Prophethood in Islam

Prophethood is not unknown to heavenly revealed religions, such as Judaism and Christianity. In Islam, however, it has a special status and significance.

According to Islam, Allah created man for a noble purpose: to worship Him and lead a virtuous life based on His teachings and guidance. How would man know his role and purpose of his existence unless he received clear and practical instructions of what Allah wants him to do? Here comes the need for prophethood. Thus Allah had chosen from every nation a prophet or more to covey His Message to people.

One might ask: How were the prophets chosen and who were entitled to this great honor?

Prophethood is Allah's blessing and favor that He may bestow on whom He wills. However, from surveying the various messengers throughout history, three features of a prophet may be recognized:

He is the best in his community morally and intellectually. This is necessary because a prophet's life serves as a model for his followers. His personality should attract people to accept his message rather than drive them away by his imperfect character. After receiving the message he is infallible. That is, he would not commit any sin. He might make some minor mistakes which are usually corrected by revelation.

He is supported by miracles to prove that he is not an impostor. Those miracles are granted by the power and permission of God and are usually in the field in which his people excel and are recognized as superiors. We might illustrate this by quoting the major miracles of the three prophets of the major world religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. 

Dates in the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet

The date fruit and tree were dear to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the word “date” is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an more than 20 times.

While the date palm tree is called “nakhl,” the fruit is called “tamr” in Arabic.

The date palm, mentioned more than any other fruit-bearing plant in the Qur’an, is a symbol often associated with Islam and Muslims. Throughout the month of Ramadan, dates are a common ingredient in the Muslim diet.

The Prophet said: “Break your fast by eating dates as it is purifying,” (Ahmad).

On the basis of this Hadith, Muslims insist on breaking their fasts with dates. However, in another Hadith, the Prophet said, “If you have a date, break your fast with it, if you don’t have it, break the fast with water as it is purifying.” (Abu Dawood)

According to another Hadith, “The Messenger said: Ajwah dates are from Paradise.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

Ajwah is one of the excellent varieties of dates grown in the Madinah region.

In Surah Maryam of the Holy Qur’an, Allah provided Prophet Isa’s (peace be upon him) mother Maryam (peace be upon her) with fresh dates when she was experiencing discomfort and pain during the final stages of her pregnancy.

“Shake the trunk of the palm toward you and fresh, ripe dates will drop down onto you.” (Surah Maryam: verse 25)

Some Hadiths (Sayings) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

About making peace among people

1-Narrated Abu-Huraira : Allah’s Messenger said: (One should give in charity for every joint of the human body (as a sign of gratitude to Allah) every day the sun rises. To judge justly between two people is regarded as giving in charity, and to help a man concerning his amount, by helping him to ride it or by lifting his luggage on to it, is also regarded as giving in charity, to say a good word is also giving in charity, every step taken on one’s way to offer the compulsory prayer(in the mosque) is also giving in charity, and to remove a harmful thing from the pathway is also giving in charity.) – (Bukhari)

2-Narrated Asama`a bint Yazeed: Allah’s Messenger said: (Lying is permissible as regards three affairs: a husband taking to his wife to please her, a warrior in regards to matter concerning war, and man (mediator) trying to reconcile between people. )

About the supremacy of the weak Muslims

1-Abu-Huraira narrated the story of the woman who used to sweep the mosque. He said that the Prophet asked about her and the (companions) told him that she had died. The Messenger of Allah then said: why did you not inform me? Abu-Huraira said that it appeared as if they had treated her as of a little of importance. The Messenger of Allah said : show me her grave. They did as he requested and the Prophet performed the funeral prayer of her.

About the neighbor’s rights

1- Narrated A`isha,may Allah be pleased with her, (the prophet said: Gabriel kept in recommending me to treat the neighbor kindly till I thought he will make him an heir. )

2- Narrated Abo Shorayh: the Prophet said : by Allah, he does not believe! by Allah, he does not believe! by Allah, he does not believe! It was said, who is that, o Allah`s Messenger? He said: that person whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil. It was narrated that a man came to Ibn Mas`oud and said; I have a neighbor that hurts me, abuse me, and annoy me. He said: go (pardon me). If he disobeyed Allah regarding you, obey Allah regarding him.

3- Narrated Abo Horayrah: a man said: Messenger of Allah! So and so (a woman) performs the prayer too much, observe fasting too much, and give Az-Zakah too much but she hurts her neighbors with her tongue? He said: she is in Hellfire.

Personal Character

Generally speaking and particularly within Islam there is nothing better and more encouraged than perfecting one’s character. The life of the Prophet Muhammed ,peace and blessing be upon him, was wholly focused on the importance of knowing and living life as the perfect example of good character and it is his character we strive to exemplify as far as it is possible.

For those who accept Islam as their new found faith is encouraged to direct attention towards being more aware of and therefore shedding any bad personal traits in favour of good and virtuous ones.

Trust, humility, truth, mercy, tenderness, forgiveness, patience, modesty and generosity are but a few recommended values which should prevail when dealing with humanity and indeed all of God’s creation.

Tempering negative characteristics is recommended in order to develop meaningful, lasting and fruitful relationships that will enhance personal well being and that of society at large.

Making mischief, singling out individuals to become the focus of ridicule, laughing at or jeering others, racial or intolerant attitudes towards individuals is not the behaviour expected and therefore should not be accepted of a Muslim.

We must love other to be loved by God

Man is not only a social animal but a spiritual one. This spirituality stems from the fact that he was created by God, who had blown his spirit into him. Thus, while our body is a container of the soul, which is attached to earthly matters, the soul, with its essence of the spirit, always longs to be united with the Creator.

One of the meanings of the word Islam is surrender, and human life is nothing but surrender. We had no choice when our souls were created, nor did we have a choice when they were united with the flesh in our mother's womb. We had no choice living as a fetus and after birth were dependent on our parents and others around us.

The Quran states: "When God comprehended in his design heavens and earth and asked them to come together willingly or unwillingly, they said we come together in willing obedience." Human longing for union with God is no different from a child who got separated from his mother in a mall and then finds her and runs back to her folds.

It has been said that it is not man who is the seeker but it is he who is being sought. For this union of soul to take place with its Creator, one must achieve the state of peaceful bliss.

Muhammad's Conduct and Morals as Evidence of his Prophethood

The evidence of prophethood in Islam stands alone in this theme. Never before the advent of Muhammad, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, was the moral perfection an evidence of prophethood. Here are some reasons for that:

1. The Holy Qur’an praises the Prophet’s morals. The Almighty Allah says:

"And verily, you [O Muhammad] are on an exalted [standard of] character." (Qur’an, 68:4)

He mentions that the Prophet’s good morals and conduct made his companions gather around him. The Almighty Allah says:

"…And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you…" (Qur’an 3:159)

2. The perfect character is a miracle, as many people try hard to achieve that but cannot.

3. The perfect morals necessitates truthfulness which in turn necessitates acceptance of speech, and since the most important element in prophethood is telling and accepting of the news, the perfect character is an evidence of Messengership.

4. In confirming the Prohet’s perfect morals and conduct there is a strong answer to the invective accusing the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, of bad morals that made him unqualified to have the honour of Prophethood (according to accusers).

The Prophesy of Prophet Muhammad in Buddhist Scriptures

1. Buddha prophesised the advent of a Maitreya:

A) Almost all Buddhist books contain this prophecy. It is in Chakkavatti Sinhnad Suttanta D. III, 76:

"There will arise in the world a Buddha named Maitreya (the benevolent one) a holy one, a supreme one, an enlightened one, endowed with wisdom in conduct, auspicious, knowing the universe:

"What he has realized by his own supernatural knowledge he will publish to this universe. He will preach his religion, glorious in its origin, glorious at its climax, glorious at the goal, in the spirit and the letter.

He will proclaim a religious life, wholly perfect and thoroughly pure; even as I now preach my religion and a like life do proclaim. He will keep up the society of monks numbering many thousands, even as now I keep up a society of monks numbering many hundreds".

B) According to Sacred Books of the East volume 35 pg. 225:

"It is said that I am not an only Buddha upon whom the leadership and order is dependent. After me another Buddha maitreya of such and such virtues will come. I am now the leader of hundreds; he will be the leader of thousands ."

C) "According to the Gospel of Buddha by Carus pg. 217 and 218 (From Ceylon sources):

Muhammad (pbuh) prophesised in Bhavishya Purana

According to Bhavishya Purana in the Prati Sarag

 Parv III Khand 3 Adhay 3 Shloka 5 to 8 :

"A malecha (belonging to a foreign country and speaking a foreign language) spiritual teacher will appear with his companions. His name will be Mohammad. Raja (Bhoj) after giving this Maha Dev Arab (of angelic disposition) a bath in the Panchgavya and the Ganga water (i.e. purifying him of all sins) offered him the present of his sincere devotion and showing him all reverence said, "I make obeisance to thee. O ye! The pride of mankind, the dweller in Arabia, Ye have collected a great force to kill the Devil and you yourself have been protected from the malecha opponents."

The Prophecy clearly states:

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The name of the Prophet as Mohammad.

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He will belong to Arabia. The Sanskrit word Marusthal means a sandy track of land or a desert.

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Special mention is made of the companions of the Prophet, i.e. the Sahabas. No other Prophet had as many companions as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

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He is referred as the pride of mankind (Parbatis nath). The Glorious Qur’an reconfirms this

"And thou (standest) on an exalted standard of character" [Al-Qur'an 68:4]

"Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah, a beautiful pattern (of conduct)". [Al-Qur'an 33:21]

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He will kill the devil, i.e. abolish idol worship and all sorts of vices.

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The prophet will be protected against his enemies.

Some people may argue that Raja Bhoj mentioned in the prophecy lived in the 11th century C.E. 500 years after the advent of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and was the descendant in the 10th generation of Raja Shalivahan. These people fail to realise that there was not only one Raja of the name Bhoj. The Egyptian Monarchs were called as Pharaoh and the Roman Kings were known as Caesar, similarly the Indian Rajas were given the title of Bhoj. There were several Raj Bhoj who came before the one in 11th Century C.E.

Muhammad - The Most Influential Man in History

My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels. Of humble origins, Muhammad founded and promulgated one of the world's great religions, and became an immensely effective political leader. 

Today, thirteen centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive. The majority of the persons in this book had the advantage of being born and raised in centers of civilization, highly cultured or politically pivotal nations. Muhammad, however, was born in the year 570, in the city of Mecca, in southern Arabia, at that time a backward area of the world, far from the centers of trade, art, and learning. 

Orphaned at age six, he was reared in modest surroundings. Islamic tradition tells us that he was illiterate. His economic position improved when, at age twenty-five, he married a wealthy widow. Nevertheless, as he approached forty, there was little outward indication that he was a remarkable person. 

Most Arabs at that time were pagans, who believed in many gods. There were, however, in Mecca, a small number of Jews and Christians; it was from them no doubt that Muhammad first learned of a single, omnipotent God who ruled the entire universe. When he was forty years old, Muhammad became convinced that this one true God (Allah) was speaking to him, and had chosen him to spread the true faith. 

For three years, Muhammad preached only to close friends and associates. Then, about 613, he began preaching in public. As he slowly gained converts, the Meccan authorities came to consider him a dangerous nuisance. In 622, fearing for his safety, Muhammad fled to Medina (a city some 200 miles north of Mecca), where he had been offered a position of considerable political power. 

This flight, called the Hegira, was the turning point of the Prophet's life. In Mecca, he had had few followers. In Medina, he had many more, and he soon acquired an influence that made him a virtual dictator. During the next few years, while Muhammad's following grew rapidly, a series of battles were fought between Medina and Mecca. This was ended in 630 with Muhammad's triumphant return to Mecca as conqueror. The remaining two and one-half years of his life witnessed the rapid conversion of the Arab tribes to the new religion.

Prophet Muhammad: Giving light to humanity

Islam attaches much importance to attending mosques for congregational prayers, which are the best way to offer all five daily obligatory prayers. Hence, the Prophet (peace be upon him) urged his followers to attend congregational prayers in mosques, using every method to make them eager to do so. He is authentically reported to have said: “As one walks to the mosque, every time he lifts one foot to make a step, he is credited with one good deed, a sin is removed from him and his standing (with God) is raised one step.”

Muslims are instructed in the Qur’an to follow the Prophet’s guidance in every way. He provides guidance to enlighten their lives. Indeed, he was keen to have light in every step. Ibn Abbas reports that when the Prophet went out to the mosque for the congregational prayer, after he had heard the call to prayer, i.e. adhan, he used to supplicate: “My Lord, give me light in my heart, light in my tongue, light in my hearing, light in my eyesight, and give me light behind me and in front me. 

Grant me light.” God certainly granted him his wish, and he became, as the Qur’an describes, “one who calls people to God by His leave and a light-giving beacon.” (33: 46) We wonder what humanity would be like had it been bereft of Muhammad, his purity of heart, his enlightened insight and his message that has regenerated purity into the monotheistic faith, purging it of any alien trace of falsehood?

Prophet Muhammad was attached, heart and soul, to the mosque. He made such attachment a pleasant hope for every Muslim. By his practice, he fulfilled the prayer of Abraham, his great ancestor, as he prayed: “My Lord, cause me and (some of) my offspring to establish regular prayers.” (14: 40) According to one report, when Muhammad entered the mosque, he used to say: “I seek shelter with God, the Great, His noble face and everlasting power against Satan, the accursed.” He said: “When a Muslim says this, Satan says: ‘this person has ensured safety from me for the rest of the day.” Another report mentions that when the Prophet entered the mosque, he said: “All praise be to God. My Lord, forgive me and open to me the gates of Your grace,” and when he left, he again praised God and sought forgiveness, adding, “My Lord, open to me the gates of Your bounty.” There is an interesting difference in the two supplications: As one enters the mosque to offer worship, one is looking to the hereafter when God’s grace ensures acceptance, forgiveness and heavenly reward. When one leaves the mosque, one is resuming life affairs where he is in need of God’s bounty.

Prophet Muhammad: A Man of Character

Now that we know we must love the Prophet what true love is, and what the signs of love are, we must begin to actually build this love.

The longest lasting love is a love of someone’s perfection in noble inner qualities. So we will now begin to go through snapshots of the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

For forty years prior to the revelation, the Prophet Muhammad was indisputably known to be of sound morals. Amongst his tribe he was known as “As-Sadeeq Al-Ameen,” meaning the honest and trustworthy one. The fact that he was given this name can mean one of two things:

1. Either his honesty and trustworthy nature surpassed all others, or

2. At the time, it was rare to find someone who was honest and trustworthy; therefore his nature was unique and treasured as such.

There are many instances in the seerah (Prophetic biography) that illustrate the moral soundness of the Prophet Muhammad. One of these stories exemplifies the strength of the trust people had in him. It happened near the beginning of his prophethood. He summoned the people of Quraysh to the foot of a mountain and called out to them, saying: “Would you believe me if I told you an enemy host was waiting behind this hill to attack you?” Everyone, including those who would soon become his enemies, agreed that they would believe him.

Although we may have heard this story many times, it may be difficult to grasp the true significance of that moment; an entire tribe agreed that they would prepare for a battle with an enemy they had not seen, using their precious time, and risking their resources – based on the words of one man. Allahu Akbar! (God is great)

Principles of Success in the light of the life of Prophet Mohammed

It is a well-known fact that the Prophet of Islam (saw) has been the supremely successful man in human history. But he was not just a hero, as Thomas Carlyle has called him. According to the Qur'an, he was the best example for all mankind. He has shown us the way of achieving supreme success in this world.

By studying the life of the Prophet (saw), we can derive those important principles which were followed by the Prophet (saw). Indeed, the Prophet of Islam (saw) was a positive thinker in the full sense of the word. All his activities were result-oriented. He completely refrained from all such steps as may prove counter-productive.

1. First Principle: To begin from the possible

This principle is well explained in a saying of Aishah (ra). She said: "Whenever the Prophet had to choose between two options, he always opted for the easier choice." (Al-Bukhari) To choose the easiest option means to begin from the possible, and one who begins from the possible will surely reach his goal.

2. Second Principle: To see advantage in disadvantage

In the early days of Mecca, there were many problems and difficulties. At that time, a guiding verse in the Qur'an was revealed. It said: "With every hardship there is ease, with every hardship there is ease." (94:5-6).

This means that if there are some problems, there are also opportunities at the same time. And the way to success is to ignore the problems and avail the opportunities.

3. Third Principle: To change the place of action

This principle is derived from the Hijrah. Hijrah was not just a migration from Mecca to Medina. It was to find a more suitable place for Islamic work, as history proved later on.

4. Fourth Principle: To make a friend out of an enemy

The Prophet (saw) of Islam was repeatedly subjected to practices of antagonism by the unbelievers. At that time the Qur'an enjoined upon him the return of good for evil. And then, as the Qur'an added, "You will see your direst enemy has become your closest friend" (41:34).

It means that a good deed in return of a bad deed has a conquering effect over your enemies. And the life of the Prophet (saw) is a historical proof of this principle.

5. Fifth Principle: To turn minus into plus

After the Battle of Badr, about 70 of the unbelievers were taken as the prisoners of war. They were educated people. The Prophet (saw) announced that if any one of them would teach ten Muslim children how to read and write he would be freed. This was the first school in the history of Islam in which all of the students were Muslims, and all of the teachers were from the enemy rank. Here I shall quote a British orientalist who remarked about the Prophet of Islam (saw): He faced adversity with the determination to writing success out of failure.

Mohammed The Prophet

In the desert of Arabia was Mohammad born, according to Muslim historians, on April 20, 571. The name means highly praised. He is to me the greatest mind among all the sons of Arabia. He means so much more than all the poets and kings that preceded him in that impenetrable desert of red sand.

When he appeared Arabia was a desert -- a nothing. Out of nothing a new world was fashioned by the mighty spirit of Mohammad -- a new life, a new culture, a new civilization, a new kingdom which extended from Morocco to Indies and influenced the thought and life of three continents -- Asia, Africa and Europe.

When I thought of writing on Mohammad the prophet, I was a bit hesitant because it was to write about a religion I do not profess and it is a delicate matter to do so for there are many persons professing various religions and belonging to diverse school of thought and denominations even in same religion. Though it is sometimes, claimed that religion is entirely personal yet it can not be gain-said that it has a tendency to envelop the whole universe seen as well unseen. It somehow permeates something or other our hearts, our souls, our minds their conscious as well as subconscious and unconscious levels too. The problem assumes overwhelming importance when there is a deep conviction that our past, present and future all hang by the soft delicate, tender silked cord. If we further happen to be highly sensitive, the center of gravity is very likely to be always in a state of extreme tension. Looked at from this point of view, the less said about other religion the better. Let our religions be deeply hidden and embedded in the resistance of our innermost hearts fortified by unbroken seals on our lips.

But there is another aspect of this problem. Man lives in society. Our lives are bound with the lives of others willingly or unwillingly, directly or indirectly. We eat the food grown in the same soil, drink water, from the same the same spring and breathe the same air. Even while staunchly holding our own views, it would be helpful, if we try to adjust ourselves to our surroundings, if we also know to some extent, how the mind our neighbor moves and what the main springs of his actions are. From this angle of vision it is highly desirable that one should try to know all religions of the world, in the proper sprit, to promote mutual understanding and better appreciation of our neighborhood, immediate and remote.

Further, our thoughts are not scattered as appear to be on the surface. They have got themselves crystallized around a few nuclei in the form of great world religions and living faiths that guide and motivate the lives of millions that inhabit this earth of ours. It is our duty, in one sense if we have the ideal of ever becoming a citizen of the world before us, to make a little attempt to know the great religions and system of philosophy that have ruled mankind.

UNIQUENESS ABOUT THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the first creation of Allah.

Almighty Allah created the universe through the Sadqa of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has been decorated with all the beauties of the garbs of Prophethood.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the most exalted of all the Prophets.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Universal Prophet.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Prophet of all Prophets.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the first and the last.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the final Messenger of Allah.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Mercy unto the Worlds.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the intercessor.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the bright proof of Allah.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Noor (light of Allah).

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Zikr (remembrance) of Allah.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Kaaba of the Kaaba.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is present and seeing everything.

Love and reverance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the basis of Imaan.

Insult to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Kufr.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is alive.

REMEMBRANCE (ZIKR) OF THE PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

Almighty Allah first made remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Sunnah of Allah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the soul of Ibaadat.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the key to Jannah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the solution to all calamities.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is protection from Hell.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is cure for illnesses.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) takes away evil.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the path to salvation.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the means to Almighty Allah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is a way of thanking Allah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the way of all Prophets.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) takes place amongst the Angels.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the way of humans.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the way of the Jinns.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in all the creations of the universe.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Shari’ah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Tareeqah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Ma'arifat.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Haqeeqat.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Ibaadat.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is prayer.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the 

Holy Quran.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the Injeel (Bible).

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the Zaboor.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the Torah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in all the Books of Allah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the Azaan.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in Namaaz.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) takes place in the heights of the sky.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) takes place in the depths of the earth.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) takes place on the peaks of mountains and the depths of the sea.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the winds.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in every atom of the earth.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the beauties of the earth.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in Jannah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was in every era.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) takes place in every language.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the physical domain.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the spiritual domain.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the domains of the souls.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the domains of the body.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) took place before the earth existed.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) will take place even after Qiyamah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is even in the graves of the deceased.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) will take place on the Day of Reckoning.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) always took place.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) will always take place.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) brightens one’s heart.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) strengthens ones faith.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the way of the Saints.

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Ibn Taymiyya on Milad-un-Nabi (Salallaho Alaihi Wasallam)

Ibn Taymiyya's Opinion on the Celebration of the Mawlid :

This is Imam Ibn Taymiyya's opinion about Mawlid from: "the Collected Fatwas," ("Majma' Fatawi Ibn Taymiyya,") Vol. 23, p. 163: "fa-t'adheem al-Mawlid wat-tikhaadhuhu mawsiman qad yaf'alahu ba'ad an-naasi wa yakunu lahu feehi ajra `adheem lihusni qasdihi t'adheemihi li-Rasulillahi, salla-Allahu `alayhi wa sallam", "To celebrate and to honor the birth of the Prophet (s) and to take it as an honored season, as some of the people are doing, is good and in it there is a great reward, because of their good intentions in honoring the Prophet (s)."

He further stated: : "Laylat al-'Israa' wal-Mi'raj is Greater than Laylat al-Qadr" Imam Ibn Taymiyya said that Laylat al-'Israa' wal-Mi'raj was better than Laylat al-Qadr. He is quoted by Ibn Qayyim in the latter's book, "al-Badaa'i," Vol. 3, page 162:

"wa suila shaikh ul-Islam `an Laylat ul-Qadri wa Laylat ul-'Israai' ayyuhuma afdal? Fa-ajaaba bi-anna Laylat ul-'Israai' afdal fee haqq in-Nabee" , " Ibn Taymiyya was asked, `Which is better, Laylat al-Qadr or Laylat al-'Israa'?' and he answered, `With respect to the Prophet (s), Laylat al-'Israa' is better than Laylat al-Qadr.'"

The Importance of Laylat al-Mawlid:

Now we ask: If Ibn Taymiyya accepted that Laylat al-'Israa' may be considered better than Laylat ul-Qadr, why not consider that Laylat al-Mawlid is better than Laylat al-'Israa', since the Night of the Prophet's (s) Birth is the night in which was born the one who went to `Isra' and Mi'raaj? Therefore we say, as Ibn Marzuq, the reknowned student of Imam Nawawi said: "Laylat al-Mawlid is better than Laylat al-Qadr."

Ibn Qayyim's Opinion on Recitation of the Prophet's (s) Birthday:

Allama Ibn Qayyim al Jawziyyah, the best and most reknowned student of Shaikh ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyya, writes, on page 498 of "Madarij as-Salikin," "Listening to a good voice celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (s) or celebrating any of the holy days in our history gives peace to the heart, and gives the listener light from the Prophet (s) to his heart, and he will drink more from the Muhammadan spring (`ayn al-Muhammadiyya)."

Ibn Kathir Praises the Night of Mawlid:

One of the most reknowned scholars is Ibn Kathir. Ibn Kathir was a Muhaddith from the followers of Shaikh ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyya, rahmatullah `alayh. Ibn Kathir, in the last days of his life wrote a book entitled "Mawlid Rasul Allah (s)" which was spread far and wide. That book mentioned the permissibility and recommendability of celebrating the Mawlid. p. 19: "The Night of the Prophet's (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."

Ibn Kathir Mentions The Prophet (s) Accepting Poetry in His Honor:

In the time of the Prophet (s), it is well-known that poets came to him with all kinds of works praising him, writing about his campaigns and battles and about the Sahaba. This is proved by the numerous poems quoted in the Siras of Ibn Hisham, al-Waqidi, and others. The Prophet (s) was happy with good poetry. It is reported in Bukhari's "al-Adab al-Mufrad" that he said: "There is wisdom in poetry."

Ibn Kathir says in his "Mawlid," page 30:

"The Prophet's (s) uncle al-'Abbas (r) composed poetry praising the birth of the Prophet (s), in which are found the following lines: Ibn Kathir mentions the fact that according to the Sahaba, the Prophet (s) praised his own name and recited poetry about himself in the middle of the battle of Hunayn in order to encourage the companions and frighten the enemies. That day he said (s): "Ana an-Nabee, laa kadhib Ana ibn `abd al-Muttalib" meaning: "I am the Prophet! This is no lie. I am the son of `Abd al-Muttalib!"

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The Anatomy of MEHFIL-E-MILAD For Munkir-e-Milad

Please read with open heart and mind. May Allah give you courage to accept the TRUTH

REQUEST: PLEASE MAKE COPY OF THIS LITERATURE AND DISTRIBUTE AMONG YOUR FAMILY, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS

If somebody tells me that celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is Kufr, Shirk or Bid'at? I will ask that person only one question and end the discussion, please show me where in Quran or Hadith it is mentioned that commemoration of Milad-un-Nabi on any day specially on twelve Rabi-Awaal is not allowed? On contrary, in Quran Allah Himself narrated the detail of Adam creation and the detail story of the birth of Hadrat Essa (Jesus) Alai Salam. Almost all the messengers of Allah Ta'ala has been foretelling their ummah the coming of the last Prophet Muhammad

Muhammad is a vital link between Allah Ta'ala and Mankind and Love of the Prophet Muhammad is an essential part of one's Iman. Thus Allah Ta'ala commands Muslims to follow (Muhammad ) in Quran as "Say: O, people! if you do love Allah, follow me , Allah will love you and forgive your sins" (Surah Ale-Imran, Verse 31). . The direction is double sided. On the one side, One must follow the Holy Prophet if one loves Allah Almighty , while on the other, one must follow the Holy Prophet if one wants to be loved by Allah Almighty. In other words, as far as love of Allah Almighty is concerned, the follow-up of Holy Prophet is a pre-requisite. This is what Allah Almighty declares. Now listen to what the Holy Prophet declares: "That is, none of you is Momin (believer) unless I am dearer to him than his parents, his children and all other persons." (Sahih Bukhari). All other persons would naturally include all relatives, friends, authoroties etc. It is this divine love that every Muslim Momin feels in their hearts and pay the highest respect to our beloved Prophet after Allah Ta'ala and when the month of Rabi-Awwal comes these Ashiq-e-Rasul start celebrating the birth of their master (Aaqa) Muhammad with great joy in the form of Mehfil-e-Milad.

Unfortunately, among us there are those who mislead innocent Muslim brothers and sisters by calling Mehfil-e-Milad shirk, Bid'at etc, etc and prevent straightforward Muslims from commemorating the birthday of the holy prophet and thus denied them from receiving great blessing of Allah Ta'ala. Also it has seen that those who object on celebrating birthday of our prophet when it comes to their own children they forget all shirk and bid'at fatwa and celebrate their children's birthday or Aqeeqa willingly.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this literature is to show our Muslim brothers and sisters that commencing Mehfil-e-Milad is not against the sharia but it is in accordance to the spirit of Islam. If some one does not like Mehfil-e-Milad it does not mean that celebrating mehfil-e-Milad itself is wrong. In other words if someone does not practice Islam it does not mean Islam itself is bad.

A typical Mehfil-e-Milad consist of the following events. The sequence of events may vary but almost all Milad-un-Nabi gathering consist of all or majority of the following events.

Recitation of Quran-ul-Hakeem

Hamd-e-Allah Ta'ala

Naat-e-Rasul

Speeches on the life of the Prophet Muhammad

Salat (darood)-o-Salam

Dua

Distribution of sweets or Dinner

Now I will Analyze each event and see if it is in accordance to Islam or not. The objective is to prove, if an individual event is in accordance to the Shariah then the whole event collectively is also permissible?

RECITATION OF QURAN-UL-HAKEEM

Nobody has any objection in reading or recitation of the Holy Quran.

HAMD-E-ALLAH TA'ALA

Hamd is a way to praise the Almighty Allah Subhana Ta'ala. Every particle in the universe say Tasbeeh of Allah Ta'ala. Zikr-e-Allah is peace of heart for the momin. Munkir-e-Milad has no objection on it.

NAAT-E-RASUL

Naat-e-Rasul is a way to praise our beloved prophet in the form of poetry or rhymes. Reading Naat gives heart burns to the Munkir-e-Milad and once again they show their animosity against Naat by calling Naat Khawah Mushrik and Bidatti etc.

The Celebration of Milad-un-Nabi (Salallaho Alaihi Wasallam)

The Holy Quran says: "And teach them to remember the days of Allah." 

(Surah 14: Verse 5)

It is evident from this Quranic verse that the Days of Allah like Ashurah, Lailatul Baraat, and Lailatul Qadr are more important and better than other days. To talk about these days, to remember them and to remind others about them in accordance with the message of Allah is the important duty of the missionaries of Islam and scholars of Islam. In accordance with these instructions I, too, wish to draw your attention to such a day which, in every respect is more important and better than every other day. This day is the starting point for the guidance, salvation and success for all humanity.

Almighty Allah says: "Verily, came towards you a light." Besides this verse, there are many verses in the Holy Quran which announce the physical arrival of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). One such verse reads: "I have sent you as a mercy unto the worlds." Another verse explains, "Verily, came towards you a bright and apparent proof." Yet another verse says, "Verily, a Prophet is sent to you from among you."

Almighty Allah also states in the Glorious Quran that He has done a great favour to the believers by sending to them a Prophet from among them. There are various other Ayahs of this type and there is a also a Hadith in which is mentioned the blessed birth and arrival of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

When explaining the coming of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) it was always mentioned in words such as these, "O Beloved! I have sent you," "The Prophet arrived," and "He was presented." If one carefully examines these phrases, one will realise that only that person arrives or is sent who has already been present and in existence before his arrival. Thus, it has to be accepted that our beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the soul of the universe, the hope of the distressed, the Messiah towards the people, the mercy unto the worlds, Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was in existence before his physical birth!

Should we Celebrate Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Salallaho Alaihi Wasallam)

Allah in the Name of, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful

All praise is due to Allah who has guided us to follow the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the leader of the Messengers; Who has granted us the capacity to remain steadfast on the pillars and essential principles of Deen Al-Islam; Who has made it easy for us to follow the footsteps and way of our pious predecessors, to the extent that our hearts have been illuminated with the knowledge of the Shari'ah and the conclusive argument in favour of the evident truth; and Who has kept our internal souls free from the contamination of falsehood.

We praise and thank Him for having blessed us with the light of certainty, and for having granted us strength and courage to continuously hold fast to His strong rope. These favours are all out of His Bounty and Grace. We testify that there is no deity besides Almighty Allah, Who is alone, and has no partner or associates, and that, without doubt, our Beloved Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Servant and Messenger of Allah, the Leader of those who are first and those who are last. May Allah send His Salaams and Blessings upon him, his Household and Progeny, his Companions and those who follow their path until the Day of Judgement (ridwanullahi ta'ala ajma'in).

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says in the Holy Qur'an: "O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and (always) say a word directed to the Right".

Allah's Messenger (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Hereafter should either say what is good, or otherwise remain silent".

It is every Muslim's duty to show people the truth in anticipation that they would follow it clearly and evidently and certainly not blindly. For truth is as clear as the sun in broad daylight. This brief introduction is due to what we have been hearing recently, as far as the celebration of the birthday of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is concerned. Falsehood is regretabally attributed to such a noble event and mischief is stated as to the illegitimacy of celebrating such an esteemed occasion. Thus leaving ordinary people in a state of confusion not knowing whether they should partake in celebrating the event or otherwise. This is so, since the people who raise objection to the Meelad feel that they are at liberty to fabricate events in Islamic history and the traditions of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

Therefore, we felt that it is incumbent upon us, and upon those who possess knowledge of Shari'ah, to clearly explain to the Muslim masses the truth about Meelad.

by
Sheikh Jehad M.W. Ismail (Sydney - Australia)

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Celebrating Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Salallaho Alaihi Wasallam)

Allah in the Name of, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful

PREFACE

'Abd al-Rahman ibn Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Sabiq al-Din, Jalaluddin al-Suyuti (radi Allahu anhu) was born in 849 A.H./1445. He was a Shafi'i mujtahid Imam, Mufassir, Sufi, Muhammadith - hadith master (Hafiz), and historian, a prolific writer who authored books in virtually every Islamic science. He was raised as an orphan in Cairo and memorized the Holy Quran at 8. Amongst his teachers were Siraj al-Din Bulqini, Sharaf al-Din al-Munawi, Taqi al-Din al-Shamani. He travelled to gain Sacred Knowledge to Damascus, the Hijaz, Yemen, India, Morocco, and the lands south of Morocco, as well as centres of learning in Egypt such as malalla, Dumyat and fayyum.

In this book, the great scholar he has shed light on the historical and legal status of the Meelad Shareef in his own characteristic scholarly style. Before forming any opinion on the status of this booklet in imparting knowledge and benefit, first of all consider the illustrious personality of the author. The highly acclaimed "Tafsir al-Jalalain" which he co-authored is still a prescribed textbook in religious institutions and Muslims of all shades of opinion study and teach it, and praise Imam al-Suyuti for this work. Apart from this, his book on Usul al-Tafsir called "al-Itqan fi Ulum al-Quran" became an indispensable source of reference for all later works on the subject. "Al-Badr al-Manshur", his Tafsir of the Holy Quran is referred to as an exemplary Tafsir. On the characteristics and miracles of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), his work entitled "al-Kasa'is al-Kubra" has the distinction of being the foremost on this topic and excerpts from it are to be found in the works on Sirah by eminent Imams and Ulama.

It is thus obvious that when such a great religious luminary takes up his pen to write on the Meelad Shareef, i.e. celebrating the Birthday of the Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the result will be of a unique status and its every word will be a summary of his vast knowledge of Tafsir, Hadith, Fiqh, Usul and history. Thus it would form the conclusive verdict of this subject.

Imam Jalaluddin al-Suyuti (radi Allahu anhu) passed away in Cairo at 60 years of age in 911A.H./1505.