ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS IN ENGLISH ON THE LIFE OF OUR HOLY PROPHET SAYYIDINA WA MAULANA MUHAMMAD
The Holy Nabi
Sayyidina wa Maulana
Muhammad
Question: Please give me the evidence about Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi in the light of Qur’an & Ahadith?
Answer
Before writing the arguments of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam), we want to clear the meaning of Milad according to literature and shariah.
The word Milad has been derived from “viladut” which means birth. Therefore, according to Arabic language, milad is a word which signifies the place and time of birth. In the light of shariah, we mean, Milad is to remember the events which took place at the birth time of the Nabi Akram (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) and we get the opportunity of narrating the seerat of the Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) on this occasion, we also presents the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) gifts of durood -o- salam. We mention before the people attributes and praises of the Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi waSallam). We do not believe that Milad is specified with same night but, we believe that the remembrance of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) is incumbent in each minute and second of time and every Muslim should act it sunnahs in the whole life time. Milad un Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) is a great source of preaching. It is incumbent for scholars to teach Muslims nations on this Holy occasion, moral behavior of the Holy Nabi, (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) his antiquates, His affairs, His serat, His dealings and His worships.
Now, we write the proofs of Milad from the Holy Qur’an , the hadith of the Nabi Pak (Sallallahu alayhi waSallam) and consensus of Ulema.
Evidence of the Holy Qur’an
The Qur’an ic ayats prove that to celebrate Milad is not only a proper deed but it is also praiseworthy.
1) Allah Ta’ala says in Qur’an :
“The Salaam is on Him the day when he was born and the day when he will die and the day when he will be raised alive.” [Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Qur’an , Sura Al-Maryam, Ayat 15]
In the above ayat, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has mentioned the complete Milad of Hazrat Sayyidina Yahya (‘Alayhis-Salaam). And before this Allah Almighty has mentioned the events which took place before the birth. It is the same way of celebrating birth day as Ahlus-Sunnah adopts for the Milad of the last Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) of Allah Almighty. In other words the Nabiy-Allah, Hazrat Sayyidina Isa bin Maryam (‘Alayhis-Salaam) celebrate his own milad.
2) As Allah Almighty says:
“And the same peace on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I would raised alive.” [Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Qur’an , Sura Al Maryum , Ayat 33]
Before this ayat, Allah Almighty has stated the whole story of Maryum (Alayhas-Salaam) that who she got pregnant and gave birth her great son, the Nabi of Allah, Sayyidina Isa (‘Alayhis-Salaam). Allah Almighty also mentioned the words of Sayyidina Isa (Alaihis Salam) by which Sayyidina Isa (Alaihis Salam) praised himself. This style of narrating story is nothing but celebration of Milad of Hazrat Sayyidina Isa, Alaihis Salam. Ahle Sunnat also narrate the story of Holy Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi waSallam) in the same style. We too narrate the events which took place before the birth and after it as Allah Almighty narrated about Sayyidina Yahya and Sayyidina Isa (Alaihimus Salam). Therefore, a person who has eyes of justice, will obviously accept that to celebrate Milad is an important deed which Allah Almighty has done. So it proves that the bases of Milad is found in the Holy Qur’an.
3) Allah Almighty says:
“And remind them of the days of the Allah.” [Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Qur’an , Sura Ibrahim, Ayat5]
In this ayat Allah Almighty orders his Nabi Musa ‘Alayhis-Salaam to remind his nation the days of Allah Almighty. “The days of Allah” are those days in which great events took place or Allah Almighty bestowed his great rewards to his creature. As the Holy Qur’an testifies this explanation of the days of Allah Almighty. In the Holy Qur’an, Sayyidina Musa Alaihis Salam says:
“And when Musa said it his people remember Allah’s favor upon you, when he delivered you from Firawn’s people who used to afflict you worsly, and slaughter your sons and let your daughters live and in it there was shown great mercy of your lord.” [Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Qur’an , Sura Ibrahim , Ayat 6 ]
According to Allah’s Ayat, emancipation of the nation of Sayyidina Musa Alaihis Salam from Firawn is a day of Allah, so the birth day of the Holy Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi waSallam) is, with any doubt, also a day of Allah, because the Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) emancipated whole world from the darkness of ignorance and brought them to the light of guidance. Therefore, the birthday (Milad) of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) deserves to be celebrated then the celebration of any other event. In case we would not be grateful to Allah Almighty for his favor, that is Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam). He will punish us severely . As Allah Almighty says :
“And remember when your lord proclaimed, if you will be great full then I shall give you more and if your thankless then my treatment is severe.” [Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Qur’an , Sura Ibrahim , Ayat 7
4) Allah Almighty says :
“Then remember the bounties of Allah and wander not in the earth spreading mischief.” [Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Qur’an , Sura Araf , Ayat 74]
In the above ayat Allah Almighty orders us to remember his bounties and rewards. The last Nabi of Allah Ta’ala, Sayyidina wa Mawlana Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) is, undoubtedly, great blessing of Allah Almighty for whole mankind. Allah Almighty himself considers the Holy Last Messenger (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) his great favor for mankind as He says:
“Undoubtedly, Allah did a great favor to the Muslims that in them from among themselves sent a messenger who recites unto them His Ayats and purifies them and teaches them the Kitab and Hikmah and necessarily before that they were certainly apparent error.” [Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Qur’an , Sura Ale Imran , Ayat 164]
Therefor, according to Allah’s commandments in Holy Qur’an, we must remember the beloved Nabi of Allah, Sayyidina wa Mawlana Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi waSallam) and Milad-un-Nabi is a best way of remembrance of the greatest Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam). In other words, Allah Almighty says:
“And publicize well the favor of your Rabb (lord)” [Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Qur’an , Sura Al Duha , Ayat 11]
The Companion of the Holy Last Messenger (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) Hazrat Abdullah Ibne Abbas (Radhi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) explained the word favors. He says here, “In this ayat favor signifies the Nubuwwat and al-Islam.” [Tafseer Ibne Abbas, Sure Al Duha, Page 651].
So in the light of the given explanation by the cousin of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam), we can say that Allah Almighty orders us to remember Sayyidina Rasul-e-Akram (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) in our gatherings between the people, in our mosque between the worshiper and in our houses between our families and Milad un Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam), as I have written is a best way for this Qur’anic purpose.
4) Allah Almighty orders us :
“Say you oly Allah’s grace and his mercy, on it therefore let them rejoice. That is better then all their wealth.“
In this ayat, Allah Almighty orders us to enjoy on his grace and mercy. If we see around us we find that each favor of Allah Almighty is great mercy for us. Even our existence is also a mercy of Allah Almighty. But the greatest of Allah is the Holy Nabi (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him). As Allah Almighty says:
“And we sent not you but as Rahmah for all worlds.” [Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Qur’an , Sura Al Ambiya, Ayat 107]
So according the Qur’anic teachings, it is necessary for us that we must be happy and pleased on the birthday of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam). The one who pleases with the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) is really a true follower of the Holy Qur’an. And it is obvious that, in whole world Muslims celebrates Milad un Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam). Especially for enjoying the mercy of Allah Almighty that is the beloved Nabi of Allah Almighty (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam). Therefore the Holy Qur’an itself confirms the Milad un Nabi (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him).
5) The gathering of Milad un Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) incite Muslims on saying Darood and Salaam upon Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) Allah Almighty says:
Oh you who I believe send upon Him blessing and salute Him fully well in abundance. [Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Qur’an , Sura Al Ahzab , Ayat 56]
According to Shari’ah, a thing which is desired by Shari’ah, is exactly a like an aim of Shari’ah. And the benifit of durood-o-salam are so much in numbers that can not be counted. Durood-o-salam causes for the help of Allah Almighty in this world and here after. So milad un Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) is a source of fulfilling the commandments of Allah Almighty
6) Allah Almighty says:
And all that we narrate to you of the tidings of the messengers is for the purpose of strengthening your heart therewith. [Kanzul Iman the translation of Holy Qur’an , Sura Hood, Ayat 121]
This Ayat ul-Karim reveals that the Hikmah of mentioning the stories and events of Nabiyyen (Alayhim Salaam ajma’in) was to stand fast the heart of the last Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam). And it is obvious that we are, also today, in need of being stand fast. We must know that how, the Nabi of Allah (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) faced the problems of his time so that we may face the problems of our times according to the Sunnah. Therefore Milad un Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) provides us an opportunity to know about the affair of the Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam).
Evidence of Hadith
(Narrations of the Holy Nabi (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him)
There are many narrations, which proves the Milad sharif but I write a few.
1) The Nabi of Allah (Allahs Grace and Peace be upon him) himself stated his own birth from very beginning He says: “I had been transferred, continuously, from purified offspring to purified wombs. I had been given birth by a lawful marriage not by adultery. When Allah Almighty sent Adam Alaihis Salam on earth so He put me in his spine and then transferred in Nuh Alaihs salam in his boat, and then in Ibrahim Alaihis salam Allah Alighty transfered me continuesly from nobel offsprings to the purified wombs up to that He brought me in my parents who never committed adultery.” [Tafseer Ruhul biyan, Vol. 3, Page 54]
As we have written in the beginning that Milad means the time of birth or place of birth. So the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) himself celebrated his own Milad. In the same way Ahlus-Sunnah following the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) narrate the events of the birth of the Holy Nabi (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) .This hadith is the clear proof Milad un Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) and as well as tell us that to celebrate Milad un Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) is not innovation (bid’at) but it is a sunnah (tradition) of Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam).
There are many other narrations which narrate that the Nabi of Allah (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) celebrate his own Milad several times, some of those narrations have been written in Mishkat Sharif.
2) The one who rejoices on the birth day of the Holy Nabi would not be severely punished and it is hopped that a Muslim who celebrate the Milad un Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam), will not be punished in hell. Imam Bukhari Rahmatullah Alaih narrates that Abu Lahab would be punished lightly in the Hell on Monday. Because he rejoiced and freed his handmaid indicating by his finger, when the Nabi of Allah Almighty (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) took birth. So as a reward of happiness on milad un Nabi (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) he would be given water by his finger. (Saheehul Bukhari Vol. 2, Page 764)
Imam shams ud din Naseer Al Damaishqi narrates this hadith in poetry. Here is its translation.
If such kafir was denounced (in the Qur’an )
And perished are his hands, and in the flame is his eternal abode.
It is narrated every Monday.
His torment is made easy for his joy at the birth of Ahmad. (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him)
What is the expectation then of a servant who spent all his life.
Happy with the arrival of Ahmad (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) and died on the one ness of Allah Almighty.(Haul-ul-Ahtifal Bil Maullid Al-Nabvi Al Sharif, Page 11)
2) The Holy Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) celebrated his own Milad by having fast. Imam Waliuddin write this narration with reference to the Sahee Muslim. When the Nabi of Allah (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) was asked about the fast of Monday. He (Allah’s Grace and Peace be upon him) said:
“I took birth and the Qur’an was revealed upon me in this day.” [Mishkat Sharif, Page 179]
This narration proves that to celebrate Milad un Nabi is a tradition of the Holy Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam) on every Monday. Secondly, it is lawful to fix a particular day for Milad un Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam). Thirdly, it is an act ofsunnah to worship in the pleasure of the Milad un Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam)
Evidence of general consensus of Muslim ummah and scholars (Ulema)
1) Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Suyuti in his famous book “Al-Hawii Lil-Fatawii” allocated a special chapter on that topic and named it “The Excellence of Objective in Celebrating the Mawlid” where he said: The question under consideration is what the verdict of the Shari’ah on celebrating the Holy Birthday of the Noble Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi waSallam) during the month of Rabbi-ul-Awwal. From the point of view of Shari’ah is this a praiseworthy action or a blameworthy one? And do those who arrange such celebration Receive blessings or not? He said:
“The reply to this question is that in my view the Meelad Shareef (Celebration of the Birthday of the Noble Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallamon Him) is in fact such an occasion of happiness on which people assemble and recite the Holy Qu’ran to the extent that is easy. Then they relate the prophecies concerning the appearance of the Noble Nabi (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon Him) that have been transmitted in Ahadith and Author, and the miraculous events and signs that took place on his birth. Then food is set before them and according to their desire they partake thereof to satisfaction. This festival of celebrating the birthday of the Noble Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi waSallam) is a Bid’ah Hasanah (good Innovation) and those arranging it will get blessing, since in such a celebration is found the expression of joy and happiness at the greatness and eminence of the Noble Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi waSallam) and his birth“.
Even Ibn Taymiyyah said in his book “Necessity of the Right Path“, p. 266, 5th line from the bottom of that page, published by Dar Al-Hadith, the following:
“As far as what people do during the Meelad, either as a rival celebration to that which the Christian do during the time of Christ’s birthday or as an expression of their love and admiration and a sign of praise for the Noble Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi waSallam), Allah Almighty will surely reward them for such Ij’tiha”.
He (Ibn Taymiyyah) then said:
“Although Meelad was not practiced by (Salaf), they should have done so since there was no objection against it from the Shari’ah point of view.”
And we certainly only celebrate Meelad out of love and admiration to the Nabi of all Mankind.
2. Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Qastalani, who gave commentary on Sahih Bukhari, said:
“May Allah Almighty shower his Mercy upon a person who takes the days of the month of Rabbi-ul-Awwal, in which the Noble Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi waSallam) was born, as days of feast and celebration for doing so is the best cure for the heart of an ailing person.”
3. Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar was asked, same reference of Imam Suyuti, about Meelad Shareef. His reply was:
“Meelad Shareef is, in fact, and innovation, which was not transmitted from any pious predecessor in the first three centuries. Nevertheless, both acts of virtue as well as acts of abomination are found in it (i.e. Sometimes acts of virtue are found therein and sometimes acts of abomination). If in the Meelad Shareef only acts of virtue are done and acts of abomination are abstained from, then the Meelad Shareef is a Bid’ah Hasanah (good innovation), otherwise not.”
He then added:
“To do any virtuous act and to observe it annually as means of recollection for any special day on which Allah Almighty has bestowed any favor or removed any calamity is a form of showing gratitude to Allah Almighty. Gratitude to Allah Almighty is expressed through different kinds of Ibaadah (worship) -prostration and standing in prayer, charity and recitation of the Holy Qu’ran. And what is a greater favor from Allah Almighty can there be than the appearance of the Nabi of Mercy (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallamon Him) on this day (i.e. 12th of Rabbi-ul-Awwal)?”
Some people do not limit it and celebrate the Meelad Shareef on any day of Rabbi-ul-Awwal. Nay, some people have extended it even more and increased the period to the whole year. According to the latter, the Meelad Shareef can be celebrated on any day of the year. The objective here is the same, i.e. to rejoice at and celebrate the Holy Birth of the Nabi Akram (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam).
4. Imam Abu-Bakr Abdullah Al-Demashqi compiled a number of books on the subject and called them “Collection of Traditions on the Birth of the Chosen Nabi“, “The Pure Expression on the Birthday of the Best of Creations” and “The Spring for the Thirsty One on the Birth of the Rightly Guided“.
5. Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Iraqi wrote a book and called it “The Pure Spring on the Sublime Birth“.
6. Imam Ibn Dahyah wrote a book and called it “Enlightenment on the Birthday of the Bearer of Good News, The Warner“.
7. Imam Mulla Ali Qari wrote a book and called it “The Quenching Spring on the Birthday of the Nabi“.(Sallallahu alayhi waSallam)
8. Imam Shams Ul-Din bin Naser Al-Dumashqi, said in his book: “The Spring for the Thirsty One on the Birth of the Rightly Guided” about the story of Abu Lahab that he will receive a light punishment every Monday for expressing joy at the birth of the Noble Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallamon him) on that day. The Imam said the following verse of poetry, the translation is: If such Kafir was denounced in the ( Qur’an ) and perished are his hands, and in the Flames is his eternal abode It is narrated that every Monday.
His torment is made easy for his Joy at the Birth of Ahmad What is the expectation then of a servant who spent all his life Happy with the Arrival of Ahmad (Sallallahu alayhi waSallam)and died on the Oneness of Allah.
9. Imam Shams Ul-Din Ibn al-Jazri, the Imam of reciters, wrote a book and named it “The Scent of Notification on the Blessed Birthday“.
10. Imam Al-Hafiz Ibn Al-Jawzi, said in the description of Meelad: “Peace and Tranquillity takes over during that year and a good glad tiding to obtain your wish and inspiration.”
11. Imam Abu-Shamah, The Sheik of Al Hafiz Al Nawawi, said:
“The best of the innovations of our times is what is carried out on the day of corresponding to the birthday of our Beloved Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam), where people give out donations, practice what is right, express their joy and happiness, in doing so is surely a sign of love and admiration for the Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wa Sallam)”.
Courtesy: Abdul Wahid http://www.oocities.org/~abdulwahid/muslimarticles/rasul.html revised by Al-Hashemiyya Society (an Ahlus-Sunnah val-Jama’at society)
