Prophet with People

"By the grace of Allah, you are gentle towards the people; if you had been stern and harsh-hearted, they would have dispersed from round about you" The noble Qur'an, A'al-Umran(3):159

Even with all of his concerns and obligations, Muhammad (s.a.a.w.) never became unmindful of his people. He had a special place in his heart for each one of them and he was known among them for his soft-spokenness, his generosity, his tolerance, and his friendliness.

He would joke with his companions, sit and talk with them, play with their children and sit them on his knee. He would respond to the call of the free man or the slave, or the young girl or the poor. He would visit the sick on the opposite end of the city and he would attend their funerals. He would accept the people's apologies and their excuses, and he was the most humble among them.

Abdullah ibn Al-Haritha narrated:

"I have never seen anyone who smiled more continuously than the Messenger of Allah (s.a.a.w.)" (Narrated by Al-Tirmathi)

Usamah ibn Zayd narrated:

"The daughter of the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) sent (a messenger) to the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) requesting him to come as her child was dying. However, the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) returned the messenger and told him to convey his greeting to her and say: "Whatever Allah takes is for Him and whatever He gives is for Him. Everything with Him has a limited fixed term (in this world) and so she should be patient and hope for Allah's reward." 

She again sent for him, swearing that he should come. The Prophet (s.a.a.w.) stood up, and so did Sa'id ibn Ubadah, Mu'ath ibn Jabal, Ubay ibn Ka'ab , Zayd ibn Thabit and some other men. [When he arrived,] the child was brought to Allah's Apostle (s.a.a.w.), his chest heaving. On that the eyes of the Prophet (s.a.a.w.) began shedding tears. Sa'd said, "O Allah's Apostle! What is this?" He replied, "It is mercy which Allah has lodged in the hearts of His slaves, and Allah is merciful only to those of His slaves who are merciful (to others)." (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)

Muhammad (s.a.a.w.) as a Witness

Allah T'ala sent the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.a.w.) as شَاهِدً

Allah T'ala says in the Holy Quran:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ إِنَّا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ شَاهِدًا وَمُبَشِّرًا وَنَذِيرًا

O Prophet, We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of good news and a warner. (33:45)

The meaning of the Prophet's being a "witness" is very vast. It includes three kinds of evidence:

(1) Verbal evidence, i.e. the Prophet should bear out the truth of the realities and principles on which Allah's Religion is based and tell the world plainly that they are the truth and all that is opposed to them is falsehood. He should rise to proclaim without hesitation and fear the Being of Allah and His Unity, the existence of the angels, the corning down of Revelation, the occurrence of life-after-death, the Hell and Heaven, all are realities, even if they appear strange to the world, and the people mock the one presenting them, or call him a madman. 

Likewise, the Prophet should openly present before the people the concepts, values, principles and rules pertaining to morality and civilization and social life that God has revealed to him, and reject as wrong all the concepts and ways which are prevalent and are opposed to them, even if the whole world rejects them as wrong and violates them in practice. Similarly, the Prophet should proclaim as lawful what is lawful in Allah's Law even if the whole world regards it as unlawful, and should proclaim as unlawful whatever is unlawful in Allah's Law even if the world regards it as lawful and pure.

(2) Practical evidence: That is, the Prophet in his own life should practically demonstrate all that he has been commissioned to present before the world. His life should be free from every shade of that which he calls evil, and his own character should clearly reflect that which he calls good; he should be the foremost in carrying out what he regards as obligatory, and most cautious in refraining from what he calls sinful. 

Kindness to Animals

The Prophet (pbuh) not only preached to the people to show kindness to each other but also to all living souls. He forbade the practice of cutting tails and manes of horses, of branding animals at any soft spot, and of keeping horses saddled unnecessarily. [Sahih Muslim] If he saw any animal over-loaded or Milad he would pull up the owner and say,

"Fear Allah in your treatment of animals." [Abu Dawood]

A companion came to him with the young ones of a bird in his sheet and said that the mother bird had hovered over them all along. He was directed to replace her offspring in the same bush (Mishkat, Abu Dawood)

During a journey, somebody picked up some birds eggs. The bird's painful note and fluttering attracted the attention of the Prophet (pbuh), who asked the man to replace the eggs. [Sahih Bukhari]

Justice of the Prophet

Justice of the Prophet (s.a.a.w.)

The Prophet (pbuh) asked people to be just and kind. As the supreme judge and arbiter, as the leader of men, as generalissimo [head commander and chief] of a rising power, as a reformer and apostle, he had always to deal with men and their affairs. He had often to deal with mutually inimical and warring tribes when showing justice to one carried the danger of antagonizing the other, and yet he never deviated from the path of justice. In administering justice, he made no distinction between believers and nonbelievers, friends and foes, high and low. From numerous instances reported in the traditions, a few are given below.

Sakhar, a chief of a tribe, had helped Muhammad (pbuh) greatly in the siege of Taif, for which he was naturally obliged to him. Soon after, two charges were brought against Sakhar: one by Mughira of illegal confinement of his (Mughira's) aunt and the other by Banu Salim of forcible occupation of his spring by Sakhar. In both cases, he decided against Sakhar and made him undo the wrong. [Abu Dawud]

Abdullah Bin Sahal, a companion, was deputized to collect rent from Jews of Khaibar. His cousin Mahisa accompanied him but, on reaching Khaibar, they had separated. Abdullah was waylaid and done to death. Mahisa reported this tragedy to the Prophet (pbuh) but as there were no eye-witnesses to identify the guilty, he did not say anything to the Jews and paid the blood-money out of the state revenues. [Sahih Bukhari]

Forgiveness by the Prophet

A Jewess came to Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) with poisoned mutton and he took of what had been brought to him. (When the effect of his poison were felt by him) he called for her and asked her about that, whereupon she said: I had determined to kill you. Thereupon he said: Allah will never give you the power to do it. He (the narrator) said that they (the Companions of the Holy Prophet) said: Should we not kill her? Thereupon he said: No. He said: I felt (the effects of this poison) on the uvula of Allah's Messenger. (Sahih Muslim)

It has been narrated on the authority of Hadrat Anas Ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that eighty persons from the inhabitants of Makka swooped down upon Allah's Messenger (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) from the mountain of Tan'im. They were armed and wanted to attack the Holy Prophet (may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) and his Companions unawares. He (the Holy Prophet) captured them but spared their lives. So, Allah (The Glorified and the Exalted) revealed the verse:

"And It is He Who restrained your hands from them and their hands from you in the valley of Makkah after He had given you a victory over them." (48:24)

(Sahih Muslim)

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Description of the Prophet

In order to understand the message of Islam, it is first necessary to acquaint ourselves with the prophet of Islam. You cannot, as the popular saying goes, separate the message from the messenger. It is therefore only natural to wish to study the life of Muhammad (pbuh), his manners and his morals, and to see how Islam manifested itself in his person as a living example for all Muslims till the end of time.

Abu Hurairah described him as follows:

"He was of medium build, closer to being tall. His skin was extremely white, his beard was black, his mouth was pleasant, his eyebrows were long, and his shoulders were wide"

Ibne Malik said:

"I never touched silk or any soft fabric equal to the softness of his palm, and I never smelled a scent more pleasing than his."

Hind ibn Abi Hala (the son of Muhammad's wife Kadijah) described Muhammad (pbuh) as follows:

"The Messenger of Allah was of consecutive sorrows, continuous thought, never finding rest, long in silence. He did not speak without cause. He spoke with his full mouth (was not arrogant), and spoke concisely. His speech was just, with neither excess nor deficiency. He was not pompous, nor denigrating. He exalted all blessings no matter how small and never belittled a single one. He would never praise his food nor criticize it. He was never angered by matters of this life nor that which was associated with it. However, if justice was transgressed nothing could stand up to his anger until justice was established. He never became angry for his own self nor sought retribution for himself. If he gestured, he did so with his whole palm. If he was amazed, he overturned it. If he spoke, he struck with his right palm the inside of his left thumb. If he became angry he turned away, and when he was happy he lowered his gaze. The majority of his laughter was [restricted to] smiling."

Ali ibn abi Talib described Muhammad (pbuh) as follows:

"He was not vulgar nor did he condone vulgarity, and he was not one to shout in the market place. He did not reward evil with evil, rather, he would forgive and overlook. He never in his life struck anything with his hand except when he was fighting in the name of Allah. He never struck a servant nor a woman, and I never saw him taking revenge for an injustice dealt him, except if the prohibitions of Allah were transgressed. For if the prohibitions of Allah were transgressed he was among the strongest of them in anger. He was never given a choice between two matters but he chose the simplest of the two. If he entered into his home he was a man like any other; cleaning his own garment, milking his own goat, and serving himself.

The Message of Islam for All

In or about the year 570 the child who would be named Muhammad and who would become the Prophet of one of the world's great religions, Islam, was born into a family belonging to a clan of Quraysh, the ruling tribe of Mecca, a city in the Hijaz region of northwestern Arabia.

Originally the site of the Ka'bah, a shrine of ancient origins, Mecca had with the decline of southern Arabia (see Chapter l ) become an important center of sixth-century trade with such powers as the Sassanians, Byzantines, and Ethiopians. As a result the city was dominated by powerful merchant families among whom the men of Quraysh were preeminent.

Muhammad's father, 'Abd Allah ibn'Abd al-Muttalib, died before the boy was born; his mother, Aminah, died when he was six. The orphan was consigned to the care of his grandfather, the head of the clan of Hashim. After the death of his grandfather, Muhammad was raised by his uncle, Abu Talib. As was customary, Muhammad as a child was sent to live for a year or two with a Bedouin family. This custom, followed until recently by noble families of Mecca, Medina, Tayif, and other towns of the Hijaz, had important implications for Muhammad. In addition to enduring the hardships of desert life, he acquired a taste for the rich language so loved by the Arabs, whose speech was their proudest art, and learned the patience and forbearance of the herdsmen, whose life of solitude he first shared and then came to understand and appreciate.

About the year 590, Muhammad, then in his twenties, entered the service of a widow named Khadijah as a merchant actively engaged with trading caravans to the north. Sometime later Muhammad married Khadijah, by whom he had two sons - who did not survive - and four daughters.

During this period of his life Muhammad traveled widely. Then, in his forties he began to retire to meditate in a cave on Mount Hira outside of Mecca, where the first of the great events of Islam took place. One day, as he sat in the cave, he heard a voice, later identified as that of the Angel Gabriel, which ordered him to:

God’s Sole Right to Worship

“O mankind, worship your Lord who has created you and those before you, that you may become righteous. He Who has made the earth a resting-place for you and the sky a canopy, and has sent down water from the sky and thereby brought forth fruits for your sustenance. Do not, then, claim that there is any power that could rival God, when you know.” (Quran 2:21-22)

In these verses is the first commandment mentioned in the Quran, God proves the illogicality of worshipping others besides or instead of Him. He addresses humanity as a whole to direct all acts of worship to Him alone. He announces to them that He is their Lord, Sustainer, and Creator. Human beings did not appear out of nowhere, but rather God is the One who brought them into being out of nothingness. After their creation, God did not leave them on their own, rather He took care of them when they were in the womb of their mothers, and God has been caring for them throughout their life by providing for them various sources of sustenance. He created things in this life in such a way that they would be of benefit and comfort for people. Therefore, it is the Sole right of God – who created us and those who came before us - that He be worshipped, for it is He and none else who provided us these things.

Everything apart from God, such as humans, angels, and spirits, are created by God. Thus, creation should not be adored and worshipped as God. No created being owns or controls anything in the universe and, therefore, can neither harm nor benefit without God’s permission. God asks us rhetorically, how can we worship other beings besides Him while we know deep inside that God has no equal or rival? Due to this, God, and none other, has the sole right to command and He, and none else, deserves our strict obedience. He deserves to be singled out in all acts of worship, without association of any partners.

But so often we see worship being reduced to dry, empty rituals. God informs us in this verse that the goal of worship is to achieve Taqwa. In most Quran translations, Taqwa is translated as fear, piety, or righteousness. Perhaps a more accurate translation is ‘God-consciousness’ or ‘God-awareness.’ Taqwa is to be aware of God’s presence at all times and to put a shield between oneself and God’s displeasure by doing what is right. God does not benefit and is not in need of our worship, rather worship, as all His other commandments, is of benefit to our own selves. When a person worships God, they are reminded about Him, and in turn reminded of the purpose of their life, and they themselves will be discouraged from committing vein and evil deeds. These reminders lead to Taqwa or God-consciousness. If a person achieves this state of being, they do or say nothing except that they keep in mind the true reality of that deed, whether it is pleasing to his Lord or incurs His anger.

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Salvation from Hellfire

God has said in the Quran:

“Those who have disbelieved and died in disbelief, the earth full of gold would not be accepted from any of them if one offered it as a ransom. They will have a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers.” (Quran 3:91)

So, this life is our only chance to win Paradise and to escape from Hellfire, because if someone dies in disbelief, he will not have another chance to come back to this world to believe. As God has said in the Quran about what is going to happen for the unbelievers on the Day of Judgment:

“If you could but see when they are set before the Fire (Hell) and say, “Would that we might return (to the world)! Then we would not reject the verses of our Lord, but we would be of the believers!” (Quran 6:27)

But no one will have this second opportunity.

The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said: “The happiest man in the world of those doomed to the Fire (Hell) on the Day of Judgment will be dipped in the Fire once. Then he will be asked, ‘Son of Adam, did you ever see any good? Did you ever experience any blessing?’ So he will say, ‘No, by God, O Lord!’”

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Real Happiness and Inner Peace

Real happiness and peace can be found in submitting to the commands of the Creator and the Sustainer of this world. God has said in the Quran:

“Truly, in remembering God do hearts find rest.” (Quran 13:28)

On the other hand, the one who turns away from the Quran will have a life of hardship in this world. God has said:

“But whoever turns away from the Quran,[1] he will have a hard life, and We will raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment.” (Quran 20:124)

This may explain why some people commit suicide while they enjoy the material comfort money can buy. For example, look at Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam), formerly a famous pop singer who used to earn sometimes more than $150,000 a night. After he converted to Islam, he found true happiness and peace, which he had not found in material success

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Universal Facts About Sayyiduna Rasool-Allah (Salallaho Alaihi Wasallam)

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) occupies an exalted, everlasting and the most unique position in the religious history of mankind. Of all the Founders of Religion only Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the first and the last to claim that the Message which he brought from Allah Ta'ala to mankind is absolutely complete and final, that his dispensation shall remain in force till the end of the world, and after him no Divine Messenger will come to modify, add, subtract or abrogate any of his teachings. In him, the institution of Prophethood attained its full, final and most perfect form.

History shows that the world from the beginning has not produced any other man who can rival the Prophet of Islam (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in the field of his teachings, his actions, his deeds or practical way of life.

It was Hazrat Muhammad's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) grandest contribution to the elevation of his fellow-men that he re-affirmed the sovereign principle of Monotheism and universal brotherhood of man transcending all barriers that people erect in ignorance and fear. Hazrat Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) arose in the midst of a society that was cruelly barbarious, which had no culture, no manners, no society and no civilisation. Humanity was coming very close to calamity. Imagine the same society is today the noble torch-bearer of a new and excellent civilisation. This is one of the main miracles the Prophet of Islam (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) performed and world history bears testimony to this truth. In a short span of 23 years he brought under one banner a most barbarous tribe spread over 2 000 000 square miles of a very remote region of the world.

It is a universal fact that Hazrat Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the only Prophet in whose honour praises have been sung by all other religious leaders and some have rather recommended to their followers to follow the path of this great Prophet. People like Guru Nanak, the spiritual head of Sikh sect, and George Bernard Shaw, the philosopher, are such personalities.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) accomplished what he undertook in his own short span of life with limited means and all round adversities, trials tortures and tribulations. The task that he accomplished, the work that he did, the manners and the character that he exhibited, and above all, the way in which he completed this stupendous task, is itself a clear proof of his being the last and the living Messenger of Allah whose religion is perfect, character blotless and complete, and teachings marvellous in all respects.

What he preached appealed to man's reasons and rational faculties rather than to mere sentimentalism, fanaticism, irrationality and superstition. He showed what was crystal clear.

Although he was apostle, philosopher, reformer, religious head, statesman, orator, commander, soldier, administrator, and the head of state, he never sat an inch above the place where his followers used to sit, or ate a morsel more than his Companions ate or wore what was superior than what others used to wear.He was a selfless and sincere friend, perfect guide, graceful companion, loving teacher, an impartial judge and above all a simple and straight forward person. He sat in such a simple attire and mixed up so freely and simply with all the common people that the foreign delegations visiting his capital used to inquire from others as to who the Prophet of Islam was. Can any head of the state or any religious head in any part of the world boast to possess such an amicable nature? Can any head of state be so courageous?

History has known many great and glorious civilisations. The main amongst them being the Chinese civilization, Greek civilization, Roman civilization, Marxism and the Imperialistic. None owes its origin and establishment to a single individual. Nor can it be counted as everlasting. Moreover, these civilisations of the world covered a certain field and certain part of the world. All the civilisations were basically collective efforts of many, but Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) gave Islamic civilisation single-handedly for all times to come.

Over the hills of Makkah, there was a heavenly glow. The birth of our Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was an earth-shaking event in the year 570 A.D. Born in the most backward and uncivilized city of Makkah in the Middle East, lived only 63 years in this world, remained unlettered throughout, but changed the destiny of the entire humanity. The whole culture of humanity and the existence of human race was revolutionised during these 23 years of his Prophethood and throughout the world he was the only one single person with multiple capacities who could successfully carry out this stupendous task in such a short span of time and amidst untold adversities. He was the Prophet who uprooted Polytheism once for all.

His father, Hazrat Abdullah (radi Allahu anhu) and mother, Bibi Aaminah (radi Allahu anhu), passed away after his birth. His grandfather, Hazrat Abdul Mutallib (radi Allahu anhu), who took care of him, too soon passed away. He was thus an orphan. Dai Halimah (radi Allahu anha) took care of him for full five years in the desert. But no one knew at that time that this shy, sweet and sublime orphan will grow up to be the greatest and the last Prophet of Allah and show the world the real path to salvation in the most simple and straight-forward style. They never knew that he is Mercy for them as well as for all the worlds and all the generations and all ages so long as the world lasts. Allah Ta'ala says in the Holy Quran: "We sent to you not but as a Mercy for all mankind".

The personality of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the most perfect and profound in history. A personification of the moral code of life as enshrined in the Holy Quran, he created a moral society and a just State that blended the spiritual with the temporal in the most beautifully balanced synthesis. This was the only Prophet whose words and deeds were 100% alike. He preached what he and his Companions practised, he treated the King and commoner alike. He was sweet, simple, civil and kind to each and everyone. He never hurt the feelings of even his deadliest enemy.

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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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The Prophet (Sallal llahu Alaihi Wasallam) and the Holy Quran

Once Hazrat Aisha (radi Allahu anha) was asked concerning the character of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and she answered, "Do you not recite the Holy Quran". When the people replied that they did, she then said: "His Blessed Character is the Holy Quran".

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) coming is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) leaving is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) seeing is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) hearing is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) understanding is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) explaining is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) talking is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) standing is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) sitting is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) walking is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) resting is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) waking is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) sleeping is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) eating is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) drinking is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) nature is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) condition is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) history is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) Prophethood is the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophet's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) worshipping is the Holy Quran.

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.

Islam's First Eid

Banda Parwur Digaaram Ummat Ahmad Nabee Dost Daar Chaar Yaaram Taab 'e Aulaad 'Alee Mazhab Hanfiyyah Daaram Millat Hazrat Khaleel Khaak Paa'e GhausA ''zam Zer Saayah Har Walee

A slave of Rabb of all the worlds and a follower (Ummatee) of Prophet Muhammad (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) am I. To all four friends*

I give allegiance and am subservient to Alee's progeny. **

Hanafi is my creed, and I belong to Hazrat Ibraaheem Khaleel ul Laah's Millat. Dust from under the feet of Ghaus A'zam, I am a devotee of all (Auliyaa) the friends of Al-Laah.

* Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat 'Umar, Hazrat 'Usmaan, Hazrat 'Alec (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhum)

** Hazrat Imaam Hasan, Hazrat Imaam Husain (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhuma)

The World's Greatest 'Eid

Tala'al Badru 'Alainaa Wajabash Shukru 'Alainaa

Min Saniyyaatil Wadaa'I Ma Da'aa Lil Laahi Daa'i

Wondrously excellent the full moon (the beloved of Al-Laah, (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) Has arisen over us from the vale of separation. It has, thus, become incumbent upon us To be thankful For the appearance of the full moon (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) till such time as A supplicant can pray, that is till doomsday.

Nisaar Teri Chehel Pehal Par Hazaaron Eiden Rabee-ul-Awwal

Siwaa'e Iblees Ke Jahaan Mein Sabhi To Khushiyaan Manaa Rahe Hein

(O Rabee-ul-Awwal! Your joys surpass thousands of '

Eids. All in the world are rejoicing, except Shaitaan.)

I Humbly Dedicate this Book To

That Blessed Assembly In The World Of Spirits.

Of The Souls Of All Prophets Of

Al-Laah ('Alaihimus Salaam)

At which the Creator Of The Heavens And The earth mentioned The Coming of His beloved Rasool (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam)

And then to that Joyous moment when The moon of Taibah

(Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) manifested Itself In All Its Resplendence.

Kaukab Noorani Okarvi

(Ghufira Lahu)

Al-Laahu Rabbu Muhammadin Salla 'Alaiehi Wa Sallama

(Al-Laah is the Creator, Cherisher and Sustainer of the holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad) (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and sends peace and salutations to him.)

byAllamah Kaukab Noorani Okarvi


Translated bySaiyyid Ghulam Khawajah


Mu'min

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