Naqshbandiya Foundation for Islamic Education

The Naqshbandiya Foundation for Islamic Education (NFIE) is a non-profit, tax exempt, religious and educational organization dedicated to serve Islam with a special focus on Tasawwuf(Sufism),

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Blessed Mawlid : Zaid Shakir ,Zaytuna Institute


The Blessed Mawlid : Zaid Shakir ,Zaytuna Institute

On e o f t h e m o s t b l e s s e d events in the history of humanity was the birth of the beloved Prophet Muhammad(saws) on the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal. The gravity of this day is associated with the magnitude of the one born during it. The following narration should suffice in conveying the magnitude of the Prophet(saws). As related by Irbad b. al-Sariyah al-Sulami, the Prophet (saws) said, I was ordained by God, in the Preserved Tablet, to be the seal of the prophets, at a time when Adam was still lifeless clay. I am the answer to the prayer of Abraham. I am the glad tiding that Jesus gave to his people. I am the fulfillment of the vision of my mother when she witnessed a light emerging from her [at the time of my birth], which illuminated the palaces of Syria. The mothers of all of the prophets witnessed a similar vision.Hence; this day marks the entrance into the world of the one who was honored by God to conclude the prophetic mission;who led humanity from darkness to light; who is described by God as “a mercy to all the worlds”; and who is blessed to hold aloft the banner of praise on the Day of Resurrection. How great the favor God has bestowed upon his community. The Prophet’s birth occurred on a Monday, according to the soundest narrations. Abu Qatadah al-Ansari (d. 40 AH/660 CE) relates that the Prophet (saws) was asked about fasting voluntarily on Mondays; he responded, “That is the day I was born. It is also the day that prophecy descended upon me.” In other words, fasting on Mondays is a way of commemorating the birthday of the Prophet (saws).The scholars are divided Concerning the lawfulness of formally commemorating his birthday in gatherings where his virtues are extolled and acts of righteousness are undertaken. Most of the scholars consider this a praiseworthy practice, as long as acts in conflict with the divine law are avoided, such as inappropriate mingling of the sexes, consuming alcoholic beverages, utilizing musical instruments whose lawfulness is debated, etc. The scholars who deem such commemorative gatherings permissible include Imam al-Suyuti (d. 911/1505), Imam Ibn KathÏr (d. 774/1373), Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728/1328), Imam al-Munawi (d.1030/1621), Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (d.852/1449), and many others. May God bless us all to pass this day in the best of ways and to be ever mindful of the import, stature, and status of our blessed Prophet Muammad (saws)
Call to the Prophetic Office. Imam al-Bukhari (d. 256/870) relates from Aishah (d. 59/679) , “The divine revelation to the messenger of God began with an infallible dream which became as true as the ascending morning light.” Based on this hadith, many scholars date the beginning of the revelation from the night vision mentioned therein. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments on this tradition: Imam al-Bayhaqi [d. 458/1066] mentions that the period between this dream and the beginning of the revelation of the Qur’an in Ramadan was six months. Therefore, the beginning of the revelatory period with this night vision coincides with the month of his birth s, Rabi al-Awwal, after he had reached the age of forty. The beginning of the revelation in his wakeful state began in Ramadan. According to this sound opinion; one may also celebrate the beginning of the final revelation in the month of Rabi al-Awwal.
His Death: Imam al-Bukhari relates from Abu Said al-KhudrÏ (d. 79/693), in his compilation of hadith, the following narration: The Prophet(saws) sat on the mimbar and said, “A servant has been given a choice by God between being given all of his worldly desires and between [receiving] that which is with [his Lord]. He has chosen that which is with [his Lord]. All of the prophets were given a choice to remain in the world so that they could avoid the intensity and severity of the pains of death. Having made the choice to meet his Lord, the pain of what would prove to be his fatal illness descended upon the Prophet(saws). Beginning with his head, his entire body was eventually gripped with excruciating pain and a burning fever. This illness began during the last days of the month of Safar or the first days of Rabi al-Awwal, depending on the opinions concerning its length. On the twelfth day of Rabi al-Awwal, shortly after sunrise, the Messenger of God (saws)passed from this world. His death closed a chapter in the long spiritual evolution of humanity. The favor of God to humanity was completed, and the religion of submission would be mankind’s acceptable faith. However, more than a chapter of history was closed. God describes His prophet (saws)in the following way: O Prophet! Surely we have sent you as a witness; as a bringer of glad tidings; and as a warner; as one who calls to the way of God, by His command; and as a luminous light. With the passing of the Prophet (saws), a great light was lost to the world. Anas (d. 91/709) g relates, “On the day the Messenger of God entered Medina, he illuminated everything. On the day he was buried, darkness engulfed all and sundry.” May God guide us to revive the remembrance of our blessed Prophet (saws) during the blessed month of Rabi al-Awwal. And may He bless us to reaffirm our commitment to his illuminating and life-giving mission.

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