwise to observe it. Indeed a lot has been argued on this subject, hence the need to clarify why Muslims from all over the world celebrate this occasion as an "Eid" (literally meaning happy occasion or festival).
Those who oppose the commemoration claim the following:
1. The Holy Prophet never celebrated it.
2. The Sahaba never celebrated it.
3. There are only 2 Eids in Islam (Eid-ul-Adha & Eid-ul-Fitr).
4. It copies the celebration of Christmas.
5. It is mixed with forbidden (Haraam) acts.
6. It is therefore a blameworthy innovation, that leads to misguidance.
The above "conclusion" made by the opponents is extremely crude and unjust - for they base their opinion on just one type of Ahadeeth, while purposely ignoring the other Ahadeeth that support introduction of new ways (Sunnahs) in religion (that are in line with Islamic law), and which do not negate an established Sunnah. It is firmly established from various Qur'anic Verses, Prophetic Ahadeeth, Sunnah of the Companions, historical facts, and by consensus of the Ulema, that innovations could either be blameworthy or meritorious.
This article is not an attempt to define the categories of "Bidat" - (what is a Good Innovation or a Blameworthy Innovation etc) - for that is an entirely different subject. What this article shall prove, with Allah's help, is that this commemoration is not an innovation (Bidat) at all!! So the question of whether such a commemoration is good or blameworthy, simply does not arise!
May Allah guide them not to purposely hide the truth for it is feared they could then deserve the punishment promised in the Holy Qur'an - "Indeed those who hide the clear proofs and the guidance which We sent down, after We made it clear to mankind in the Book - upon them is the curse of Allah and the curse of those who curse. Except those who repent and do reform and disclose (the truth) - so I will accept their repentance; and I only am the Most Acceptor of Repentance, the Most Merciful." [Surah Baqarah 2:159-160]
The other issue of whether this should be called an "Eid" or not, is very simple. The two Eids mentioned in the Ahadeeth are the COMPULSORY Eids - and on which specific types of worship must be undertaken (Eid Prayers, Sacrifice etc.), and on which Fasting is prohibited.
The other type of Eid is NOT COMPULSORY - for example any day on which a great favour was bestowed by Allah (every Friday of every week, the day of Ashura celebrated by the Holy Prophet , the day of descent of the Holy Qur'an, the day of the last Qur'anic revelation, the day the table-spread "al Maidah" was sent down, etc.). Muslims all over the world commemorate this Eid, as the latter type.
As to the issue of copying Christmas, it is a fact that Christians celebrate this as the birth of Jesus (Prophet Eisa - peace be upon him) - whom they believe is the son of God, and therefore one of their three assumed Gods. (May Allah protect us from such blasphemy - Aameen). Whereas, we know that there is only ONE God, ALLAH - Who is neither born, nor does He beget. Our commemoration marks the birth of a Noble Prophet, a human being - thus upholding our firm belief of Tawheed. The commemoration is thus a refutation of the incorrect Christian belief - and this refutation is what we are commanded to do, in the Holy Qur'an as well as in the Ahadeeth. A lot of other religions have forms of worship and rituals that resemble Islamic forms of worship and rituals - for example we read the Holy Qur'an and others read Bible, Torah, Ramayan, Geeta etc; we prostate in our Prayers and others prostrate to idols; we fast, and others also fast; we pay Zakaat and others give charity; we perform Hajj and others assemble for Mass, Kumbh Mela etc; we are commanded to obey parents, speak the truth, be good to neighbours - and so do most other religions command their followers; but that does not mean we have to leave our duties. Outward similarities are one thing - actual beliefs are another.
The issue of mixing these commemorations with forbidden (Haraam) acts is one that applies not only this, but universally to all forms of worship. Needless to say, forbidden acts must be abstained from at all times, not only during these commemorations. We cannot, obviously, leave any sort of worship because some people might mix it with forbidden acts. For example - offering Salaat is compulsory, but if the Niyah (intention) is for showing off (display), then this act of display is forbidden - but not the Salaat. So if the person indulging in these acts (in our example display) is to be advised, he should be advised to abstain from display -; but not advised to forego Salaat altogether. Another example is that if a person steals something from a mosque, should we try to prevent the theft or should we just stupidly demolish the mosque
THE FOLLOWING PAGES WILL MAKE IT AMPLY CLEAR THAT :
1. Allah, the Almighty, has Himself commemorated Mawlid of the Holy Prophet, and that of various other Prophets.
2. Allah has gifted mankind with innumerable favours due to the Mawlid of the Holy Prophet, and that these favours shall continue. So this commemoration by Allah is still ongoing.
3. The earlier Prophets commemorated the Mawlid of the Holy Prophet, their own Mawlid, and that of their sons.
4. The Holy Prophet has commemorated his own Mawlid.
5. The Sahaba commemorated the Mawlid of the Holy Prophet.
So when such radiant and undisputable proofs are available from the Holy Qur'an and Ahadeeth, what is the need to search for "historical" evidence as to when and where it was actually done by the Ummah.
CHAPTER 1. (A)
ALLAH COMMEMORATES THE MAWLID OF VARIOUS PROPHETS
THE BIRTH OF SYEDNA ADAM (peace be upon him)
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an.
Proof # 1
And it is He Who has created you from a single soul - then you have to stop over in one place and stay entrusted in another; indeed We have explained Our verses in detail for people of understanding. [Surah Ana`am 6:98]
Proof # 2
"So when I have perfected him and breathed into him a spirit from Myself, (you all) fall down before him in prostration." [Surah Saad 38:72]
Proof From Ahadeeth
Narrated Syedna Aws ibn Aws :
The Holy Prophet said: Among the most excellent of your days is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he died, on it the last trumpet will be blown, and on it the shout will be made, so invoke more blessings on me that day, for your blessings will be submitted to me. The people asked: O Apostle of Allah, how can it be that our blessings will be submitted to you while your body is decayed He replied: Allah, the Exalted, has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of Prophets. (Sunan Abu Daud)
THE BIRTH OF SYEDNA YAHYA (peace be upon him)
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an.
Proof # 1
This is the remembrance of the mercy of your Lord upon His bondman Zakaria. When he softly prayed to his Lord. [Surah Maryam 19:2-3]
Note that Allah has called the birth of Syedna Yahya a "mercy", and its mentioning in the Holy Qur'an as a "remembrance". What greater evidence would be required for the remembrance of the Holy Prophet's birth?
Proof # 2
"O Zakaria! We give you the glad tidings of a son whose name is Yahya (John) - before him, We have not created anyone of this name." He submitted, "My Lord - how can I have a son whereas my wife is barren and I have reached infirmity due to old age" He (the angel) said, "So it is; your Lord says, 'This is easy for Me - in fact I created you before this, at a time when you did not exist.' " [Surah Maryam 19:7-9]
Proof # 3
And peace is upon him the day he was born, and the day he will taste death, and the day he will be raised alive. [Surah Maryam 19:15]
Proof # 4
And remember Zakaria, when he prayed to his Lord, "O my Lord - do not leave me alone, and You are the Best Inheritor. We therefore heard his prayer; and bestowed him Yahya, and cured his wife for him; indeed they used to hasten to perform good deeds, and pray to Us with hope and fear; and used to weep before Us. [Surah Ambiya 21:89-90]
THE BIRTH OF SYEDNA MOOSA (peace be upon him)
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an.
Proof # 1
And We inspired the mother of Moosa that, "Suckle him; then when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear nor grieve; We shall indeed return him back to you and make him one of the Noble Messengers." [Surah Qasas 28:7]
THE BIRTH OF SYEDNA EISA (peace be upon him)
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an.
Proof # 1
So she conceived him, and she went away with him to a far place. Then the pangs of childbirth brought her to the base of the palm-tree; she said, "Oh, if only had I died before this and had become forgotten, unremembered." [Surah Maryam 19:22-23]
Proof # 2
"And peace is upon me the day I was born, and on the day I shall taste death, and on the day I will be raised alive." This is Eisa (Jesus), the son of Maryam; a true statement, in which they doubt. [Surah Maryam 19:33-34]
THE BIRTHS OF SYEDNA ISMAIL & ISHAAQ (peace be upon them)
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an.
Proof # 1.
They said, "Do not fear - we convey to you the glad tidings of a knowledgeable boy." [Surah Hijr 15:53]
Proof # 2.
"All praise is to Allah Who gave me Ismail and Ishaaq, in my old age; indeed my Lord is the Listener of Prayer." [Surah Ibrahim 14:39]
THE BIRTHS OF SEVERAL PROPHETS (peace be upon them)
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an.
Proof # 1
And when Moosa said to his people, "O my people! Remember Allah's favour upon you, that He created Prophets among you, and made you kings, and has now given you what He has not given to any one else in this world." [Surah Maidah 5:20]
Note that Allah has mentioned the creation of Prophets among the Bani Israel, separately from other favours, in order to especially highlight this.
OTHER PERSONS WHOSE BIRTHS WERE SPECIFICALLY REMEMBERED IN THE HOLY QUR'AN
THE BIRTH OF SYEDA MARYAM
Proof # 1
So when she gave birth to it, she said, "My Lord! I have indeed given birth to a girl!" And Allah well knows what she gave birth to; and the boy she had prayed for is not like this girl; "And I have named her Maryam and I give her and her offspring in Your protection, against Satan the outcast." So her Lord fully accepted her (Maryam), and gave her an excellent development; and gave her in Zakaria's guardianship; whenever Zakaria visited her at her place of prayer, he found new food with her; he said, "O Maryam! From where did this come to you" She answered, "It is from Allah; indeed Allah gives to whomever He wills, without account." [Surah Aale I`mran 3:36-37]
THE BIRTH OF SYEDNA SIDDIQ AKBAR
Proof # 1
And We have commanded man to be good towards parents; his mother bore him with hardship, and delivered him with hardship; and carrying him and weaning him is for thirty months; until when he reached maturity and became forty years of age, he said, "My Lord! Inspire me to be thankful for the favours you bestowed upon me and my parents, and that I may perform the deeds pleasing to You, and keep merit among my offspring; I have inclined towards you and I am a Muslim." [Surah Ahqaf 46:15] (This verse was revealed concerning Syedna Abu Bakr, the first caliph -; Tafseer Ibn Abbas)
From the above it is amply clear that Allah has commemorated Mawlid of many of His noble Prophets, and others who are worthy of His proximity.
CHAPTER 1. (B)
ALLAH COMMEMORATES MAWLID OF THE HOLY PROPHET
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an.
Proof # 1
And remember when Allah took a covenant from the Prophets; "If I give you the Book and knowledge and the (promised) Noble Messenger comes to you, confirming the Books you possess, you shall positively, definitely believe in him and you shall positively, definitely help him"; He said, "Do you agree, and accept My binding responsibility in this matter" They all answered, "We agree"; He said, "Then bear witness amongst yourselves, and I Myself am a witness with you." [Surah Aale I`mran 3:81]
"Allah has never sent a prophet, from Adam onward, unless he took from Him the covenant regarding Mohammed : if Mohammed is sent in that prophet's lifetime, he was to believe in him and support him, and that prophet was to take this covenant to his people as well. (Syedna Ibn Abbas )
Proof # 2
And remember when Eisa the son of Maryam said, "O Descendants of Israel! Indeed I am Allah's Noble Messenger towards you, confirming the Book Torah which was before me, and heralding glad tidings of the Noble Messenger who will come after me - his name is Ahmed (the Praised One)"; so when Ahmed came to them with clear proofs, they said, "This is an obvious magic." [Surah Saff 61:6]
Proof # 3
O dear Prophet, did you not see how did your Lord deal with the People of the Elephant [Surah Feel 105:1]
It is well known that Allah protected the Meccans from the attack of Abraha, and that this took place in the year of the Holy Prophet's birth. This event is an indication of the prestige of the Holy Prophet , and a clear proof of Allah's great favour in the year of the Holy Prophet's birth.
Proof # 4
And when the Book from Allah came to them, which confirms the Book in their possession - and before that they used to seek victory through the medium of this very Prophet (Mohammed ) over the disbelievers; so when the one whom they fully recognised came to them, they turned disbelievers - therefore Allah's curse is upon the disbelievers. [Surah Baqarah 2:89]
Proof # 5
By your life O dear Prophet (Mohammed ) - they are indeed straying in their intoxication. [Surah Hijr 15:72]
Note here that Allah has sworn upon the entire life of His Holy Prophet -; this includes the time of his noble birth!
Proof # 6
By oath of this era of yours (O dear Prophet Mohammed ). [Surah A`sr 103:1]
For further proofs, see CHAPTER 1 (C) and (D).
How did Allah celebrate this on the DAY of the Prophet's birth?
1) He made the Ka'aba lean in prostration towards the place of the noble birth.
2) Allah caused the idols to fall down.
3) He extinguished the fires of Persia.
4) Only male children were born on that day.
5) The skies were illuminated.
6) Paradise was further decorated on this occasion.
7) Allah removed drought from Mecca, turned the earth green and made the trees bear fruit, and blessings came to the Quraish from every direction
8) Allah stopped sending down torments.
9) He sent down the maidens of Paradise to give company to Syeda Amina .
10) He sent down Angel Gibreel to carry the Holy Prophet, and announce his birth all over the world.
CHAPTER 1. (C )
ALLAH'S GIFTS TO MANKIND DUE TO THE COMING OF THE HOLY PROPHET
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an
Proof # 1
The way We have sent to you a Noble Messenger from among you, who recites to you Our verses and purifies you, and teaches you the Book and sound wisdom, and teaches you what you did not know. [Surah Baqarah 2:151]
Proof # 2
Allah has indeed bestowed a great favour upon the Muslims, in that He sent to them a Noble Messenger from among them, who recites to them His verses, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom; and before it, they were definitely in open error. [Surah Aale I`mran 3:164]
Note that Allah has called the Holy Prophet - as one of His greatest favours to Muslims.
Proof # 3
"Those who will obey this Noble Messenger, the Herald of the Hidden who is untutored (except by Allah), whom they will find mentioned in the Taurat and the Injeel with them; he will command them to do good and forbid them from wrong, and he will make lawful for them the good clean things and prohibit the foul for them, and he will unburden the loads and the neck chains which were upon them; so those who believe in him, and revere him, and help him, and follow the light which came down with him - it is they who have succeeded." [Surah Aa`raf 7:157]
Note that to honour the Holy Prophet is part of faith. To disrespect him is blasphemy.
Proof # 4
It is He Who has sent among the unlettered people a Noble Messenger from themselves, who recites His verses to them and purifies them, and bestows them the knowledge of the Book and wisdom; and indeed before this, they were in open error. [Surah Juma`h 62:2]
Proof # 5
And it is not for Allah to punish them while you (O dear Prophet) are amongst them; and Allah will not punish them as long as they are seeking forgiveness. [Surah Anfal 8:33]
Proof # 6
And We did not send you (O dear Prophet) except as a mercy for the entire world. [Surah Ambiya 21:107]
Note that Allah has named the Holy Prophet "a mercy unto mankind".
How has Allah rewarded the Muslims after the day of the Prophet's birth?
1. He sent down the Holy Qur'an.
2. He sent down the sound Wisdom (i.e. the Prophet's Sunnah)
3. He made the Holy Prophet as a Mercy to all mankind.
4. He lessened the punishments of Muslims sins.
5. He increased the rewards tenfold for Muslims' good deeds.
6. He lessened the burdens on the necks of Muslims.
7. He accepts forgiveness who seek it from him, and for whom the Holy Prophet seeks forgiveness.
8. He has kept open the doors of forgiveness till the very end.
9. He has promised first entry in to Paradise for the Muslims.
10. This list is endless.
From the above it is proven that Allah has gifted mankind with innumerable favours due to the Mawlid of the Holy Prophet , and that these favours shall continue. So this commemoration by Allah is still ongoing. This also proves that any day can be chosen to commemorate this auspicious occasion, because the gifts and commemoration from Allah are continuous, every day, every hour, every moment. Muslims usually choose the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, because that is the day the Holy Prophet was born, and is the easiest to remember. Any other day can also been chosen. And we all know that unless something is scheduled, it is human nature to keep postponing it or to simply forget it.
CHAPTER 1. (D)
ALLAH EXHORTS MUSLIMS TO REMEMBER THE ADVENT OF THE HOLY PROPHET
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an
Proof # 1
It is He Who has sent His Noble Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, in order that He may make it prevail over all other religions, even if the polytheists get annoyed. [Surah Saff 61:9]
Proof # 2
Indeed there has come to you a Noble Messenger from among you - your falling into hardship aggrieves him, most concerned for your well being, for the Muslims most compassionate, most merciful. [Surah Taubah 9:128]
Proof # 3
Allah has indeed bestowed a great favour upon the Muslims, in that He sent to them a Noble Messenger from among them, who recites to them His verses, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom; and before it, they were definitely in open error. [Surah Aale I`mran 3:164 ]
Note that the Holy Prophet is one of Allah's greatest favours to mankind
Proof # 4
O mankind! Indeed the clear proof from your Lord has come to you, and We have sent down to you a bright light. [Surah Nisa 4:174]
Note here the Holy Prophet is a mentioned as a "Clear Proof" from Allah.
Proof # 5
O mankind! This Noble Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so accept faith for your own good; and if you disbelieve, then undoubtedly to Allah only belongs all whatever is in the heavens and the in earth; and Allah is All Knowing, Wise. [Surah Nisa 4:170]
Proof # 6
O People given the Book(s)! Indeed this Noble Messenger of Ours has come to you, revealing to you a lot of the things which you had hidden in the Book, and forgiving a lot of them; indeed towards you has come a light from Allah, and a clear Book. [Surah Maidah 5:15]
Note here the Holy Prophet is a mentioned as a "Light" from Allah.
Proof # 7
O People given the Book(s)! Indeed this Noble Messenger of Ours has come to you, revealing to you Our commands, after the Noble Messengers had stopped arriving for ages, for you might claim, "Never did any Harbinger of Glad Tidings or Herald of Warning come to us" - so this Herald of glad tidings and warning has come to you; and Allah is Able to do all things. [Surah Maidah 5:19]
Proof # 8
O mankind! The advice has come to you from your Lord and a cure for the hearts - and guidance and mercy for believers. Say, "Upon Allah's munificence and upon His mercy - upon these should the people rejoice"; this is better than all the wealth they hoard. [Surah Yunus 10:57-58]
This verse clearly states that REJOICING upon the favours and mercy from Allah is better that all worldly goods. And there is no doubt that the Holy Prophet is (a) A great favour from Allah and (b) Allah's Mercy towards the entire world. This general permission from Allah applies to all His favours.
CHAPTER 1. (E)
ALLAH COMMANDS THE BELIEVERS TO REMEMBER ALL THE PROPHETS (peace be upon them)
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an
Proof # 1
And indeed We sent Moosa along with Our signs that, "Bring your people from the realms of darkness into light - and remind them of the days of Allah; indeed in them are signs for every greatly enduring, grateful person." [Surah Ibrahim 14:5]
Explaining the previous verse, An-Nasa`i and `Abdullah Ibn Ahmad report in Zawayd Al-Musnad and Al-Bayhaqi in Shu'ab Al-Iman reports on the authority of Ibn Ka`b that he said that the Holy Prophet said: "The days of Allah" are Allah's Blessings and Signs, and the Prophet's birth is a great bliss. (Al-Aloosi's Rooh Al-Ma`aani).
Proof # 2
Indeed following the Noble Messenger of Allah is better for you - for one who is confident of Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much. [Surah Ahzab 33:21]
Proof # 3
Allah has indeed bestowed a great favour upon the Muslims, in that He sent to them a Noble Messenger from among them, who recites to them His verses, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom; and before it, they were definitely in open error. [Surah Aale I`mran 3:164]
Proof # 4
And when Moosa said to his people, "O my people! Remember Allah's favour upon you, that He created Prophets among you, and made you kings, and has now given you what He has not given to any one else in this world." [Surah Maidah 5:20]
Proof # 5
And remember Ibrahim in the Book; he was very truthful, a Herald of the Hidden (a Prophet). [Surah Maryam 19:41]
Proof # 6
And remember Moosa in the Book; he was indeed a chosen one, and he was a Noble Messenger, a Herald of the Hidden. [Surah Maryam 19:51]
Proof # 7
And remember Ismail in the Book; he was indeed true to his promise and was a Noble Messenger, a Prophet. [Surah Maryam 19:54]
Proof # 8
And remember Idrees in the Book; he was indeed very truthful, a Prophet. [Surah Maryam 19:56]
Proof # 9
And remember Dawud and Sulaiman, when they were deciding the dispute of a field, when some people's sheep had strayed into it at night; and We were Present at the time of their deciding. [Surah Ambiya 21:78]
Proof # 10
And remember Ayyub (Job), when he called his Lord that, "Hardship has afflicted me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who have mercy." [Surah Ambiya 21:83]
Proof # 11
And remember Zakaria, when he prayed to his Lord, "O my Lord - do not leave me alone, and You are the Best Inheritor. We therefore heard his prayer; and bestowed him Yahya, and cured his wife for him; indeed they used to hasten to perform good deeds, and pray to Us with hope and fear; and used to weep before Us. [Surah Ambiya 21:89-90]
Proof # 12
In order that you, O people, may accept faith in Allah and His Noble Messenger, and honour and revere the Noble Messenger; and may say the Purity of Allah, morning and evening. [Surah Fath 48:9]
Note that we are ordered here to say the Purity of Allah, along with honouring and revering the Holy Prophet , morning and evening - that is, without fail.
CHAPTER 1. (F)
ALLAH SENDS SALAAM TO ALL HIS PROPHETS
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an
Proof # 1
Indeed Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet; O People who Believe! Send blessings and abundant salutations upon him. [Surah Ahzab 33:56] (Everlasting peace and unlimited blessings be upon the Holy Prophet Mohammed.)
Proof # 2
And peace is upon him the day he was born, and the day he will taste death, and the day he will be raised alive. [Surah Maryam 19:15]
Proof # 3
Peace be upon Nooh, among the entire people. [Surah Saffat 37:79]
Proof # 4
Peace be upon Ibrahim! [Surah Saffat 37:109]
Proof # 5
Peace be upon Moosa and Haroon! [Surah Saffat 37:120]
Proof # 6
Peace be upon Ilyas! [Surah Saffat 37:130]
Proof # 7
And peace is upon the Noble Messengers. [Surah Saffat 37:181]
The above is sufficient proof that the Holy Prophets are alive - and the commemoration of their noble births is for those whom Allah has kept alive.
CHAPTER 1. (G)
ALLAH IS THE CREATOR, AND HE EXHORTS US TO REMEMBER THIS TOO.
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an
Proof # 1
O mankind! Worship your Lord, Who has created you and those before you, in the hope of attaining piety. [Surah Baqarah 2:21]
Proof # 2
And We ordained upon man concerning his parents; his mother bore him enduring weakness upon weakness, and his suckling is up to two years - therefore be thankful to Me and to your parents; finally towards Me is the return. [Surah Luqman 31:14]
Proof # 3
And We have commanded man to be good towards parents; his mother bore him with hardship, and delivered him with hardship; and carrying him and weaning him is for thirty months; until when he reached maturity and became forty years of age, he said, "My Lord! Inspire me to be thankful for the favours you bestowed upon me and my parents, and that I may perform the deeds pleasing to You, and keep merit among my offspring; I have inclined towards you and I am a Muslim." [Surah Ahqaf 46:15]
Proof # 4
"Then I will certainly approach them - from their front and from behind them and from their right and from their left; and You will find most of them not thankful." [Surah Aa`raf 7:17]
In this verse Allah warns us of the intention of Satan - that he does not want us to be thankful.
CHAPTER 1. (H)
ALLAH COMMANDS US TO REMEMBER HIS FAVOURS, TO INCREASE HIS WORSHIP ESPECIALLY ON THE GREAT DAYS, AND TO REJOICE UPON HIS FAVOURS & MERCY.
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an
Proof # 1
Therefore remember Me, I will cause you to be spoken of and acknowledge My rights, and do not be ungrateful [Surah Baqarah 2:152]
Proof # 2
Undoubtedly Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah; so there is no sin on him, for whoever performs the Hajj of this House (of Allah) or the Umrah to go back and forth between them; and whoever does good of his own accord, then (know that) indeed Allah is Most Appreciative, the All Knowing. [Surah Baqarah 2:158]
Note here that Allah has promised excellent reward for those who good deeds of their own accord (increase their non-obligatory worship) - for such Allah will be "Most Appreciative".
Proof # 3
O Descendants of Israel! Remember My favour which I bestowed upon you, and fulfil your covenant towards Me, I shall fulfil My covenant towards you; and fear Me alone. [Surah Baqarah 2:40]
Proof # 4
O Descendants of Israel! Remember the favour of Mine, which I bestowed upon you and gave you superiority over others of your time. [Surah Baqarah 2:47]
Note the superiority is by the sending of the Noble Messengers.
Proof # 5
And when you have divorced women, and their term reaches its end, either retain them on good terms within this period or release them with kindness; and do not retain them in order to hurt them, hence transgressing the limits; and he who does so harms only himself; and do not make the signs of Allah the objects of ridicule; and remember Allah's favour that is bestowed upon you and that He has sent down to you the Book and wisdom, for your guidance; keep fearing Allah and know well that Allah knows everything. [Surah Baqarah 2:231]
The favour separately mentioned here is the advent of the Holy Prophet
Proof # 6
Allah has indeed bestowed a great favour upon the Muslims, in that He sent to them a Noble Messenger from among them, who recites to them His verses, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom; and before it, they were definitely in open error. [Surah Aale I`mran 3:164]
Note that the Holy Prophet is one of Allah's greatest favours to mankind.
Proof # 7
And when Moosa said to his people, "O my people! Remember Allah's favour upon you, that He created Prophets among you, and made you kings, and has now given you what He has not given to any one else in this world." [Surah Maidah 5:20]
Note that the creation of Prophets is mentioned as a separate favour.
Proof # 8
O mankind! The advice has come to you from your Lord and a cure for the hearts - and guidance and mercy for believers. Say, "Upon Allah's munificence and upon His mercy - upon these should the people rejoice"; this is better than all the wealth they hoard. [Surah Yunus 10:57-58]
Proof # 9
And indeed We sent Moosa along with Our signs that, "Bring your people from the realms of darkness into light - and remind them of the days of Allah; indeed in them are signs for every greatly enduring, grateful person." [Surah Ibrahim 14:5]
The "days of Allah" refers to days when various favours were bestowed.
Proof # 10
And abundantly proclaim the favours of your Lord. [Surah Duha 93:11]
Note that we are commanded here to keep proclaiming the "favours" of our Lord Allah.
Proofs From The Ahadeeth
Proof # 1
Narrated Syedna Abu Hurayrah : The Apostle of Allah said: The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he was expelled (from Paradise), on it his contrition was accepted, on it he died, and on it the Last Hour will take place. On Friday every beast is on the lookout from dawn to sunrise in fear of the Last Hour, but not jinn and men, and it contains a time at which no Muslim prays and asks anything from Allah but He will give it to him. Ka'b said: That is one day every year. So I said: It is on every Friday. Ka'b read the Torah and said: The Apostle of Allah has spoken the truth. Abu Hurayrah said: I met Abdullah ibn Salam and told him of my meeting with Ka'b. Abdullah ibn Salam said: I know what time it is. Abu Hurayrah said: I asked him to tell me about it. Abdullah ibn Salam said: It is at the very end of Friday. I asked: How can it be when the Apostle of Allah has said: "No Muslim finds it while he is praying...." and this is the moment when no prayer is offered. Abdullah ibn Salam said: Has the Apostle of Allah not said: "If anyone is seated waiting for the prayer, he is engaged in the prayer until he observes it." I said: Yes, it is so. (Abu Daud)
Proof # 2
Narrated Syedna Aws ibn Aws : The Prophet said: Among the most excellent of your days is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he died, on it the last trumpet will be blown, and on it the shout will be made, so invoke more blessings on me that day, for your blessings will be submitted to me. The people asked: Apostle of Allah, how can it be that our blessings will be submitted to you while your body is decayed He replied: Allah, the Exalted, has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of Prophets. (Sunan Abu Daud)
Proof # 3
Narrated Syedna Abu Moosa : The day of 'Ashura' was considered as Eid day by the Jews. So the Prophet ordered, "I recommend you (Muslims) to fast on this day." (Bukhari)
Proof # 4
Abu Sa'id Khudri reported that Mu'awiya went to a circle in the mosque and said: What makes you sit here They said: We are sitting here in order to remember Allah. He said: I adjure you by Allah (to tell me whether you are sitting here for this very purpose) They said: By Allah, we are sitting here for this very purpose. Thereupon, he said: I have not demanded you to take an oath, because of any allegation against you and none of my rank in the eye of Allah's Apostle is the narrator of so few Ahadeeth as I am. The fact is that Allah's Apostle went out to the circle of his Companions and said: What makes you sit They said: We are sitting here in order to remember Allah and to praise Him for He guided us to the path of Islam and He conferred favours upon us. Thereupon he adjured by Allah and asked if that only was the purpose of their sitting there. They said: By Allah, we are not sitting here but for this very purpose, whereupon he (Allah's Apostle) said: I am not asking you to take an oath because of any allegation against you but for the fact that Gabriel came to me and he informed me that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, was talking to the angels about your magnificence. ( Muslim)
There is no doubt that the Holy Prophet is Allah's great favour, and that Allah is well pleased who thank Him for this!
CHAPTER 2.
THE PROPHETS COMMEMORATED THE MAWLID OF THE HOLY PROPHET , THEIR OWN MAWLID AND THAT OF THEIR SONS.
Proofs From The Holy Qur'an
Proof # 1
"All praise is to Allah Who gave me Ismail and Ishaaq, in my old age; indeed my Lord is the Listener of Prayer." [Surah Ibrahim 14:39]
Proof # 2
"And peace is upon me the day I was born, and on the day I shall taste death, and on the day I will be raised alive." This is Eisa (Jesus), the son of Maryam; a true statement, in which they doubt. [Surah Maryam 19:33-34]
Proof # 3
"O my people! I do not ask any fee from you for it; my reward is only upon Him Who has created me; so do you not have sense" [Surah Hud 11:51] (The words of Prophet Hud peace be upon him)
Proof # 4
"The One Who created me, so He will guide me." [Surah Shua`ra 26:78] (The words of Prophet Ibrahim -; peace be upon him)
Proof # 5
And remember when Eisa the son of Maryam said, "O Descendants of Israel! Indeed I am Allah's Noble Messenger towards you, confirming the Book Torah which was before me, and heralding glad tidings of the Noble Messenger who will come after me -; his name is Ahmed (the Praised One)"; so when Ahmed came to them with clear proofs, they said, "This is an obvious magic." [Surah Saff 61:6] (Note the words "heralding the glad tidings".)
CHAPTER 3.
THE HOLY PROPHET MOHAMMED COMMEMORATED HIS OWN MAWLID
Proofs From The Ahadeeth
Proof # 1
The Holy Prophet commemorated his own Mawlid by Fasting
Syedna Qatadah Al-Ansaari narrated that the Prophet was asked about fasting on Monday and he replied: "It is the day on which I was born and on which I received the Divine Revelation". ( Muslim)
This hadeeth is clear evidence of the importance of the commemoration of the Holy Prophet's birthday through worship. And Allah the Supreme has commanded in the Holy Qur'an to follow his example -; "Indeed following the Noble Messenger of Allah is better for you -; for one who is confident of Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much. [Surah Ahzab 33:21]
It is also important to note that the Holy Prophet fixed a certain day, every week, for offering this gratitude. He did this for other matters also e.g. visiting Quba Mosque, visiting martyrs' graves at Uhud, etc. So if Muslims "fix" a certain day, this too is part of Sunnah. Al-Hafiz ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, in his book Lataif al-maarif, explaining this hadeeth of Muslim said, "It is good to fast on the days that Allah honoured and favoured his servants."
Proof # 2
The Holy Prophet celebrated his own Mawlid by offering extra Aqeeqah.
Narrated Syedna Anas that the Holy Prophet slaughtered an Aqeeqah (sacrificial animal) on his own behalf, after receiving his first revelation. (Bayhaqi, Suyutee).
He did this 40 years after his birth, though one had been slaughtered by his grandfather when he was born. This is yet another solid evidence for increasing acts of worship and remembrance of the Holy Prophet's birth, for the Aqeeqah is an act of worship associated with a birth.
Proof # 3
The Holy Prophet recalls his own creation
Narrated from Jabir bin Abdullah , that he said, "Oh, the Apostle of Allah, may my father and my mother be sacrificed to you, tell me about the first thing that Allah created, before all other things." He said, "Oh, Jabir, Allah created, before anything else, the light of your prophet from His Light. That light started to move about by Allah's Divine Power to wherever Allah wished. At that time there was neither Tablet nor Pen; neither Paradise nor Fire, no angels; neither Heaven, nor Earth; neither Sun nor Moon; neither Jinn nor humankind. When Allah wanted to create His Creation, He divided that light into four parts (Part of a longer hadeeth - Musnaf Abdul Razzak)
The Holy Prophet recalls his excellent lineage, and his birth, and his Finality.
Proof # 4
Syedna Wathila b. al-Asqa' reported: I heard Allah's Apostle as saying: Verily Allah granted eminence to Kinana from amongst the descendants of Isma'il and he granted eminence to the Quraish amongst Kinana and he granted eminence to the Quraish amongst Banu Hashim and he granted me eminence from the tribe of Banu Hashim. ( Muslim).
Proof # 5
Narrated Syedna Abu Hurayra : Allah's Apostle said, "I have been sent (as an Apostle) in the best of all the generations of Adam's offspring since their Creation." (Bukhari)
Proof # 6
Allah's Apostle said, "I was cast into the clay of Adam and was the promise of my father Ibrahim and the good news of Eisa ibn Maryam" (Sunan Ahmad, Bayhaqi, Hakim)
Proof # 7
The Holy Prophet praised his own name and recited poetry about himself in the middle of the battle of Hunayn in order to encourage the companions and scare the enemies. That day he said: "I am the Prophet! This is no lie. I am the son of `Abd al-Muttalib!" ( Bukhari, Ibn Kathir etc).
Proof # 8
Syedna Jabir reported Allah's Apostle as saying: The similitude of mine and that of the Apostles is like that of a person who built a house and he completed it and made it perfect but for the space of a brick. People entered therein and they were surprised at it and said: Had there been a brick (it would have been complete in all respects). Allah's Apostle said: I am that place where the brick (completing the building is to be placed), and I have come to finalise the chain of Apostles. ( Muslim)
Proof # 9
The Holy Prophet said that Allah wrote the Destinies of the Creation fifty thousands years before He created the Heavens and Earth, and His Throne was on the Water, and among the things that have been written in the Zikr, which is the Mother of the Book, is that Mohammed is the Seal of Prophets. Syedna Al Irbadh ibn Sariya , said that the Prophet (s) said, "According to Allah, I am the Seal of the Prophets, while Adam was still in clay." ( Muslim).
CHAPTER 4.
THE SAHABA COMMEMORATED THE MAWLID OF THE HOLY PROPHET , AND HE ALLOWED THEM.
Prior to presenting the proofs for the captioned subject, readers are requested to note the SHARIAH RULE that EVEN the MERE SILENCE of the Holy Prophet upon his witnessing of any event / action (and not preventing or expressly forbidding it) constitutes an implied approval of the same, and it thus becomes an approved action.
Proofs From The Ahadeeth
Proof # 1
The Prophet's uncle al-`Abbas composed poetry praising the birth of the Holy Prophet, in which are found the following lines: "When you were born, the earth was shining, and the firmament barely contained your light, and we can pierce through, thanks to that radiance and light and path of guidance." [Surah Suyutee's, Husn al-maqsid, Ibn Kathir's Mawlid, Ibn Hajar's Fath al-Bari.]
Proof # 2
The Holy Prophet heard Syedna Anas and other Companions praising him and reciting poems while digging before the famous battle of the Trench (Khandaq), as they said: "We are the ones who gave bay`a to Mohammed for jihad as long as we are living." (Bukhari & others)
Proof # 3
Narrated Syedna Hassan bin Thabit Al-Ansaari : I asked Abu Hurayra "By Allah! Tell me the truth whether you heard the Prophet saying, 'O Hassan! Reply on behalf of Allah's Apostle. O Allah! Help him with the Holy Spirit." Abu Hurayra said, "Yes . " (Bukhari, Muslim)
Proof # 4
Narrated Syedna Anas ibn Malik : When the Apostle of Allah came to Medina, the Abyssinians played for his coming due to joy; they played with spears. (Abu Daud)
Proof # 5
Narrated Syedna Al-Bara bin Azib : The first people who came to us (in Medina) were Mus`ab bin `Umar and Ibn Um Maktum who were teaching Qur'an to the people. Then their came Bilal. Sa`d and `Ammar bin Yasir. After that `Umar bin Al-Khattab came along with twenty other companions of the Prophet. Later on the Prophet himself (to Medina) and I had never seen the people of Medina so joyful as they were on the arrival of Allah's Apostle, for even the slave girls were saying, "Allah's Apostle has arrived!" And before his arrival I had read the Sura starting with:-- "Glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most High" (87.1) together with other Surahs of Al-Mufassal. (Bukhari)
Proof # 6
Narrated Syedna Anas bin Malik : Then Allah's Apostle alighted by the side of the Al-Harra and sent a message to the Ansaar, and they came to Allah's Prophet and Abu Bakr, and having greeted them, they said, "Ride (your she-camels) safe and obeyed." Allah's Apostle and Abu Bakr rode and the Ansaar, carrying their arms, surrounded them. The news that Allah's Prophet had come circulated in Medina. The people came out and were eagerly looking and saying "Allah's Prophet has come! Allah's Prophet has come! So the Prophet went on till he alighted near the house of Abu Aiyub. While the Prophet was speaking with the family members of Abu Aiyub, `Abdullah bin Salam heard the news of his arrival while he himself was picking the dates for his family from his family garden. He hurried to the Prophet carrying the dates which he had collected for his family from the garden. He listened to Allah's Prophet and then went home. (Bukhari - Part of a longer Hadeeth)
Proof # 7
Syedna Abu Sa'id Khudri reported that Mu'awiya went to a circle in the mosque and said: What makes you sit here They said: We are sitting here in order to remember Allah. He said: I adjure you by Allah (to tell me whether you are sitting here for this very purpose) They said: By Allah, we are sitting here for this very purpose. Thereupon, he said: I have not demanded you to take an oath, because of any allegation against you and none of my rank in the eye of Allah's Apostle is the narrator of so few Ahadeeth as I am. The fact is that Allah's Apostle went out to the circle of his Companions and said: What makes you sit They said: We are sitting here in order to remember Allah and to praise Him for He guided us to the path of Islam and He conferred favours upon us. Thereupon he adjured by Allah and asked if that only was the purpose of their sitting there. They said: By Allah, we are not sitting here but for this very purpose, whereupon he (Allah's Apostle) said: I am not asking you to take an oath because of any allegation against you but for the fact that Gabriel came to me and he informed me that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, was talking to the angels about your magnificence. ( Muslim)
Note well here that the Sahaba mentioned the remembrance of Allah, guidance, Islam and favours. And there is no doubt that the Holy Prophet is Allah's great favour, and that Allah is well pleased who thank Him for His favours! It is obvious here that the Sahaba had not been specifically instructed to form such a remembrance group - and their witness was the Holy Prophet , who gave them glad tidings for this deed of theirs. May Allah grant us the same wisdom.
BY GRACE OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH, FROM THE ABOVE, IT IS HAS BEEN AMPLY PROVEN THAT:
1. Allah, the Almighty, has Himself commemorated Mawlid of the Holy Prophet, and that of various other Prophets.
2. Allah has gifted mankind with innumerable favours due to the Mawlid of the Holy Prophet, and that these favours shall continue. This commemoration by Allah is still ongoing.
3. The earlier Prophets commemorated the Mawlid of the Holy Prophet, their own Mawlid, and that of their sons.
4. The Holy Prophet has commemorated his own Mawlid.
5. The Sahaba commemorated the Mawlid of the Holy Prophet, whilst he was a witness to it.
6. Allah wants us to remember His favours, His Prophets, His "days" etc.
7. So in light of the above, Mawlid commemoration is not an innovation at all.
8. Other than 2 compulsory Eids, there are other non-obligatory "Eids" (days of joy) in Islam.
9. Fixing a date for commemorating any of Allah's favours, is not against Islamic law.
10. We are in fact through Mawlid refuting the wrong Christian belief, and upholding Tawheed.
AND ALLAH KNOWS BEST.
Peace And Abundant Blessings Be Upon Our Master Mohammed - The Leader Of The Creation - And Upon His Progeny, His Companions, And All His Followers.
May Allah keep us on the Straight Path. Aameen.
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