Prophet Muhammad was ‘Mercy for all mankind.’ The prophet’s birth and death anniversaries remind Muslims of the Life and Character that they are instructed to follow and emulate.
Why would anyone want to celebrate their birthday when their a year closer to death?
May be birthdays are just another way for us to celebrate, who we are and where we came from. Many people celebrate birthdays for various reasons. Some think birthdays as a milestones of life, few like to feel loved and special, even if it’s just for a day and a few think that birthday is an occasion to forget all the bitter facts of life and just celebrate.
As we grow up our responsibilities increase. Organizing lavish parties and throwing away tons of money would be wrong. It’s better to give that money to deserving people or feed the poor.
Today is Meelad un Nabi AND it is celebrated all over the world. It is the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It is regarded as an auspicious day and on this day Muslims send their blessings to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with recitation of praises and blessings. Sometimes Muslim organizations arrange for lectures in mosques & halls in order to remember the life history of Prophet Muhammad and his good deeds.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born on the 12th day of Rabi-ul- Awwal [the third month of the Muslim Calendar] which was Monday 20th April, 570 AD in Mecca, Arabia. However there is a difference of opinion as to whether the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) should be considered as a time of celebration. There are evidences that the Prophet, his Companions and the early followers never celebrated on this day.
But some people argue that though it was not celebrated initially, the remembrance of Prophet Muhammad on his birthday is a good innovation in Islam.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) didn’t celebrate his birthday when he was alive. He (pbuh) warned us against every innovation to the religion which he completed during his lifetime.
The Prophet emphasized the day of his birth and thanked Allah for the big favor of bringing him to life by fasting on that day as is mentioned in the hadith.
It is not permissible to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet, (peace be upon him). This was an innovated practice that was never taught by the Prophet, peace be upon him, his family, or his Companions. However fasting, praying, giving food to the poor, coming together to praise the Prophet, or coming together to remember his good manners and good behavior, all of this is considered a way of emphasizing that day is allowed.
In Makkah, the holy city where the Prophet Muhammad (sallalla hu alai wassalam) was born, processions to mark his birthday are never held. So too in Medina, the Prophet’s final resting place. In both holy cities, as also in the rest of Saudi Arabia (and for that matter many throughout the Muslim world), the Prophet’s birthday is commemorated with prayers, Quran recital and the “salawat” or prayers for the Prophet and honouring him.
Prophet Muhammad was “Mercy for all mankind.” The prophet’s birth and death anniversaries remind Muslims of the Life and Character that they are instructed to follow and emulate. What is really essential with regard to the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is, first, to follow his teachings.
Milad-un-Nabi is not just celebrating Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birthday, it inspires Muslims to take account of their own lives and reflect upon the standards the Holy Prophet had established by way of example. The occasion also serves as a reminder that whatever trials and tribulations one faces, the prophet of God faced even greater and yet he never allowed anger and hatred to determine his actions. Rather he insisted “love for humanity what you love for yourself.
Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) has come with the universal message of brotherhood, love, peace and equality and should be implemented by all humanity. It will not be right to confine him to Muslims alone as he stood and fought for a better, equal and just society.
Dear Friends Happy Milad – un – Nabi. The Prophet’s birthday is a moment to rededicate ourselves to the ideals for which he lived his life. He gave us the message of compassion towards all fellow beings.
May His enlightened message, guide us on the path of Peace, Goodwill & Harmony.
-Agencies