Author: Md. Shahjahan Bashar, Journalist and Columnist
You are the glorious month in which the world emerged from darkness into light. You are the month in which the greatest creation of Allah, the messenger of salvation for humanity, Rahmatul-Lil Alamin Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH) came to earth. Therefore, this month is not only a memorable month, but it is also a month of mercy, blessings and gratitude. The entire Muslim Ummah is happy, emotional and grateful for the arrival of this month.
Allah Almighty has declared the arrival of His beloved Prophet as a mercy in the Quran: âAnd We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a mercy to the entire worlds.â (Surah Al-Anbiya: 107), and again Allah says: âSay, in the grace of Allah and His mercy let them rejoice. That is better for them than what they hoard.â
(Surah Yunus: 58), The commentators have interpreted the Prophet (peace be upon him) as “Allah’s mercy”. Therefore, rejoicing in the month of his birth is a direct command of the Quran.
It is narrated in Sahih Muslim: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to fast every Monday. Once, when the Companions asked him, he said: “On this day I was born and on this day I was given prophethood.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1162), therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself attached importance to his birthday and celebrated it with gratitude. Therefore, remembering his birth in the month of Rabi’ul Awwal and expressing joy through worship is supported by the Sunnah.
The unanimous opinion of Islamic scholars and scholars is that remembering the birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him), sending blessings and supplications for him, and expressing the greatness of his arrival are mustahabb and praiseworthy deeds.
Imam Ibn Hajar Asqalani (may Allah have mercy on him) said: âExpressing joy, giving thanks, and celebrating the birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are virtuous deeds.â
Imam Suyuti (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned in his book: âExpressing joy and holding gatherings on the birthday of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is mustahabb, and through this, mercy and blessings are obtained.â
Shah Waliullah Dehlvi (may Allah have mercy on him) wrote, âReciting blessings on the birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) strengthens a personâs faith.â
The evidence for expressing joy at the birth of the Prophet is clearer through analogy or comparative reasoning. We rejoice in the revelation of the Quran in Ramadan. The companions thanked Allah on the day of the victory of Badr. It is our custom to perform Aqiqa and invite people when a child is born.
Then, expressing joy on the occasion of the birth of the greatest blessing of mankindâthe Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)âis certainly permissible, indeed the best deed.
The holy saints have given utmost importance to the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Moinuddin Chishti (RA) used to organize special Milad and Durood Mahfils in this month at his shrine. Imam Busiri (RA) composed his immortal Qasida Burda Sharif expressing the greatness of the birth of the Prophet.
Special Mahfils have been held in this month in courts, khanqahs, and mosques all over the world, including the Indian subcontinent, for ages.
Learning from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Reciting Durood Sharif more. Helping the poor and helpless. Implementing the character and ideals of the Prophet in society. Establishing brotherhood, kindness and justice.
You are the month of mercy for us, the month of light and blessings. With your arrival, we are overwhelmed with the love of the Prophet, we are filled with blessings, and we focus on worship. The Quran, Hadith, Ijma and Qiyas – all of them prove that rejoicing on the occasion of the Prophet’s birth is an indication of faith and an expression of gratitude.
Let us, in this month, hold on to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), fill our tongues with blessings, and fill our humanity with love and service. In this way, we will truly welcome the blessed month of Rabi’ul Awwal.