Prophet Mohamed PBUH - Milad-e-Nabi & life

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kmaherali
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Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Prophet Mohamed PBUH - Milad-e-Nabi & life

Post by kmaherali »

Islam: Pluralism And Diversity In The Ummah

Milad-e-Nabi : Celebration of Birth of Prophet Mohamed (Peace Be Upon Him)

Coastweek -- Six years ago The Aga Khan Council for Mombasa initiated and hosted annual Milad event in Mombasa .

Since then, every year there after, Milad-e-Nabi has been an annual event of pride and joy for the community, where Muslim Men and women from all sects and ethnic communities come together to celebrate Milad and reflect on the Life and Teachings of Prophet Mohamed (Peace be upon him) and refresh their understanding and practice of Faith, Peace and Harmony.

It is through this forum as the Milad-e-Nabi, that we try to bring together Both Regional and International Scholars from all Muslim orientations and traditions to one platform where they are able to share their Wisdom and knowledge, relating The Essence Of the Faith of Islam to The Challenges that The Future Beholds In a Global Society of Opportunities.

This year, Milad-e-Nabi was held at The Multipurpose Hall in beautiful environment of The Centre of Excellence, The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa.

It enhanced the brotherhood of Muslim Ummah through the intellectual discourse of the renowned Islamic Scholars representing different geographical locations around the world as well s different sects and schools of thoughts within Islam.

The Theme of this year was ISLAM : Pluralism and Diversity in the Ummah.

The discussions were focused on the reflection and celebration of Pluralism and Diversity of the Ummah.

The messages that came across clearly were, that whilst the different ethnic and cultural backgrounds as well as wide spread geographical locations and political affiliations make the Local and World Muslim Ummah diverse, this plurality is also bound by a unifying factor in the form of Prophet Mohamed (Peace be upon him) and his teachings.

The Speakers covered the concept exceptionally well and the audience was amazed and enlightened by the light of know-ledge shared by the speakers.

Dr. Farouk Topan is a well renowned Islamic Scholar, writer and playwright.

He was Senior Lecturer and Chair of the Department of Africa at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London .

He has published on various aspects of Swahili literature, religion, spirit possession and identity in East Africa .

He has co-edited a book entitled Swahili Modernities.

Dr. Topan served at the Institute of Ismaili Studies from its inception in 1977 until 1993.

He is currently Chair of the Regional Committee of the Madrasa Programme in East Africa . Dr Topan spoke on "Islam and Plurality: Lessons for our times".

Dr. Gurdofarid Miskinzoda is a Research Associate and Shi‘i Studies coordinator in the Department of Academic Re-search and Publications of Institute of Islamic Studies in London , UK .

Dr Gurdofarid obtained her Doctorate in the History of the Near and Middle East from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London . Gurdofarid’s areas of specialization are the study of Muslim literary and historical tradition, origins and early development of Islam and Shi‘i Islam.

Her topic of discussion was “The Prophet Muhammad: the unifying core in the diversity and pluralism of Islam.”

Professor Mohamed Hyder, a very well respected name in intellectual circles of East Africa and beyond Internationally, was kind enough to grace the occasion and talk on, "Islam: The Religion of People."

Mr Abdul Rahman Mwinyifaki, is an Islamic Scholar, Assistant Registrar at Kenyatta University Campus in Mombasa .

He spoke on the topic of “Al Quran” and emphasized on the importance of reading and understanding the Book of Allah.

Al Waez Shafin Verani performed the duties of Master of Ceremony.

He trained at The Institute of Ismaili Studies, London , UK . and completed an MBA from Karachi University , Pakistan .

He is currently with Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Board Nairobi Kenya .

The Milad was attended by prominent leaders and Members of the diverse Muslim Communities of Mombasa, who co-exist among the other Muslim sects and the wider Kenyan population in peace and harmony.

The event was also attended by many Muslim Business and Professional Men and Women.

The Aga Khan Council for Mombasa envision continuity of such forums.

*****

Eid Miladun Nabi in Kabul organized by the Aga Khan Council March 27, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Afghanistan, Asia, Council sponsored.
trackback
8 March 2009 Pajhwok Afghan News

By: Frozan Rahmani

KABUL March 08, 2009 (PAN) — Hundreds of religious scholars and people participated in the religious ceremony of celebration of Eid Miladun Nabi of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Mohammad (PBUH) which was organized by Agha Khan Council.

Speakers highlighted various aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet and not only termed it a role model for all Muslims but a blessing for entire humanity.

Mubariz Rashidi, deputy minister of information and culture in the gathering said that the great religion Islam was a religion of peace and fellow feelings and the world today direly needed the message of Islam.

Muslims from all over the world commemorate the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal of the Islamic lunar calendar year.

On this occasion public meetings are held in the mosques where religious leaders and scholars make speeches on different aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him). Religious scholars deliver speeches on the Prophets birth, childhood, youth and adult life, his character, teachings, sufferings, and forgiveness of even his most bitter enemies, his fortitude in the face of general opposition, leadership in battles, bravery, wisdom, preaching and his final triumph through Allahs mercy over the hearts of people

http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2009/0 ... -in-kabul/

****
Forecasting the future of Islam
Visiting expert sees renaissance of Islamic culture

The Ottawa Citizen


Saturday, April 19, 2008


On the topic of Islam in the modern world, there is no expert more recognized than Ali Mazrui. Now 75, he has published more than 20 books, including Islam Between Globalization and Counterterrorism.

He holds appointments at three universities, has been guest lecturer at more than 20, and has been named by the American journal Foreign Policy as one of the world's top 100 intellectuals.

The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad is being celebrated this week, and on Wednesday Mr. Mazrui spoke at the National Arts Centre to members of Ottawa's Muslim community, including representatives of 20 diplomatic missions, sponsored by the Ismaili Council of Canada. His topic was Muhammad: The Birth of a New Civilization. Earlier he talked to Charles Enman on the larger topic of contemporary Islam and civilization.

Q: Some westerners assume that Islam and "civilization" are at loggerheads. Do you agree?

A: Anyone who says that must know very little about Islam. Islam is an alternative civilization which had its pinnacle and then its decline. The big question now is whether there is potential for a kind of renaissance.

Q: Can you describe the full flowering of Muslim civilization?

A: From the 8th century to the 14th century and perhaps a bit beyond, the leading edge of civilization was Muslim. And part of it was in Europe, as you know, there were seven centuries of Muslim rule in Spain. Muslims were dealing in issues like medicine and astronomy and mathematics, and people were coming to Muslim centres of learning. One must remember that the first order that Muhammad had received was not to kneel and worship or sing and pray. The first command was "Iqra!" which means "Read!"

Q: And then there was a decline?

A: Yes. The Muslim world fragmented badly, with a loss of the sense of one community as a vanguard of the human species. Secondly, Islam became more dogmatic.

Islam became less prepared to learn from others, as Muslims had already learned from the Persians, the Egyptians and the Indians.

Q: What do you see correcting the decline?

A: I see three things -- first, the blessing of petroleum, the biggest reserve of which is in the holiest land of Islam. Is that wealth being used creatively? In a narrow, sphere, yes. Among other things, it is being used to set up chairs at universities to teach the world what Islam is really about.

Second is the possibility that globalization and the movement of Muslims into the western world -- the United States, I should point out, now has six million Muslims -- is going to produce new Muslim thinkers who may better look at Islam in the light of changing history. We have to convince Muslims that among the messengers of God is history itself.

The third force is the information revolution, which will enable the Muslim diaspora to communicate with traditional Muslim communities.

Q: How much resistance to change is there in the Muslim community?

A: More conservative Muslims may be quite resistant. In English, the word "innovation" has a positive connotation. In Arabic, the corresponding word, "bid'a," has a negative connotation, stemming from the early days of Islam, when people were afraid that others would change doctrine and claim that it originated from the beginning of the faith. This attitude became a stumbling block to interpreting scripture in ways compatible with changing circumstances.

Q: Do you see a loosening of opposition to change?

A: There is considerable variation. Four Muslim countries -- Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Turkey -- have had women as the head of state or the head of government, long before the United States, for example, has even had a female vice-president.

These four Muslim countries are of course non-Arab. So it may be that some of the innovations may not come from the Arab vanguard of Islam but from outlying Muslim cultures with different cultural configurations.

Q: Do you see a tendency towards more democratization?

A: There are relatively good signs in Malaysia, where the stranglehold of the ruling party has been loosened just this year. In Africa, the most interesting example is Senegal, which is 94 per cent Muslim. Leopold Senghor, a Roman Catholic, was head of state for 20 years, and his Muslim successor, Abdou Diouf, had a Roman Catholic wife. Nowhere else in the world would a country, so overwhelming of one religion, have a leader of another religion.

It is a healthy sign of democracy when an overwhelmingly Muslim electorate will freely choose a leader of another religion. Unfortunately, Muslim countries like Malaysia and Senegal get zilch for media attention.

Q: Are western concerns about the rights of women in Muslim societies based in reality?

A: There have been extreme restrictions in places such as Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan under the Taliban, but there is general recognition of this extremism in the Muslim world.

Elsewhere, women enjoy freer ways of life. Women in countries like Egypt and Algeria have much more freedom than in Saudi Arabia. And in Tunisia, you will hardly see a woman wearing a hijab. In Canada, a woman may wear a scarf anywhere, but in Turkey, as we have recently seen, wearing one can cause a constitutional crisis. In Iran, since the 1979 Islamic revolution, women have doubled their numbers in the universities.

This aside, people forget that women have not always been free in the West. American women only got the vote in 1920; in Switzerland, their enfranchisement came as late as 1971. Muslim societies have catching up to do, but they are not centuries behind, merely decades.

Q: Are you describing a hope for change that is in process, without westerners realizing it?

A: Changes are truly happening, though they vary in speed. I want my grandchildren to live in a self-confident Muslim community where Muslims no longer feel under siege and are able to address other civilizations without abandoning their own. Some of this will happen even during my children's time.

And some Muslim countries I believe will be there even before I cross over to the other side. We're talking about nearly 60 countries in the Organization of the Islamic Conference. They won't change in lockstep.

© The Ottawa Citizen 2008
kmaherali
Posts: 25106
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Milad-un-Nabi

Calligraphy bearing the name of Prophet Muhammad. Calligrapher: Hattat Aziz Efendi

This week, Muslims around the world commemorate Milad-un-Nabi, literally meaning the “birth of the Prophet.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) was born in Mecca in the year 570 CE and grew up to be a respected merchant, known for his honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. At the age of 40, he received his first revelation from Allah, marking the commencement of his prophethood.

Prophet Muhammad’s life established a paradigm which Muslims have looked to over the past 1 400 years. While he led the ummah through the interpretation of faith, his leadership also brought about a new ethical outlook — an Islamic social conscience inspired by Allah’s revelation. He emphasised the dignity of humankind through care for the poor and marginalised, the importance of justice and equity in building a peaceful society, and he cultivated a pluralist outlook in which human diversity was valued and cherished.

The Prophet faced considerable social and cultural challenges, given the prevailing mores and customs in Arabia. He was able to overcome these through his own example of tolerance, trustworthiness and compassion, and, above all, because of the manifest justice of his message. Many Muslims came forward to share their material resources, as well as their time and talent, to help the Prophet stabilise and strengthen the institutions of din and dunya — faith and society.

In Shia tradition and belief, the Prophet’s absolute authority in matters of faith and his mission to bring about a just social order was entrusted by divine command to his cousin and son-in-law Hazrat Ali, as the first in the line of hereditary Imams from the Prophet's progeny. As the Jamat observes Milad-un-Nabi , it is appropriate to revisit Mawlana Hazar Imam’s reflections on the relevance of the Prophet’s life to modern Islamic society:

The Holy Prophet’s life gives us every fundamental guideline that we require to resolve the problem as successfully as our human minds and intellects can visualise. His example of integrity, loyalty, honesty, generosity, both of means and of time; his solicitude for the poor, the weak and the sick; his steadfastness in friendship; his humility in success; his magnanimity in victory; his simplicity; his wisdom in conceiving new solutions for problems which could not be solved by traditional methods without affecting the fundamental concepts of Islam – surely all these are foundations which, correctly understood and sincerely interpreted, must enable us to conceive what should be a truly modern and dynamic Islamic society in the years ahead.
— International Seerat Conference, Karachi, Pakistan, 1976.

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/942/MiladunNabi
kmaherali
Posts: 25106
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

SAD STORY

Deadly crush at Timbuktu mosque

Page last updated at 15:43 GMT, Friday, 26 February 2010

The Djinguereber mosque is the largest in Timbuktu
Twenty-six people, mostly women and children, have been killed in a crush at the famous Djinguereber mosque in Timbuktu, sources have told the BBC.

The stampede happened during the Mouloud festival to mark the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, when people walk around the mud mosque in northern Mali.

The worshippers had to use a different path than usual because of renovations to the 14th Century building.

Timbuktu, in the Sahara Desert, was once a centre of Islamic learning.





Saving Timbuktu's heritage
Timbuktu salt caravans under threat
Initial reports said that 16 people had died but local officials have subsequently told the BBC that a further 10 bodies were recovered at the scene and buried by their families without going to hospital.

According to Muslim tradition, people should be buried with 24 hours of their death.

Local tour guide Halif Mohamed al-Hassan told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme that up to 25,000 people converge on the mosque each year and walk around it three times to mark the prophet's birthday.

He says the people were killed after an elderly woman fell down and others were trampled to death.

Some 40 people were injured, the police say, according to Reuters news agency.

"I lost my sister. She was 16 and had gone to pray," said local resident, Ali Kounta, reports the AFP news agency.

The Djinguereber mosque is the largest in Timbuktu.

The once wealthy city helped spread Islam across West Africa.

Its fortunes declined after the 16th Century, as the region's main trade routes switched to the Atlantic Ocean, instead of the Sahara Desert.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8538312.stm
kmaherali
Posts: 25106
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

Religious holidays in the country are fast becoming marked by violence. Over the weekend, processions celebrating Eid Miladun Nabi in Faisalabad and D.I. Khan were attacked causing death, injuries and mayhem.

Thankfully, the violence was quickly contained and did not rise to the level of terribleness that the country has unfortunately witnessed in recent times. Pakistanis hardly need reminding that the country is in the grip of religious intolerance and violence: the war against militancy has touched every corner of the country inflicting a terrible toll, and for a while certain areas were virtually ceded to the militants without a fight. But there is another, more insidious, religious poison that is spreading, largely unnoticed, across the country, and it is not quite as easy to explain as the territorial ambitions of the Taliban. That poison has pit Sunni against Shia, Deobandi against Barelvi, Muslim against religious minorities — and it defies easy categorisation. The only thing its various strands seem to have in common is a hatred for everything that is ‘different’, where ‘different’ is inevitably judged as an unacceptable deviation and therefore deserving of punishment, even death, in many instances.

Invariably — perhaps suggesting where the cure must first begin — a steady diet of dogmatic preaching is to be found wherever such violence occurs. In Faisalabad, the khatib of a local mosque was arrested on charges of inciting people to violence. It will take great political will but such violent elements need to be purged from the mosques and madressahs, for without that it will not be possible to roll back the tide of hate that is threatening to engulf the country. Nor should it be viewed as some-thing that is impossible to do. After all, only a few years ago, processions such as those witnessed on Saturday were low-key and passed off peacefully.

What is new is the sense of one-upmanship: each group wants to have a bigger and louder affair and is ever keen to rattle or taunt rival groups. In the event, the police and local administrations largely manage to do a good job and keep tensions to a minimum. But that is mere fire-fighting and ends up dealing with only the symptom and not the disease. The infrastructure of hate that has slowly taken hold at the grass-roots level is really what needs to be dismantled. Further delay in initiating that process will only cause the problem to grow in magnitude.

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/daw ... -130-zj-03

*****
Misconceptions and Misunderstandings About Eid Milad un Nabi (Peace be upon him) OR Mawlid Al Sharif
By
Imam Syed Soharwardy
http://www.islamicsupremecouncil.com

For some time, the Islamophobes have been trying to create a negative image of Islam. They badmouth about our Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and the holy Qur'an. They have been trying their best to misguide people. They fabricate lies and attack on our beloved Muhammad (peace be upon him). Therefore, it is critical for Muslims to unite and give a united response to the hate-mongers. However, unfortunately, the reality is that the current Muslims are deeply divided even on those practices and beliefs that no one in the entire Muslim world has ever disputed for more than 13 centuries. Instead of focusing on the real issues of the Muslim Ummah we are wasting time and resources in countering each other on the issues which had never been issues. Every year in the month of Rabi Al Awwal, one of the most useless and misguiding campaign is carried out against the celebration of Eid Milad un Nabi (Peace be upon him) also called Mawlid– the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). As Rabi-Al-Awwal approaches, the annual campaign of Fatawa and speeches against celebrating the Birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) starts. What a waste!

Bid’a (innovation)

The people who oppose celebrating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) argue that it should not be celebrated because the Prophet himself and his companions after him did not celebrate his birthday. According to these opponents, celebrating the Prophet's birthday is an innovation in Islam, and the Prophet (peace upon him) has forbidden creating innovations in Islam. An innovation in Islam is called Bid’a. In their opinion, the Prophet’s birthday was not celebrated by the Prophet and neither by his companions; therefore, it is an innovation (Bid’a) and must be avoided. For them it’s a sin.

Nature of Fatawa Against Eid Milad un Nabi (Peace upon him) OR Mawlid

There is not a single verse in the Qur'an OR a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) forbidding the celebration of Prophet's birthday. However, those who oppose the birthday celebration of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) quote many verses from the holy Qur'an and Hadith giving an impression to the less knowledgeable Muslims that it is forbidden. They twist the meanings and insert their own biased opinions in Qur’an and Hadith. A few weeks ago, a brother gave me a fatwa handout against celebrating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). He said, “there are several references from Qur’an and Hadith in the handout against Eid-Milad-un-Nabi".
When you read those fatawa and handouts, you will never find a single verse from Qur’an or a single Hadith in which Allah OR His Messenger (peace be upon him) forbade to celebrate the birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It is always a twisted interpretation of those verses from Qur’an and Hadith which are not even related to the topic. This is the deception, which ordinary Muslims do not understand. They just see the NUMBER of references made from Qur'an and Hadith not knowing that these references have nothing to do with Eid-Milad-un-Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The opponents of Eid-Milad-un-Nabi purposely misquote and misinterpret Qur'anic verses and the Hadith of Prophet (Peace be upon him) in order to misguide Muslims just like Qadyanis who twist the meanings and the interpretation of the verses of the holy Qur’an and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to justify the legitimacy of their false Prophet.

What is Eid-Milad-un-Nabi / Mawlid?

Eid-Milad-un-Nabi means birthday of Prophet (peace be upon him). The Muslim celebration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is quite different from the Christian Celebration of Christmas, the birthday of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him). What do Muslims do on the day of Eid Milad un Nabi (peace be upon him)? They organize gatherings in which Muslims discuss the birth, the life and the message of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). They feed the poor and the guests. They read the Qur’an and learn Qur’an from scholars. They praise Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and sing Naat / Nasheed (poems / rhymes). They reach out to non-Muslims and inform them about Islam. The day is celebrated with purely religious and spiritual aspects of an Islamic life. At this occasion Muslims remind themselves to love and follow Allah's last Messenger (Peace be upon him) in daily life. Eid Milad un Nabi (peace be upon him) is just like any other religious get-together of Muslims for the remembrance of Allah and His beloved Messenger (Peace be upon him).

If a gathering that discusses the birth, the life (SEERAH) and the message of Prophet of Islam is a Bid'a (distortion in Islam) because the Prophet himself and his companions (Peace be upon them) did not organize or ask people to organize such gatherings then we should not be doing any thing in the name of Islam that was not done by the Prophet (peace be him) OR his companions (May Allah be pleased with them). Why Muslims organize and practice the following? The following practices and celebrations were never organized by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), neither by his noble companions and nor by any scholar in the history of Islam except until recently. However, Eid-Milad-un-Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) has been in practice for the last thirteen centuries and has never been disputed by any scholar of Islam until the Zionists and the Crusaders occupied Muslim countries and made them colonies in 1800s/1900s. Eid Milad un Nabi has been made controversial during the last century. It had never been a controversial issue. Those who call Eid Milad un Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) Bid’a let me share with you their BID’As. Why their actions and practices are not called Bid’a?

The Bid’a (distortion) Committed by the opponents of Eid Milad un Nabi (peace be upon him)

§ Bid’a Number 1: The only worldwide gathering of Muslims commanded by Allah and practiced by Prophet Muhammad and his companions (Peace be upon them) is Hajj. There is NO other international (worldwide) gathering of Muslims in Islam. Where do you find a verse in Qur’an or a Hadith to organize worldwide gatherings of Muslims in the name of TABLEEGH? In Pakistan and Bangladesh the annual TBALIGHEE IJTIMA' attracts more Muslims than Hajj. Isn't this a Bid'a? When did the Prophet (Peace be upon him) OR his companions OR Muslim scholars organize the worldwide gatherings of Muslims in the name of Tableegh? Worldwide Tableeghi Ijtima was started few decades ago by the founder of the Tableeghi Jama’t in India, Maulana Ilyas Gujrati. But Eid Milad un Nabi has 13 hundred years of history. Just like Eid Milad un Nabi (peace be upon him), the Tableeghi Ijtima’ has a fixed annual date. People participate, pray and learn Islam in both gatherings. Why Tableeghi Ijtima is not a Bid’a but Eid Milad un Nabi is Bid’a?

§ Bid’a Number 2: In Pakistan (1970s) former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto invited the Imam of Ka'ba to visit Pakistan. When Imam Ka'ba, a fierce opponent of Eid-Milad-un-Nabi, came Pakistan Muslims abandoned mosques and prayed Friday prayers in large stadiums behind him. Was there any precedence in Islam for such gatherings? Prophet (peace upon him) and his companions (Peace be upon them) never did such a thing. Never happened before in the history of Muslims that Muslims emptied mosques and prayed behind an Imam because he came from Saudi Arabia? That was definitely a new thing. It was a big Bid'a? Why no Fatwa was issued against the Imam of Ka’ba and all those who prayed behind him.

§ Bid’a Number 3: The scholars, Ulema and students of Dar-ul-Aloom Deoband (one of the oldest Islamic universities in India) celebrated the 100th anniversaries of the Dar Al Aloom Deoband. The 100th birthday of Dar-ul Aloom Deoband was celebrated under the leadership of a Hindu Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. Did Prophet or his companions ever celebrate the anniversary of Masjid Al Quba, Masjid Al Nabawi, etc.? Talk about inviting a "Mushrikah" (pagan) to preside over the gathering of Ulema-e-Islam. Wasn't that a Bid'a? It is obvious that the haters of Eid Milad un Nabi have more love and respect for their Dar Al Aloom and pagans than the birthday of Prophet of Islam (Peace be upon him).

§ Bid’a Number 4: Few years ago in UK, the Ahl-e-Hadith party held TOWHEED-O-SUNNAT conference and invited Imam Ka'ba and many other scholars. They do this every year. Did Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or his noble companions (Peace be upon them) ever organized a program called TOWHEED-O-SUNNAT Conference and traveled to speak at a conference? Why Towheed-o-Sunnat conference can not be declared Bid’a? The Salafis (self appointed Ahle Hadith) commit more Bid’a and deny more Hadith than any other sect within Islam.

§ Bid’a Number 5: Whenever Muslims get upset on an issue or conflict, they take out processions and rallies to protest. Muslim leaders and scholars of Islam address those rallies. Among the organizers and the leaders of those rallies are those who consider Eid-Milad-un-Nabi Bid'a. I ask them a very simple question. Did Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his companions OR the noble scholars of Islam ever took out rallies and banners protesting against an aggression or a conflict or an issue? Were there any rallies organized by Muslims when Al Quds was captured by Crusaders? Where is the basis of these rallies in Qur’an, Hadith and in the history of Islam? Aren’t these rallies Bid'a? The haters of Eid Milad un Nabi invite Muslims to attend their rallies. They say,” taking part in these rallies is Jihad and participants will be rewarded by Allah”. But if a rally to create awareness about our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) is organized, it becomes Bid’a. What a shame!

§ Bid’a Number 6: During 1970 elections in Pakistan Jamat Islami took out major processions in the name of Youm-e-Shawkat-e-Islam. This name itself undermines the religion of Islam. Everyday is Youm-e-Shawkat-e-Islam not when Jamat Islami contests elections. When did the Prophet and his companions organize Youm-e-Shawkat-e-Islam? Wasn't that Bid'a? Did anybody issue Fatwa against those large processions? They were all done in the name of Islam. People were expected to get rewards from Allah for their contribution and participation. But participation in the procession of Eid Milad un Nabi (Peace be upon him) is called Bid’a? No wonder the followers of Abdullah Ibn Obai do exist in our times too.

§ Bid’a Number 7: Saudi Arabia does celebrate Youm-ul-Watani (National Day of Saudi Arabia). Television stations telecast special programs and newspapers print special editions and private companies give their employees a day off. I have never seen any Saudi scholar’s fatwa against the celebration of Saudi National Day. But they are very quick in giving Fatwa against Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi. Did Prophet (Peace be upon him) OR his companions (May Allah be pleased with them) ever celebrated the establishment of the Islamic state of Madinah? Saudi scholars, who oppose the celebration of Prophet's birthday, gave Fatwa for justifying US troops in Saudi Arabia but they can not issue a Fatwa against the Bid’a that is committed by their own government and by them. That is a real distortion of Islam.

§ Bid’a Number 8: In North America, ISNA, ICNA, CAIR and many other Muslim organizations organize their annual conventions. In most cases people have to purchase tickets to listen to the speeches of various scholars. Isn't this entire setup a Bid'a? When did Prophet (Peace be upon him) OR his companions (Peace be upon them) OR scholars of Islam after them organize such conventions? Why people have to pay in order to listen to the speeches of the scholars of Islam? Where is the basis for this? Did Prophet (Peace be upon him) charge fee for his speeches? Any companion of the Prophet ever asked people to pay for a good cause first before he would deliver his speech? Off course not. Those noble people never did such things but it’s OK for the opponents of Eid Milad un Nabi. Indeed, it’s a major Bid’a but they won’t call it Bid’a; otherwise, they have to close their shops.

§ Bid’a Number 9: The very concept of forming organizations such as Jama't Ahl-e-Hadith, Party of Salafis, Jama't Islami, WAMY, Rabita Aalm-e-Islami, ISNA, ICNA, CAIR is a Bid'a. Neither Prophet nor his companions (Peace be upon them) ever formed organizations and named them. The only name for worldwide Muslim body is "Muslims". Only Allah divides people into tribes and nations for identification. These opponents of Eid Milad un Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) have divided the Ummah. What a worse Bid’a they have committed?

§ Bid’a Number 10: A Pakistani woman who has now moved to Canada but still operates in Pakistan considers herself a scholar of Islam. She gives fatawa not only against Eid-Milad-un-Nabi but against many other Islamic traditions such as Qur’an reading in congregation (Qur’an Khawani), etc.. She organizes prayer get-togethers for woman only. She organizes Salat-at-Tasbeeh get-together for women only. She organizes Taraweeh prayers for women only. She has invented many things in Islam for the sake of women but for her Eid-Milad-un-Nabi is Bid'a? Where she finds basis for her style of preaching Islam? She organizes gatherings of women against the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), which is a worse form of Bid'a. She has destroyed many families in the name of Islam. She has converted many Muslim women into fanatics. Her entire organization is a Bid’a.

§ Bid’a Number 11: Today, in North America Muslim associations organize fundraising dinners for mosques, Islamic schools or for humanitarian purposes. They sell tickets and invite speakers. When Prophet or his companions (Peace be upon them) raised funds through fundraising dinners? When Prophet or his companions (Peace be upon them) sold $5, $25, $100, etc. food plates for a good cause. Isn't this all Bid'a? They organize these fundraising dinners which benefits them but the celebration of Eid Milad un Nabi (peace be upon him) hurts them. Wow!
An Urdu poet wrote;

HAM AAH BHEE KARTAY HAIN TO HOJATAY HAIN BADNAAM
WHO QATL BHEE KARDAYN TO CHARCHA NAHEE HOTA

Translation: If I just say “ouch” when pained I get defamed
And they commit murders but no one objects to them

If celebrating the birthday of Prophet (peace upon him) is an innovation (Bid’a) because neither Prophet (peace upon him), nor his companions ever celebrated Prophet’s birthday, then why the following Bid’a (innovations) were created centuries ago and why everybody practices them today? Why the opponents of Eid Milad un Nabi (peace upon him) do not condemn them and stop practicing them immediately.

§ Bid’a Number 12: When Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) , it did not have thirty volumes. Neither Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) nor his noble companions divided Qur’an into thirty volumes (siparah). Qur’an was divided into thirty volumes by the rulers and the scholars hundreds of years later for the convenience of HUFFAAZ (memorizers of the holy Qur’an). It helped HUFFAAZ in managing the recitation of the holy Qur’an in Taraweeh prayers in Ramadan.

§ Bid’a Number 13: Neither Prophet (peace be upon him) nor his noble companions ever put Rukoo and their numbers in the holy Qur’an. These Rukoo were added in Qur’an by the rulers and the scholars hundreds of years later to help Imams and HUFFAAZ in memorizing the verses of the Qur’an and provide better organization and management for reading Qur’an in regular daily prayers and Taraweeh prayers of Ramadan.

§ Bid’a Number 14: During the time of Prophet (peace be upon him) there were no A’RAAB (Madda/Kasrah/Dhamma / Zabar Zer Pesh) in the holy Qur’an. These were added in Qur’an by the command of a very ruthless and cruel Muslim ruler, Hajjaj Bin Yousuf. The A’RAAB were inserted in the Qur’an in order to help non-Arabs to read Qur’an correctly. Today, Arabs and non-Arabs both depend on these A’RAAB in order to read Qur’an correctly. These A’RAAB were an innovation. But if this innovation is removed from the Qur’an, the opponents of Eid Milad un Nabi (peace be upon him) would not be able to read Qur’an correctly. They need this innovation but not Eid Milad un Nabi (peace be upon him).

§ Bid’a Number 15: In Islam, for a Muslim, moving to a non-Muslim country from a Muslim country is allowed in three situations only. 1) When a Muslim is persecuted in his/her own Muslim country and facing dangers to his/her life. 2) When a Muslim wants to preach Islam in a non-Muslim country. In other words, you have to be a Muslim Missionary in order to settle in a non-Muslim country. 3) When a Muslim wants to get education which is not available in a Muslim country. Islam does not allow Muslims to leave Muslim countries and settle in non-Muslim countries except under the above mentioned three conditions. Neither Prophet (peace be upon him), nor any companion of Prophet (peace be upon him) migrated to non-Muslim countries for “better economic opportunities”. They migrated to non-Muslim countries under the above mentioned three situations ONLY. However, one of the most widespread and desirable Bid’a committed by the opponents of Eid Milad un Nabi (peace be upon him) is to find better life in the non-Muslim countries. In fact, the immigration to non-Muslim countries by the Muslims is so desirable and desperate Bid’a that Muslims pray to Allah to help them in committing this Bid’a. Allah knows very well the hypocrites.

§ The Biggest Deception

One of the biggest misconceptions of our time is that the Muslims look at the Imams and the clergy of Makkah and Madinah as the true and correct scholars of Islam. They believe whatever the Imams of Masjid Al Haraam and Masjid Al Nabawi Sharif say, “can not be wrong”. They are the Imams of the Holiest Mosques in the entire world. Since these Imams do call Eid Milad un Nabi (Peace be upon him) a Bid’a; therefore, it must be a Bid’a. The Mufti of Saudi Arabia must be the most knowledgeable scholar. His Fatwa should be the most authentic.

If this is the standard then let me draw your attention towards history.
Ottomans (Sultanat-e-Usmania) ruled Makkah and Madinah and the most of the Muslim world for seven centuries. For seven centuries the Imams of Masjid Al Haraam and Masjid Al Nabawi Sharif used to organize, celebrate and lead the celebrations of Eid Milad un Nabi (peace be upon him). Eid Milad un Nabi has always been celebrated throughout the Arabian peninsula before becoming Saudi Arabia including Masjid Al Haraam and Masjid Al Nabawi Sharif. In fact, the largest gathering of Eid Milad un Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) used to be held in Masjid Al Haraam in Makkah. This practice was stopped after the WAHABI revolution in Saudi Arabia. If you would have been born during the Ottoman Empire, you would have seen the biggest celebration of Milad Sharif in Haram Al Makki and Madani.

We MUST not change our traditions if the governments change. Our traditions are based upon the holy Qur’an, the noble Sunnah of our Prophet (Peace be upon him) and the “Ijma” (consensus) of scholars of Islam. If the government in Saudi Arabia changes today then what happens to the opponents of Eid Milad un Nabi? Will they start celebrating?

Eid Milad un Nabi unites Muslims and the denial of Eid Milad un Nabi divides Muslims. The proof is in the 1300 years of Muslim history. When Muslims were together in celebrating the noble birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), they were all united but when they started debating the permissibility of Eid Milad un Nabi, they got divided. It is not the celebration of Eid Milad un Nabi that divides Muslims. It is the denial of the Eid Milad un Nabi that divides Muslims.

One of the most deceiving arguments presented by the opponents of Eid Milad un Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) is that the National Days, formation of organizations and contesting elections are the matters of this world (Dunya). They are not part of the Sharia of Islam but those who celebrate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) they do it as a part of Islam and the Islamic Sharia. Therefore, Eid Milad un Nabi is Bid’a because Prophet did not make it a part of Islam. What a strange, deceiving and un-Islamic argument is this?

Holy Qur’an says; O believers enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitan, surely he is your clear-cut enemy. (Surah Al-Baqara, Ayah 208).

It means for a believer there is not a single moment in life that can be outside of Islam OR Islamic Shari’a. We Muslim believe that all actions of a believer such as work, family time, sitting with friends, husband-wife relationships, sleeping, even exercising and playing are all part of Ibadah (worshipping of Allah) as long as the believer does it for the sake of Allah.
Qur’an says, “Say: Surely my prayer and my sacrifice and my life and my death are (all) for Allah, the Lord of the worlds” (The Cattle 6.162).
It means for a Muslim every worldly or non-worldly deed must be for Allah. Does this mean that when the haters of Eid Milad un Nabi carryout their “worldly deeds” they do it for their sake, not for Allah. They do not remain in Islam when they do “worldly” things because it will be encompassed by the Shari’a and they don’t want it to be seen as a part of Shari’a. I do not think that they believe this. Therefore, the above mentioned all Bid’a of the opponents of Eid Milad un Nabi (Peace be upon him) are done for the sake of Allah. Therefore, they see their practices (which are in fact Bid’a) as SHAR’EE (legitimate). Then why Eid Milad un Nabi can not be considered SHAR’EE (legitimate)?

Conclusion

All this confusion was started from Saudi Arabia after the Wahabi revolution. Before Wahabi revolution in Saudi Arabia Muslims used to celebrate their beloved Prophet's Birthday without any confusion or restrictions. Muslims are now traveling more for Umrah and Hajj and many Muslims from various parts of the world work in Saudi Arabia. They think whatever is practiced in Makkah and Madinah must be correct. Imagine, if you were borne before the Wahabi revolution in Saudi Arabia, you would have seen the celebration of Eid-Milad with your own eyes in Makkah and Madinah. Abbasees, Fatemides, Ottomans and others ruled Makkah and Madinah and the most of the Muslim world for thirteen centuries. During these thirteen centuries Eid Milad un Nabi had never been disputed by any scholar of Islam including Imam Ibn Taymiyah (May Allah be pleased with him) who is the most authentic jurist of Islam for Saudis. http://islamicsupremecouncil.com/milad-un-nabi.htm#a
If every innovation (Bid’a) would have been a sin in Islam then Ameer ul Mo’mineen, Sayyidna Umar Ibn Al Khattab would have NEVER used the word “Ni’matul Bid’a” (beautiful innovation) for the Taraweeh prayers in congregation.

The Wahabi revolution was one of the major causes for the fall of Khilafah Al-Islamiyah. In the entire Muslim world Saudi Arabia is the only country where Eid--Milad-un-Nabi has been officially stopped. However, millions of Saudis do celebrate Eid Milad un Nabi (peace be upon him) inside their homes due to the fear of persecution from the Mutawwas (the Wahabi civil militia). If you look at the beliefs and practices of KHAWARIJ who killed thousands of companions and the Ahlul Bait of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), you will find a very close resemblance between the KHAWARIJ and the opponents of Eid Milad un Nabi (peace be upon him).
Please read the Travel Story of Ibn-e-Batuta (Safar Nama Ibn Batutah) . He has described the eye-witnessed celebration of Prophet's Birthday in Makkah inside the Haram and the city. Ibn-e-Batuta was just a traveler. He wrote what he saw in Makkah.

We must not pay attention towards the FITNAH created by the misguided and fanatics. Let's go back to the Islamic traditions - the traditions practiced by all Muslims except the people who became the agents of Zionists and Crusaders.

I request all of you to celebrate the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) with utmost enthusiasm and devotion.

WE MUST SHOW THE WORLD THAT WE LOVE MUHAMMAD (PEACE BE UPON HIM) MORE THAN OUR OWN PARENTS, OUR OWN CHILDREN AND OUR OWN LIVES.

Let’s make a commitment on the Birthday of our HABEEB (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) that we will follow his teachings for the rest of the year and during the remaining period of our lives. We will pray five prayers because Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) loved to perform the daily five prayers. We will do what he liked and we will stay away from what he (Peace be upon him) forbade.

Imam Ibn Hajar al-`Asqalani (Rahmatullah Alaih), in his book al-Durar al-kamina fi `ayn al-Mi'at al-thamina, mentions that Allama Ibn Kathir (Rahmatullah Alaih), a muhaddith from among the followers of Ibn Taymiyya, "in the last days of his life wrote a book entitled Mawlid Rasool Allah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam), which was spread far and wide. That book mentioned the permissibility and recommendability of celebrating the Mawlid."

Ibn Kathir's book was edited and published in 1961. In it he says, p. 19: "The Night of the Prophet's birth is a magnificent, noble, blessed and holy night, a night of bliss for the believers, pure, radiant with lights, and of immeasurable price."

May we live as the true lovers of Rasool-ullah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam) and may we die in the love of Rasool-ullah (Sallallaho Alaihe Wasallam). Ameen
Please let us know if ISCC can help you in organizing the gatherings of Milad Sharif in your area. All ISCC services are FREE. Contact@islamicsupremecouncil.com.

You can read more articles and Fatawa from major Islamic institutions and scholars about the permissibility of Eid-Milad-un-Nabi (Peace be upon him)
http://islamicsupremecouncil.com/milad-un-nabi.htm
Fatwa by Imam Jalaluddin Sayuti (May Allah be pleased with him)
http://islamicsupremecouncil.com/suyuti.htm.
In refutation of the Fatwa of Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Baaz of Saudi Arabia
http://www.islamicsupremecouncil.com/fatwabinbaz.htm.
Fatwa from Darul Ifta’ of United Arab Emirates, Dubai
http://www.islamicsupremecouncil.com/ei ... -dubai.htm
Imam Zaid Shakir's Article on "The Blessed Mawlid"
http://www.zaytuna.org/seasonsjournal/s ... Mawlid.pdf

4. Mawlid un Nabi: Conservative view
http://www.nfie.com/mawlid2.htm

2. Abdul Hakim Murad's Lecture on Mawlid and why it is being neglected in West
http://www.halaltube.com/abdal-hakim-mu ... -of-mawlid

3. Shaykh Sayyid Muhummed Al-Alawi Al-Malaki's lecture on Mawlid
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wi_78LzuIGE
Fatwa from Dr. Yousuf Al Qaradhawi
http://www.islamicsupremecouncil.com/qaradhawi.htm
A speech by Maulana Abul A’la Maudoodi on Eid Milad un Nabi (Peace be upon him)
http://www.islamicsupremecouncil.com/ei ... udoodi.htm
A great article by Hazrat Allama Mufti Ahmed Yar Khan Sahib on Bid’a
http://www.islamicsupremecouncil.com/bid'a2.htm
Eid Milad un Nabi (Peace be upon him) MUBARAK.
__._,_.___
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Reflection on Milad al Nabi
Monday March 1, 2010
Categories: The Pillars of Faith, The Gates of Ijtihad
Milad mubarak!

Like hundreds of millions of muslims worldwide, I honored the Prophet Mohammed SAW last week, finding the anniversary of his birth (by most authoritative sources, 12 Rabi ul Awwal) a time to reflect on my love for him as the Messenger of Islam.

Is it controversial to celebrate the milad (birthday) of the Prophet of Islam SAW? It may surprise non-muslims that the celebration of Milad al Nabi is indeed a matter of dispute; a thread at Talk Islam provides a nice summary. Unfortunately, some muslims take this disagreement to extremes - using it to dabble in anti-semitic and anti-Shi'a prejudices and even resulting in violence against people in milad processions.

The debate about celebrating milad is indicative of a broader theological dispute within Islam that is centuries old. The root issue is whether the legitimacy of Islamic practices is a top-down or bottom-up process. The bottom-up argument goes like this:

"Practice X is performed by millions of muslims and has been for centuries, therefore there is validity to it."

Now, the top-down rebuttal to this is:

"If something is wrong or bid'a, it's still wrong or bid'a (innovation), no matter how many muslims do it or for how long."

Note that the top-down line of thought implicitly lays claim to the authority to define what is bid'a or wrong.

The problem is that no practice is performed in a vacuum. Something that millions of muslims have done for centuries is also something that has inevitably been discussed by ulema and authorities for the same length of time. The legitimacy of these practices is the pre-requisite for its popularity; that popularity is not a sufficient defense, but it is sufficient evidence that a robust defense exists.

Were it not so, and the practice in question truly bid'a or outright wrong, then an airtight case on the merits would long ago have been presented which refuted it.

The rejoinder to my case above is to invoke alcohol as an analogy. "Millions of muslims drink and have been drinking for centuries, and that is clearly in violation of shari'a" goes the argument, "are you saying that drinking alcohol is validated by the precedent?"

Of course not. And a diligent reader will already note the flaw in the analogy, but let's spell it out anyway. No muslim who drinks alcohol attempts to argue that there is merit in this act, or tries to defend the act within the context of Islam. There is no debate whatsoever about whether alcohol is permitted. There is no defense of alcohol as fostering piety or virtue of any kind. The debate over practices such as milad, in contrast, is not about something expressly forbidden, but about a pious action which is not expressly permitted.

The fundamental truth is that the diversity of the Ummah manifests itself in very human ways. Even accounting for all that is expressly forbidden in Shari'a, there is infinite space for cultural practice within Islam.

The doctrine against bid'a is misused as a sweeping legalistic injunction when it fact is limited in scope to the Deen itself. Those who seek to impose their views of what Islam should be, often implicitly admit by their actions that they are misusing bid'a itself, because their arguments are always accompanied by secondary attempts at delegitimizing the behavior they seek to forbid, such as ascribing the practice to Jews, or attempting to undermine the validity of other madhabs. For an example, see an essay series by Yasir Qadhi at Muslim Matters against observance of milad, which ostensibly sets out to be a dispassionate historical analysis of mawlid celebrations but then can't help blaming Shi'a and Sufis in a classic guilt-by-association and delegitimization ploy.

It is indeed a fact that there is disagreement among Muslims of different madhabs as to which hadith to follow, who the descendants of the Prophet SAW are, and other general matters relating to how authority is defined. But that disagreement often strays into takfir; the accusation of heresy against Islam itself. Takfir is rarely invoked explicitly, but instead exists as an undercurrent of implication (though Yasir Qadhi barely suppresses his takfiri sentiments, especially when he talks about Ismailis). It's an intellectually lazy tactic which fosters needless dispute between muslims and weakens the Ummah as a whole. It is sad to see so many ostensibly modern muslim intellectuals engage in it.

Fundamentally, both approaches are necessary in tandem. The bottom-up evolution of muslim practices in the social sphere is a necessary and inevitable outgrowth of human society. Muslims are men and women, not robots. And yet there is a need for a corrective action from the top to ensure that the organic growth of culture does not transgress across the lines defined by Deen and Sharia. The key to reconciling these seeming opposite forces is to acknowledge reason and choice; the muslim must choose for themselves who they accept as their authority, and must respect that choice made by other muslims.

In the sixth ayat (verse) of Surat al Kafirun (109:6), the Qur'an gives words to the muslim to speak to the unbelievers: "To you be your way, and me mine." The primary audience here is those who do not believe in Islam. But there's a philosophy therein which applies equally well to intra-muslim debates. We can disagree about the validity of mawlid, ziyarat, moonsighting, etc. But we must remember that ultimately, Islam is about our personal relationship to Allah, and no one else's. And Allah knows best.

Related: the issue of forbidden acts versus acts not exxpressly permitted is akin in some ways to the debate over implied powers and the Tenth Amendment to the US Constitution and the "Elastic Clause". These are invariably legalistic debates by their very nature, reliant on source texts and exegesis of Founders'/Creator's intent.

http://blog.beliefnet.com/cityofbrass/2 ... -nabi.html
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Afghan Jamat hosts a successful event commemorating Prophet Muhammad’s birthday

Jamati volunteers line up to welcome guests at Uranus Hall in Kabul for the commemoration of Mowlud-e-Sharif, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

On 23 February, some 800 people gathered at Uranus Hall in Kabul to commemorate Mowlud-e-Sharif, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). The event, which was hosted by the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan, was attended by poets, scholars, Members of Parliament, government officials and representatives of other communities in Afghanistan.

Mowlud-e-Sharif — also called Milad-un-Nabi, which literally means “birth of the Prophet” — has been hosted annually by the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan since 2002, when Mawlana Hazar Imam established Jamati institutions in the country. Similar ceremonies were also held in Baghlan, Bamyan and Badakhshan, each drawing several hundred attendees.

Leaders of the Jamati institutions in Afghanistan prepare to receive guests at the Mowlud-e-Sharif event. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

The Kabul ceremony opened with a recitation from the Qur’an-e Sharif and the rendition of a qasida by younger members of the Jamat. Afterwards, various speakers addressed the audience, often recounting stories from the life of Prophet Muhammad, and the importance of his seerat (path) in the lives and faith of people today.

Mohammad Ali Setaigh and Shukria Barakzai, both Members of Parliament, also addressed the gathering. They expressed their admiration of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s work and his contribution to Afghanistan. Noting the Ismaili community’s tolerant and peaceful reputation, they added that the celebration of such events provided a platform for different communities of interpretation within the ummah to share their views and contribute to a more pluralistic culture in Afghanistan.

Some 800 people — women and men — gathered to commemorate Mowlud-e-Sharif in Kabul. Similar events were hosted by Jamati institutions in other parts of Afghanistan. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

Aleem Khalili delivered a message on behalf of his father, His Excellency, Karim Khalili, the Second Vice-President of Afghanistan, who regretted that he was unable to attend in person.

Shair Baz Hakemy, President of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan, Karim Bakhsh Hashuri, Vice-President of the Council and Ruknuddin Urfani, Chairman of the Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Afghanistan, each spoke at the event. They emphasised the importance of pluralism, good ethics, equality, humanity and unity for all.

Young members of the Jamat recite devotional poetry in the form of a qasida as part of the commemoration of Mowlud-e-Sharif in Kabul. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan

http://www.theismaili.org/cms/961/
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Nativity of the Prophet Muhammad: The Mevlud/Mawlid Tradition

By Omid Safi

(Special to Simerg)

http://simerg.com/literary-readings/nat ... -muhammad/
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Two Songs for Miladun-Nabee
I. In Praise of Prophet Muhammad (May Peace Be Upon Him)
By Izzat Muneyb

http://simerg.com/literary-readings/two ... dun-nabee/

*****

How a Muslim Sees Muhammad
By Michael Wolfe

http://simerg.com/literary-readings/how ... -muhammad/

*****

“Welcome O Darling of the Lord”: Celebrating Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Mawlid) through his mother’s eyes
Omid Safi | Feb 4, 2012 | Comments (0)

http://www.religionnews.com/blogs/omid- ... -mothers-e
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

VP Bilal agitates for effective utilisation of natural resources
By Sylivester Domasa
15th February 2012EmailPrintComments
Vice-President Dr Mohamed Gharib BilalVice-President Dr Mohamed Gharib Bilal has asked state and non-state actors to effectively utilise national resources and their positions for the country’s sustainable development.

He said it had reached a point that “we must use – by any means” all human and natural resources to fight against poverty and economic hardships in the country.

Dr Bilal made the call on Sunday night, when addressing religious representatives, leaders and Muslims from in and outside the country assembled to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad Milad-un-nabi (s.a.s) hosted by the country delegation of his Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismail Council.

“Reflecting on fundamentals of religion, Muslims believe that Islam was established to accept Allah. The prophet, who was the messenger of Allah, has inspired many people,” he said.

Dr Bilal advised the believers to support widows, orphans, street boys and protect the environment.

Dr Bilal urged people to be ambassadors by putting forward public interests.

He also advised religious leaders to participate fully in educating religious followers to contribute their ideas and opinions to writing a new constitution.

“We need this constitution because all our rights will be stipulated in it,” he said.

Commemoration of Milad-un-nabi (s.a.s) in Dar es Salaam was also attended by Chief Sheikh Muft Issa Bin Shaaban Simba, who was also awarded due to his contribution to the mosque and to the growth of Islamic faith.

According to the wikipedia encyclopaedia, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad falls in the month of Rabi' al-awwal (February) in the Islamic calendar.

Shias observe the event on the 17th of the month, coinciding with the birth date of their sixth Imam Ja’far al-sadiq and Prophet Muhammad, while the Sunnis observe it on the 12th of the month. As the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the corresponding date in the Gregorian calendar varies each year.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
0 Comments | Be the first to comment

http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=38486
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Post by kmaherali »

Milad 2012 Registration
The Milad-un-Nabi commemoration hosted by the Council for Ontario will be held on Sunday, February 26th at Scarborough Jamatkhana.

The keynote speaker will be Zarqa Nawaz, Creator of the CBC television series Little Mosque on the Prairie, who will be speaking on "Pluralism: Implications of Diverse Muslim Identities On The Future Of Muslim Youth"

Scarborough Jamatkhana and Centre 695 Middlefield Road Scarborough, Ontario M1B 5B8 February 26th, 2012 - 12:15PM miladreg2012@gmail.com
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Post by kmaherali »

Readings on Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s.): Ismaili Ginanic Literature, Two Songs and a Maulid in Lamu

http://simerg.com/2013/01/19/readings-o ... d-in-lamu/
mahebubchatur
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Milad Un Nabi Permissability according to the Quran

Post by mahebubchatur »

Permissibility of Celebrating Mawlid from Qur'an al-Karim & Ahadith!!

All Praises is due to Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala, Peace and Blessings be upon the most perfect of creations, His Beloved Habeeb, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam his Noble Family and the Illustrious Sahaba Ridwanullahi Ta'ala Alaihim Ajma'een and all the pious servants of Almighty Allah!!

In the present era, we are suffering from sects and scholars who baselessly impose verdicts of Shirk and Bid’ah on those who celebrate Mawlid an-Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam with great enthusiasm and integrity and due to which the gullible and simple people, who are less in knowledge of Quran and Hadith get nervous whether they are following the right path or not.

Here are ample proofs from Qur'an al-Kareem and Ahadith of Beloved Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) which shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Celebrating Milad-un-Nabi Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam is absolutely lawful and commendable.


The Holy Qur’an

Eisa, the son of Maryam, said, “O Allah, O our Lord! Send down to us a table spread from heaven, so that it may become a day of celebration for us – for our former and latter people - and a sign from You; and give us sustenance - and You are the Best Provider Of Sustenance.” [Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verse 114]

The day when food is sent from skies is day of rejoicing (EID); then the day when soul of universe (Peace be with him) was born must be the delight for the day of rejoicing.

Look what Allah has said:

And abundantly proclaim the favours of your Lord. [Surah Al-Duha, Verse 11]

Allah himself commemorating Milad in Holy Qar’an as we do in our gatherings, Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala Says in the Holy Qur’an:

It is He Who has sent His Noble Messenger with the guidance and the true religion, in order to make it prevail over all other religions; and Allah is sufficient as a Witness. [Surah Al-Fatha, Verse 28]

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 As-Saf, Verse 6]


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 Tauba, Verse 128]


Allah has indeed bestowed a great favour upon the Muslims, in that He sent to them a Noble Messenger (Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him) 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 Aal-e-Imran, Verse 164]


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”; that is better than all their wealth and possessions. [Surah Al-Yunus, Verse 57/58]

And this is what we do, we celebrate; we rejoice; we do spend our money to show gratitude to Allah Almighty on his greatest mercy and Blessing i.e. celebrations of Milad-un-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) because Qur’an Says:

And We did not send you (O dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him) except as a mercy for the entire world. [Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 107]

IN the light of Ahadith

Let us have the opinions of Prophet (Peace be with him) who himself celebrated his Birthday. See Muslim Sharif:

Abi Qatada Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me.

References:

1. Sahih Muslim, Book of Fasting, Vol. 7, Page 323, Hadith 2807
2. Musannaf Abd ar-Razzaq, Vol. 4, Page 296, Hadith 7865
3. Sunan Abi Dawood, Vol. 7, Page 255, Hadith 2428
4. Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 49, Page 195, Hadith 23200
5. Sunan al-Kubra lil Bayhaqi, Vol. 4, Page 286
6. Usd ul-Gaabba fi Ma’arfat as-Sahaba, Vol. 1, Page 21-22, published in Lahore 1987

When beloved Prophet (Peace and Blessings be Upon him) is commemorating his birthday not yearly but every Monday then how can it be labelled as Shirk or Bid’ah? Is it not a Sunnah of the Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam)?

Beloved Prophet Muhammad SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam himself commemorated about his birth in numerous Ahadith. Few of them are presented below.

Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) said: “When my mother gave birth to me she saw a light proceeding from her which showed her the castles of Syria”

References:

1. Ibn Hisham; Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol. 4, Page 360
2. Bayhaqi, Dala’il an-Nubuwwah, Vol. 1, Page 110
3. Haythami, Zawa’i, Vol. 8, Page 221
4. Ibn al-Jawzi ‘al-Wafa’
5. Qadi Iyad, ‘al-Shifa’
6. Musnad Ahmad Vol. 4, Page 127
أول ما خلق الله تعالى نوري
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has stated, "The very first thing which Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala created was my Noor."

References:

1. Tafseer Nashyapuri, Page 55, Vol. 8
2. Tafseer Araa'is ul Bayaan, Page 238, Vol. 1
3. Tafseer Roohul Bayaan, Page 548, Vol. 1
4. Zirkaani ala al-Mawahib, Page 37, Vol. 1
5. Madarij an-Nabuwwah, Page 6, Vol. 2
6. Bayaan al-Miladun Nabi li Ibn Jauzi, Page 24

Sharih al-Bukhari Imam Ahmad Qastalani (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) states in his most distinguished work "Mawahib al-Ladunniyyah" that narration has been made by Hadrat Imam Zaynul Abedeen (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) who narrates from His father Hadrat Imam Husain (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) who narrates from His father Hadrat Ali Mushkil Kusha (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) that the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has stated,

“I was a Noor (Light) by my creator 14000 years before the creation of Hadrat Adam (Alaihis Salaam)"

References:

1. Muwahib al-Laduniyah, Page 10, Vol. 1
2. Zirkani ala al-Mawahib, Page 49, Vol. 1
3. Jawahir al-Bihar, Page 774
4. Anwaar al-Muhammadiya, Page 9
5. Tafseer Rooh al-Bayan, Page 370, Vol. 2
6. Hujjatullahi Ala al-Alameen

Pupil of Imam Malik and the teacher of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal and Hafizul Hadith Abdul Razzak Abu Bakr Bin Hamman, the teacher of the teachers of Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim, in his Book "Musannaf", has narrated from Hadrat Jabir bin Abdullah Ansari and his son (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhum), that he asked the Holy Messenger of Allah (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him)
."
O Prophet of Allah! My parents be sacrificed upon you, what did the Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala first create?" The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) replied: "Allah first created my Noor (Light) of His Noor. This Noor traveled about according to the Will of Allah. At that time, there was no Heaven, Hell, Lawh (Divine Tablet), Pen, Earth, Skies, Sun, Moon, Jinn or Human Beings. When He decided to create, He divided that Noor into four parts. From one part He created the Pen, from the second, the Lawh and from the third, he made the Arsh (Throne). He divided the fourth part into a further four parts. From one, He created those Angels who carry the Arsh, from the second, the Kursi (Divine Chair) and from the third, He created the Angels. He again divided the remaining parts into a further four parts. From one, He created the skies. The second was used in creating the planets. From th e third, Heaven and Earth were created. Once again, He divided the fourth part into a further four parts. From one part He created the power with which the believers see. From the second, He created in the hearts of the Believers the Noor of Marifat. From the third, He created Noor in the tongues of the Believers, so that they can read the Kalima of Tawheed.

References:

1. Muwahib al-Ladunniyah,Vol.1, Page 9
2. Zarqani ala al-Mawahib, Vol. 1, Page 46
3. Seerate al-Halabia, Vol. 1, Page 37
4. Mataali al-Masarraat Sharah Dalail Khayrat, Page 610
5. Afdal al-Qura by Imam Ibn Hajr Makki
6. Hujatullahu ala al-Alameen, Page 68
7. Anwaar al-Muhammadiya, Page 9
8. Aqidat ash-Shuhada, Page 100
9. Fatawa Hadithia, Page 51
10. Dalaa'il an-Nubuwwah By Imam Baihaqi
11. Khamees by Allama Dayar Bakri
12. Madarij an-Nabuwwat by Skaykh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlvi

Abu Lahab was an uncle to the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam). The event, which Imaam Qastalaani has referred to, is this. When a maid of Abu Lahab (Abdul 'Uzza) named Thuwaibah informed him of a son being born to his brother Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him), he (Abu Lahab) was so delighted at herring this that he pointed his finger to her in a manner which signified her emancipation for carrying the good news to him But when the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) declared his Prophet hood, he (Abu Lahab) did not accept him as a Prophet but became a most severe enemy to him and remained so all his life. In condemnation of him a whole Surah of the Holy Qur’an descended.

After his death, people of Abu Lahab's household saw him in a dream, and asked him how he had fared. To this, Abu Lahab said that after departing from them he did not meet with any good but was being given water every Monday from the finger with which he had indicated the emancipation of Thuwaibah, and this water lessened his torment.

References:

1. Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 153, Hadith 5101, Kitaabun Nikah, Publisher: Darul Fikr – Beirut.
2. Fathul Baari Sharha Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, Page 118 by Imam Ibn Hajr Asqalani
3. Musannaf of Imam Abdur Razzaq San'ani, Vol. 9, Page 9, Hadith 16661
4. Umdatul Qari Sharha Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 14, Page 44, Hadith 5101 by Allamah Badruddin Ayni

Allama Muhammad Bin Alawai al-Maliki have stated in his work, Houl al-Ihtifal bi Zikri Mawlid an-Nabawi Ash-Sharif:
Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam after announcing his prophet hood, did his Aqeeqa, not only this, he also stood on his mim’ber sharif (pulpit) and recited his Shajrah (Ancestral Tree), commemorated the birth of Hadrat Adam and Status of Hadrat Ibrahim, Hadrat Esa, Hadrat Moosa Alaihimus Salam. He ordered few of his companions to recite his praise; Many of the Companions offered poems in the prominence and praise of Syyiduna Rasoolullah, He was delighted hearing this and prayed for his companions. [Houl al-ih’tifal bi Zikri Mawlid an-Nabawi Ash-Sharif, Published in Lahore 1987]

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
mahebubchatur
Posts: 615
Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:01 pm

History of Mawlid Celebrations

Post by mahebubchatur »

History of Mawlid Celebrations

1. 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 al-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


Prophet's (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Birthday procession at Citadel Square (Cairo, Egypt) in 1915.

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 (Alayhir Rahmah) 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 Mir’at az-Zaman” billions 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 dahiyya Qalbi Andalusi Balansi wrote a book on the topic Milad an-Nabi SallAllahu Alayhi 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 Sharif in hearts of earlier leaders of Islam.


Mawlid Celebrations in the ottoman empire for the birth of Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam)

5. Not only Sultan Arbal, King of Egypt celebrated the Mawlid Shareef; Allama Ibn Jazari (Alayhir Rahmah) 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 SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Abdullah Tunisi 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 wa Sallam
3. Wafyat al-Da’yaan Anba’a Abna az-Zaman, Published in Cairo
4. Allama Muhammad Raza Misri’s, Muhammadur Rasoolullah, Published in Lahore, Page 33
5. Imam Jalal al-Din Suyuti, Husn al-Maqsad Fi Amal al-Mawlid
6. Anwar as-Sati’aa (1307 H), Page 261, Published from Muradabad.


Mawlid an-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) procession at Boulac Avenue (Cairo, Egypt) in 1904.
6. It is stated in Seerah al-Halabiya that:
Muslims have been celebrating gatherings of Mawlid Sharif in major 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.”


Mawlid an-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) procession at Mogador (Essaouira, Morocco) in 1912.

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 named this day as Youm al-Eid Mawlid ar-Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. People cook delicious food. The governor of Makkah and Commander of Hijaz with their army visit birthplace of Prophet Peace be Upon Him and recites Qasa'id (praises) there. Rows of shining candles are positioned from Haram al-Makki to Birthplace and Shops and Houses on the way are also decorated. People 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, Pages 2-3


The Invitation of Celebrating the Birth of Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam)
in Urdu and Gujrati Languages at Durban, South Africa (with Ottoman Tughra) on 16th May 1906.
10. Encyclopedia of Islam verifies:
On the Eve of Mawlid an-Nabi; whole Islamic world is observed to be rejoicing and celebrating it. And it is celebrated till now with utmost enthusiasm and integrity. [Encyclopedia of Islam, Vol. 21, Page 824, Published By: Punjab University, Lahore]

11. Ibn al-Jawzi in his book on Mawlid, says:
In Haramayn (i.e. Makkah Mukarrama and Madina Munawwarah), in Egypt, Yemen rather all 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 reward and Success. [Bayan al-Mawlid an-Nabwi, Page 58]


Mawlid an-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) procession in Cairo, Egypt in 1911.
A deputation of one of the Muhammadan Orders on its way from Saluting the Shaykh el-Bekri.

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 (Alayhir Rahmah) 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, Durood and Salam is sent upon the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he is praised. [Fatawa al-Hadithiyyah, Page 202]


Prophet's (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Birthday procession at Citadel Square (Cairo, Egypt) in 1915.

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 Sharif 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.


The Feast of the Mawlid at the pavilions of the Khedie's Ministers (Cairo, Egypt) in 1911.

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-Mukarrama (representing the Four Sunni Schools) and large groups of people including the jurists and notables of Makkah al-Mukarrama, 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-Mukarramah, 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 Maqam Sayyiduna Ibrahim (Alayhis Salam).

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 Celebrations in Benghazi - Libiya in 1896.

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
mahebubchatur
Posts: 615
Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 7:01 pm

Sayings of Prominent Scholars about Celebrating Mawlid

Post by mahebubchatur »

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:

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!

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

And, O questioner! If you want to know about my attributes and my affairs, I would say this:

My face and my age and the month of my birth is springtime in the month of Rabi al-Awwal.

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.

His birth distinctly showed his pure, good origin,

Oh, the excellence, of his beginning and his end!

And the jinn hailed and the lights shone,

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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Post by mahebubchatur »

Proofs from Quran and Hadith for Celebrating (Mawlid Sharif)
When prophet PBUH returned from the expedition of Tabuk to Madinah, his uncle Abbas, sought permission to recite some lines of poetry in his praise. Prophet replied saying: “Recite, may your mouth remain fresh”.

Thereafter Sayyiduna Abbas began to recite inside the Masjid, in which he mentioned the transition of our Prophet Muhammad from the loins of the previous Prophets and how he blessed them all. Thereafter he said that The day you ( Prophet), were born the sun rose over the earth and the horizon was illumined with your Noor, So we in that radiance will be guided on the right path.

References:
1. Kitaab al-Wafa, Vol. 1, Page 35
2. Khasais al-Kubra, Vol. 1, Page 97
3. Insaan al-Uyoon, Vol. 1, Page 96
4. Jawahir al-Bihaar, Page 40
5. Anwaar al-Muhammadiyah, Page 62-84
6. Hujjatulahi Ala al-Alameen, Page 222
7. Muwahib al-Laduniyah, Page 23
8. Al Isti’aab Mustadrak, Vol. 3, Page 327
9. al-Bidaya wa an-Nihaya, Vol. 2, Page 258
10. Kitaab al Mallal wan Nahal, Vol. 2, Page 240
11. Majma' al-Zawaid, Vol. 8, Page 217
12. Talkhees al-Mustadrik, Vol. 3, Page 327
13. Subl al Huda war-Rishaad, Vol. 5, Page 469
14. Sharh al-Shifa (Mulla Ali Qari), Vol. 1, Page 364
15. Ibn Kathir’s Mawlad al-Mustafa, Page 29-30, Published in Lahore 1958

This has been stated in works of great Muhaditheen such as Mulla Ali Qari, Imam Jalal al-Din as-Suyuti, Allamah Ibn Hajr, Allamah Halabi, Allamah Dahlaan Makki, Allamah Nabhani, Allamah ibn Abdul Birr, Allamah Haakim, and Allamah Sharistaani. Also, Ibn Jawzi, Ibn Kathir and Ibn al-Qayyim have recorded it in their works.

Flags in happiness of the blessed birth of the Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam):

Sayyidatuna Aamina Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha said,
“When the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was born, I saw that three flags were hoisted: one in the east, one in the west and one on the roof of the Ka'bah.” [Khasais al-Kubra, Vol. 1, Page 82, Published from Dar al-Kutub Ilmia, Berut – Lebanon]

Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and His Companions entered Madinah Munawwarah carrying flags:

While migrating to Madinah, when the Beloved and Blessed Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) reached a place near Madinah, known as Mauda-e-Ghamim, Buraydah Aslami along with seventy horsemen from the tribe of Bani Sahm chased the caravan with the intention of capturing the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) but he himself got captivated in the love of the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and embraced Islam. He said,

Ya RasoolAllah! We will welcome you in Madinah with flags. Therefore, the horsemen took off their turbans, placed them on the top of their spears and moved to Madinah. [Wafa al-Wafa, Vol. 1, Page 243, Published by Dar Ihya at-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut – Lebanon]

Noble Companion of Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) recites his Mawlid and Praises Him:

Hadrat Sayyiduna Hassan Ibn Thaabit (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) said:

I haven’t seen a lovely personality like you
Wa Ajmalu Minka Lum Talidin Nisa'u
And no mothers have given birth to such a wonderful personality

Khuliqta Mubarra'am Min Kulli Aie'bin
You are created free from every

Ka'Annaka Qud Khuliqta Kama Tasha'u
You were created, as you wanted to be

References:

1. Tafseer al-Aaloosi, 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 mushriks 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

"Verily Ruh-ul- Qudus would continue to help you so long as you put up a defense on behalf of Allah and His Messenger (Peace and Blessings be upon Him)."

References:

1. Sahih Muslim, Kitab Fada'il as-Sahaba, Hadith 6550
2. Sunan al-Kubra lil Bayhaqi, Vol. 10, Page 237, Hadith 19442
3. Mau'jam al-Kabir lil Tabarani, Vol. 4, Page 35, Hadith 3504
4. Musannaf Abi Shayba, Vol. 6, Page 173
5. Dalail al-Nabuwwah, Vol. 5, Page 75
6. Sunan Abi Dawood, Vol. 14, Page 357



Mawlid Gathering at the Time of the Noble Companions (Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma'een):

Imam al-Nasa'i narrated that Hadrat Sayyiduna Ameer al-Mu'awiyah (may Allah be pleased with them) said,

The Messenger of Allah came to a circle – meaning of his Companions – and said, “What has made you sit together?” They said, “We sat to pray to Allah and to praise Him for guiding us to His religion, and for blessing us with you.” He said, “By Allah, nothing else made you sit together?” They said, “By Allah nothing else made us sit together!” He said, “Know that I did not make you swear on this because I doubted you, but because Gabriel came to me and informed me that Allah (Azza wa Jall) is proudly showing you off to the angels!”

References:

1. Sunan an-Nasa'i, Vol. 6, Book 49, Hadith 5428
2. Sahih Muslim, Book 40, Hadith 2701
3. Jaami' Tirmidhi, Hadith 3326
4. Musnad Imam Ahmad, Hadith 16488
5. Sahih Ibn Hibban, Hadith 820
6. Musnad Abi Ya'la, Hadith 7331
7. Musannaf Ibn Abi Shayba, Hadith 28894
8. Tabarani, Mu'jam al-Kabeer, Hadith 16079
9. Riyad as-Salihin, Book 16, Hadith 1450

The above hadith is one of the clearest evidences for the permissibility of the Mawlid, and clearly shows the companions gathering together to thank Allah (Most High) and give thanks for blessing them with the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

Are the Mawlid gatherings not what is being described in the hadith

In Aminah’s home, the King of Prophets has come;
Rejoice, O the grief-stricken, your comforter has come!!
"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]

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]

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]
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Post by kmaherali »

Milad-un-Nabi

TheIsmaili.org
http://www.theismaili.org/milad-un-nabi-0

This week, Muslims around the world commemorate Milad-un-Nabi, literally meaning the “birth of the Prophet.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) was born in Mecca in the year 570 CE and grew up to be a respected merchant, known for his honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. At the age of 40, he received his first revelation from Allah, marking the commencement of his mission as Allah's last and final messenger.


Also see:
» Video: Dr Aziz Esmail delivers 2011 Milad-un-Nabi lecture at the Ismaili Centre, London
» Video: Dr Farid Esack delivers the 2010 Milad-un-Nabi lecture at the Ismaili Centre, London

Calligraphy bearing the name of Prophet Muhammad. Calligrapher: Hattat Aziz Efendi

This week, Muslims around the world commemorate Milad-un-Nabi, literally meaning the “birth of the Prophet.” Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) was born in Mecca in the year 570 CE and grew up to be a respected merchant, known for his honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. At the age of 40, he received his first revelation from Allah, marking the commencement of his mission as Allah's last and final messenger.

Prophet Muhammad's life established a paradigm which Muslims have looked to over the past 1 400 years. While he led the ummah through the interpretation of faith, his leadership also brought about a new ethical outlook – an Islamic social conscience inspired by Allah's revelation. He emphasised the dignity of humankind through care for the poor and marginalised, the importance of justice and equity in building a peaceful society, and he cultivated a pluralist outlook in which human diversity was valued and cherished.

The Prophet faced considerable social and cultural challenges, given the prevailing mores and customs in Arabia. He was able to overcome these through his own example of tolerance, trustworthiness and compassion, and, above all, because of the manifest justice of the message he delivered. Many Muslims came forward to share their material resources, as well as their time and talent, to help the Prophet stabilise and strengthen the institutions of din and dunya – faith and society.

In observing Milad-un-Nabi , it is timely to revisit Mawlana Hazar Imam's reflections on the relevance of the Prophet's life to modern Islamic society:


The Holy Prophet's life gives us every fundamental guideline that we require to resolve the problem as successfully as our human minds and intellects can visualise. His example of integrity, loyalty, honesty, generosity, both of means and of time; his solicitude for the poor, the weak and the sick; his steadfastness in friendship; his humility in success; his magnanimity in victory; his simplicity; his wisdom in conceiving new solutions for problems which could not be solved by traditional methods without affecting the fundamental concepts of Islam – surely all these are foundations which, correctly understood and sincerely interpreted, must enable us to conceive what should be a truly modern and dynamic Islamic society in the years ahead.
– International Seerat Conference, Karachi, Pakistan, 1976.
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Mohammad Na Hote To Kuchh Bhi Na Hota [Full Song] Mohammad Na Hote To Kuchh Bhi Na Hota

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dm3Ij4 ... pp=desktop
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Proof of Prophecy: A Logical Argument for Muhammad’s Prophethood

Posted on December 8, 2016 by Ismaili Gnostic

https://ismailignosis.com/2016/12/08/pr ... ophethood/
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Balozi Seif Ali Iddi ahudhuria sherehe ya Maulidi yaliyoandaliwa na Baraza la Agakhan

Photos at:

http://zanzibar24.co.tz/2017/01/21/34309/


Translation:

Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi Maulidi attends celebrations organized by the Agakhan Council of Tanzania

Second Vice President Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi has reminded believers of the religion of Islam in the country to continue to love their leader Prophet Muhammad so that they may attain felicity in this life and the hereafter.

He said that the command to love the Prophet is in the Holy Qur'an which denounces some segments of believers for opposing the celebration of the Prophets birthday.

Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi gave this reminder in the celebration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad organized by the Agakhan Council that took place at the Hall of Shia Imami Ismaili Prince Agakhan Jamat Khana at Aly Hasan Mwinyi Street Upanga in the city of Dar es Salaam.

He said there are different verses of Quran that show the commandments of Almighty God of requiring believers of Islamic religion to please their leader because it is established in this book that Prophet Muhammad is the Mercy to the worlds.

Ambassador Seif made it clear that the gatherings of the birthday of the Prophet are good opportunities for implementing the prescriptions of Almighty Allah the Lord of all worlds and to honour and venerate the signs of the religion of Islam.

He said that it is astonishing that some people are mean and mock Prophet Muhammad and dare say that it is not appropriate for Muslims to gather to observe such birthdays on the premise that he was an ordinary person like everybody.

He stressed that the followers of other religions together with animals understand the honour, dignity, respect and station that this leader was blessed with. To illustrate the nobility of the Prophet, he gave an example of a camel who was angry and mistreated by her master who went to the Prophet to complain.

Second Vice President Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi urged believers of Islamic religion and other citizens to continue to cooperate and to love each other, but more importantly to consolidate peace and calm as was liked by this leader.

He said that peace and national unity are vital in consolidating happiness, eliminating poverty through participating in movements of progress and attain levels of dignity. This is the responsibility of every member of this community of the country of Tanzania.

Ambassador Seif thanked and congratulated the Agakhan through Ismaili community for his plans to develop and support both the governments in Tanzania through his various investment projects of Development in mainland and Zanzibar.

He said that the restoration of some buildings undertaken by the Aga Khan in the Stone Town of Zanzibar have turned out to be good attractions which help to raise the national income through the increase in the number of tourists and visitors who enter Zanzibar through the tourism sector.

Earlier, the President of the Ismaili Community Mr. Amin Lakhani said that the Aga Khan will continue to strengthen investment projects in the sectors of health, education, trade and tourism across the East African region.

Mr. Amin said that it is now more than fifty years that this community has been providing services in these sectors globally in 25 countries including countries in the continent of Africa assisting in providing employment for the younger generation of these countries.

In welcoming the guest of honour in this celebration, the Vice-President of the Ismaili community Mr. Kamal Khimji said that the Ismaili community organizes these birthday celebrations of the Prophet with the goal of implementing the guidance that he left which should be promoted all through their lives.

Mr. Kamal said Prophet Muhammad is the model of good behavior for the believers of the Islamic religion which they are supposed to use in their studies of religion together with their daily life routines.

These celebrations of the birthdays of the Prophet Muhammad which have been organised by the Aga khan National Council have included exhibitions of various books of the religion of Islam which the participants have been able to view.

Academic Director of the issues of Islam and history of this community Dr. Amin Rehmani explained to the participants of this exhibition that this exhibition has been organised with a view to provide the picture of ways of beliefs in this faith and to create love for learning about their faith.

Dr. Amin said that action will provide a good opportunity to understand the religion of Islam, to build arguments against their opponents who employ false interpretations of the Qur'an with the intention of misleading the believers.
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Post by kmaherali »

WEBCAST: Raficq Abdulla to deliver 2017 Milad Lecture at the Ismaili Centre, London

Raficq Abdulla MA (Oxon.) MBE will deliver the annual Milad al-Nabi Lecture at the Ismaili Centre, London on Thursday, 7 December 2017. His lecture is entitled ‘“The Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family) – a model for our time". The event is due to begin at 8:15 PM GMT (London time) and will be webcast live at http://the.ismaili/live.

The event is due to begin at 8:15 PM GMT (London time) and will be webcast live at http://the.ismaili/live.

Milad al-Nabi marks the anniversary of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family). To commemorate this anniversary, the Ismaili Centre, London hosts an annual lecture on a particular aspect of the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet. Raficq Abdulla can rightly be described as a modern-day Renaissance man. He is now a Visiting Fellow of the Faculty of Business and Law at Kingston University. He is also a writer, lecturer, public speaker, and broadcaster on topics ranging from art to poetry to Islamic law to Islam, identity, spirituality & the sacred. In 1999, Raficq was awarded an MBE by the Queen for his interfaith work between Muslims, Jews, and Christians.

https://the.ismaili/webcast-raficq-abdu ... ure-london
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Diamond Jubilee Lecture Series 2017 Annual Milad al-Nabi Lecture

VIDEO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_cont ... ZAR4fq6TXo
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

Webcast: Mr. Raficq Abdulla to Deliver the 33rd Annual Milad-un-Nabi lecture at the Ismaili Centre, Toronto

Raficq Abdulla MA (Oxon.) MBE will deliver the annual Milad-un-Nabi Lecture at the Ismaili Centre, Toronto on Saturday, 20 January 2018. His lecture is entitled “The Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him and his family) – The Man and The Ideal". The event is due to begin at approximately 8:00 PM EST (Toronto time) and will be webcast live on this page and at http://the.ismaili/live. This event is co-sponsored by Emmanuel College, University of Toronto.

https://the.ismaili/webcast-mr-raficq-a ... re-toronto
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Post by FreeLancer »

kmaherali



Joined: 27 Mar 2003
Posts: 16165

PostPosted: 22 Mar 2018 06:01 am Post subject: Reply with quote
FreeLancer wrote:

Prophet started sitting in cave Hira at around age 35.
From the young age Prophet'a reputation as Amin and Sadiq sky rocketed. He was loved and admired by almost every one. By birth he was divinely person. He use to help every one and knew the problems of humanity and common persons. Ethically he was highly appreciated.
If he was loved and admired by everyone, why was he persecuted and had to leave Mecca for Medina? What do you mean by divinely person?

Reply:
By divinely person means by birth he was the Prophet and not an elected person by public.
When Prophet preached Islam the upper ruling class of society went against him because of their vested interests. They feared Prophet will take over their authority. Though many people went against him but still they believe in him that he is an honest person, Amin and Sadiq and kept their valuables in his custody. When Prophet migrated form Mecca, he asked Ali to return back the belongings deposited with Prophet.
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

FreeLancer wrote: By divinely person means by birth he was the Prophet and not an elected person by public.
I agree with you that the Prophet was born a prophet and he did not become the Prophet at the age of 40 as most of mankind think. Since he was born a prophet, he was endowed with all encompassing knowledge at birth. His knowledge was innate and it was not acquired. According to Mowlana Rumi that is what is meant by being ummi (unlettered). Since he had knowledge of everything, then he was God or God-realized at birth.

There is a Ginanic verse which states:

jeere bhaaire saat sarag naa kaa(n)i khuleeyaa chhe duvaar
jees deen nabee muhamed janamyaa....................1

Dear brothers, the doors to the seven heavens were opened
on the day Prophet Muhammed was born.

http://ismaili.net/heritage/node/4083

Hence from the Batini perspective we can say that the Prophet was God (just like the Imam today) and was born a prophet. From the Zaheri perspective, he was an ordinary human being who was illiterate and became the Prophet at the age of 40.

This duality of the zahir and the batin has existed since the time of the Prophet at least.
FreeLancer
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Joined: Tue Feb 13, 2018 12:20 pm

Post by FreeLancer »

kmaherali wrote:
FreeLancer wrote: By divinely person means by birth he was the Prophet and not an elected person by public.
I agree with you that the Prophet was born a prophet and he did not become the Prophet at the age of 40 as most of mankind think. Since he was born a prophet, he was endowed with all encompassing knowledge at birth. His knowledge was innate and it was not acquired. According to Mowlana Rumi that is what is meant by being ummi (unlettered). Since he had knowledge of everything, then he was God or God-realized at birth.

There is a Ginanic verse which states:

jeere bhaaire saat sarag naa kaa(n)i khuleeyaa chhe duvaar
jees deen nabee muhamed janamyaa....................1

Dear brothers, the doors to the seven heavens were opened
on the day Prophet Muhammed was born.

http://ismaili.net/heritage/node/4083

Hence from the Batini perspective we can say that the Prophet was God (just like the Imam today) and was born a prophet. From the Zaheri perspective, he was an ordinary human being who was illiterate and became the Prophet at the age of 40.

This duality of the zahir and the batin has existed since the time of the Prophet at least.
No, no he was not God. Out of love one can call him God but in reality he was not. There was a famous Urdu poet named Bahzaad Lakhnavi who wrote about Prophet;
ALFAAZ E MUHABBAT MAI(N) JISS KO KHDA KAHTEY HAI(N).
Trans; Out of love one can praise him as God.

Also Pir said;
SHAFAYAT RASUL KI SHAFAYAT PAIGAMBER KI....
OR
SHAFAYAT YARA MUHAMMAD KARSEY
MOMIN AAEI(N) BEHSHET LAHENDA
It is Muhammad who will plead or recommend to God for shaf'at of momin.

Also there is beautiful couplet said by Mowlana Zafar Ali Khan in Praise of Prophet ( he was companion of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah in collecting funds for Ali Garah university).
GAR ARZ O SAMA' KI MAHFIL MEI(N) LOU LAAK LAMA KA SHORR NA HO
YE RUNG NA HO GULZARU(N) MEI(N) YEH NOOR NA HO SAYARU(N) MEI(N)

Duality creates confusion. This or that. Makes a person double minded. Hard for a person to descide. Think about modern youth. They are straight forward. They say we don't know what is inside or in batin of this person. We recognize what he says which we can understand and follow.
kmaherali
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Post by kmaherali »

FreeLancer wrote: Also Pir said;
SHAFAYAT RASUL KI SHAFAYAT PAIGAMBER KI....
OR
SHAFAYAT YARA MUHAMMAD KARSEY
MOMIN AAEI(N) BEHSHET LAHENDA
It is Muhammad who will plead or recommend to God for shaf'at of momin.
The Qur'an calls the Prophet sirajun munir, the Shining Lamp (33:46) - the embodiment of the Light of God. Hence he was just not the intercessor but more than that.
FreeLancer wrote: Duality creates confusion. This or that. Makes a person double minded. Hard for a person to descide. Think about modern youth. They are straight forward. They say we don't know what is inside or in batin of this person. We recognize what he says which we can understand and follow.
The duality is fundamental according to the Farman made in Syria. It is not difficult to make the youth understand that provided we understand it first!
FreeLancer
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Joined: Tue Feb 13, 2018 12:20 pm

Post by FreeLancer »

kmaherali wrote:
FreeLancer wrote: Also Pir said;
SHAFAYAT RASUL KI SHAFAYAT PAIGAMBER KI....
OR
SHAFAYAT YARA MUHAMMAD KARSEY
MOMIN AAEI(N) BEHSHET LAHENDA
It is Muhammad who will plead or recommend to God for shaf'at of momin.
The Qur'an calls the Prophet sirajun munir, the Shining Lamp (33:46) - the embodiment of the Light of God. Hence he was just not the intercessor but more than that.
FreeLancer wrote: Duality creates confusion. This or that. Makes a person double minded. Hard for a person to descide. Think about modern youth. They are straight forward. They say we don't know what is inside or in batin of this person. We recognize what he says which we can understand and follow.
The duality is fundamental according to the Farman made in Syria. It is not difficult to make the youth understand that provided we understand it first!
Of course Prophet was shinning lamp, Noor of Allah, 'Aql e Kul as well intercessor.
How shall we introduce Allah to youth, in single form or dual form. Recently Hazar Imam explained Surah Ikhlas (pure Tawhid) in his farman during USA visit.
kmaherali
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Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

FreeLancer wrote: How shall we introduce Allah to youth, in single form or dual form. Recently Hazar Imam explained Surah Ikhlas (pure Tawhid) in his farman during USA visit.
You of course start of with the Zaher as per the IIS curriculum and the preamble. Then depending upon the maturity of the students you gradually introduce the Batini dimension of our faith.

You can tell them that there are aspects of our faith that we articulate to others which are termed Zaheri. There are aspects which are only part of our tariqah and are termed as Batini.

Then you can proceed to give examples. According to the Zaher, the Imamat began through the appointment of Hazarat Aly. According to the Batin, the Imamat has always existed since creation. etc etc
FreeLancer
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Joined: Tue Feb 13, 2018 12:20 pm

Post by FreeLancer »

kmaherali wrote:
FreeLancer wrote: How shall we introduce Allah to youth, in single form or dual form. Recently Hazar Imam explained Surah Ikhlas (pure Tawhid) in his farman during USA visit.
You of course start of with the Zaher as per the IIS curriculum and the preamble. Then depending upon the maturity of the students you gradually introduce the Batini dimension of our faith.

You can tell them that there are aspects of our faith that we articulate to others which are termed Zaheri. There are aspects which are only part of our tariqah and are termed as Batini.

Then you can proceed to give examples. According to the Zaher, the Imamat began through the appointment of Hazarat Aly. According to the Batin, the Imamat has always existed since creation. etc etc
Appreciate your approach but ground realities are different. Modern youth is most advanced because of internet. Approach of youth is 'I believe what I see', who will wait for batini results. Past 20+ years Imam has also changed his approach to wards youth, you can feel it when Imam addresses youth. The most common question they ask, "Is Imam God?" and they want answer Yes or No. In this situation what type of batin you will explain them?
kmaherali
Posts: 25106
Joined: Thu Mar 27, 2003 3:01 pm

Post by kmaherali »

FreeLancer wrote: Appreciate your approach but ground realities are different. Modern youth is most advanced because of internet. Approach of youth is 'I believe what I see', who will wait for batini results. Past 20+ years Imam has also changed his approach to wards youth, you can feel it when Imam addresses youth. The most common question they ask, "Is Imam God?" and they want answer Yes or No. In this situation what type of batin you will explain them?
That is where you have to correct the youth and guide them. Everything in the internet is not useful. We have to be selective. Simplistic answers cannot be given to such questions. MHI was asked in the television interview about whether he was God and he answered that mysticism in its essence is difficult. We have to approach these questions from different angles.
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