Musannaf Abd ar-Razzak, Vol. 4, Page 296, Hadith7865
Asad al-Gaba fi Ma’arfat as-Sahaba, Vol. 1, Page 21-22, published in Lahore 1987
Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi and Khaleel Ahmad Ambethvi, had likened celebrating the holy Prophet's birthday to celebrating the birth of Hindu god Kanaihya.
[...]
For it is only through his blessing that we came into existence, and received our religion, our belief in it, our Qur'aan, our Ramadaan and our recognition of the True Deity, our Eid-ul-Fitr and our Eid-ul-Adha festivities.
Irshandul 'Ibaad Fi Eid-e-Meelaad" from Sadhora, Ambala.
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in his book "Shifaa-Saa'il" writes: "Wahaq Aanast keh Nafse Zikre Wilaadat Aan Hazrat (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam) Wa Suroor Faatihah Namoodan Yatni Isaal-Sawaub Baroohe Pur Futooh Saiyyidus Saqalain Az Kamoal Sa'a'dat-lnsaan Ast".
The Shaykhs
(Teachers/Imams)
of
Deobandi
Elders
(Akabir)
Shah Abdul Rahim (d. 1131/1719), father of Shah Wali Allah Muhaddith Dehlawi (d. 1176/1762), would hold mawlid gatherings annually. On such occasions, he would prepare and distribute meals to the poor (Al-Dur al-Thamin, p 8).
This was also the practice of Shah Wali Allah and his son, Shah ‘Abd al-Aziz Muhaddith Dehlawi (d. 1239/1834). On every 12th of Rabi al-Awwal they used to invite the masses to their mawlid gatherings, in which they would speak about the auspicious events related to the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) birth. At the end of the celebration, they would distribute food and sweetmeats (Al-Dur al-Munazzam, p 89).
Once, Shah Wali Allah attended a mawlid gathering in Makkah, in which he said that he saw manifestations of light cascading down (Fuyuz al-Haramain, page 80-81).
Haji Imdad Allah Muhajir Makki (d. 1317/1899), the shaykh of Rashid Ahmed Gangohi (d. 1323/1905), would hold mawlid gatherings each year as a means of obtaining salvation; during those gatherings, while in a standing position he would recite prayers of blessing and peace for the Messenger of Allah [Faysla-i-Haft Mas’ala (with annotation) p 111].
On the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal of each year, the grand Mufti, Shah Mazhar Allah Dehlawi, would hold Mawlid gatherings in great splendour, continuing all night from ‘Isha prayer until the Fajr prayer at dawn. Salawat and Salam would be recited while standing after which food and sweetmeats would be distributed [Tadhkara-i-Mazhar-i-Mas’ud, pp. 176-177]. The importance of invoking blessings and peace for the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace is stated in Holy Qur’an, which is understood as asserting that angels are at all times reciting praise and blessings on the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace [Qur’an, al-Saffat, 37:1].
In Madina at the blessed funeral bed of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, the angels, men and women, and even children offered Salawat and Salam in groups, for hours in a standing position [Madarij al-Nabuwwa, volume 2, p 440, and examine Fatawa Ridawiyya, volume 4, p 54 Ref: Bayhaqi and al Hakim].
---
Mujaddid Alf Thani otherwise known as Shaykh Sirhindi (R) on mawlid:" Gatherings of Meelaad as-Shareef with the recitation of Holy Quraan with good (melodious) voice and Naats and Qasidaas are recited for Huzoor Sallallaho alayhi wa sallam then what is the hesitation ? "[Ahmed Sirhindi, Maktobaat, Volume 1, First Chapter, Maktoob number 42, page 154]
---
"Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi and Khaleel Ahmad Ambethvi, had likened celebrating the holy Prophet's birthday to celebrating the birth of Hindu god Kanaihya."
Hadrat Shah Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Dehlvi (d.1642CE) (may Allah have mercy on him), in his book "Ma Sabata min as-Sunnah" referring to the night of the blessed birth, of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) says:
"We
would rather say that the night when the holy Prophet (SallAllahu
Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born is definitely superior to Lailat
al-Qadr. This is so because the night of the birth is the night when
he was manifested and Lailat al Qadr was bestowed on him (SallAllahu
Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), and a thing which became blessed on
account of him upon whom it was bestowed is more blessed than that
which became blessed because of it being conferred upon
him
(SallAllahu
Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and because Lailat al-Qadr is blessed
because on this night Angels descend.
And the night of the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) is blessed because of himself (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), and because Lailat al-Qadr is a blessing only for the Ummah of Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and the night of his blessed birth is a blessing for all beings. Thus the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) is he who Allah Ta'Aala sent down as a mercy to all the worlds and it is through him that Allah completed His blessings on all His creations in all heavens and in all earth." [Ma Sabata Min as-Sunnah, Page 82, Published by Qaiyyumi Press, Kanpur, August 1923]
Hadrat Shaykh Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Dehlvi used to pray:“O Lord! I do not have such deeds that I can present in your mighty court. Wrongdoer influences all of my deeds. But there is an act of this Humbler just because of your mercy to present you and that is my Salutations on your Beloved Prophet Peace Be Upon Him that I use to offer with honesty and integrity standing in the blessed gatherings of Mawlid Sharif.” [Akhbar al-Akhyaar, Page 644]
Shah Waliullah Dehlvi (d.1762CE) says:"Following the ancient practice, I recite the Holy Qur'an and distribute food etc. Of the Niyaaz (Faatihah) of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) and made a public display of his blessed hair (Moo'e Muboarak). While reciting (the Holy Qur'aan), Mala'i A'la (Angels nearest to Allah) came to attend the Mahfil-e-Milad and the blessed soul of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) showed much kindness to me (Shah Waliullah) and my friends. I, thus, saw that Mala'i A 'la (Angels nearest to Allah) and, with them, the whole group of Muslims, were ascending to high heaven (on account of the blessings of the Prophet) and this blessed condition was reflected (in the Mahfil-e-Milad)." [al-Qaul al-Jalee, Page 74]
Those calling themselves followers of Shah Waliullah's family should also note the following statement of Shah Waliullah Dehlvi. In his book, "Ad-Durr as-Sameen", he says:
"My dear father, Hadrat Shah Abdur Raheem Dehlvi (may ALLAH have mercy on him) informed me that he used to get food cooked on Milad days as a mark of rejoicing for him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). One year it so happened that he could not afford anything except roasted grams, so he distributed those among the people, with the result that he had a vision of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) in his dream and saw that those roasted grams were lying before him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and he (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) looked pleased". [Ad-Durr as-Sameen, Page 3]
Hadrat
Shah Ahmed Saeed Mujaddidi(d.1860CE) said: “As
Beloved Prophet used to say Salutations upon himself we too must
celebrate Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllahu Alaihi Wasllam, Cook food and do
other adulations and praise to Almighty Allah by other ways of
delight.”
Athbāt al-Mawlid wal-Qiyām (اثبات المولد والقيام), Arabic, about Mawlid, written in refutation of a book written by Molvi Mahboob Ali Ja’fri [Isbaat al-Mawlid wa al-Qayam, Page 24]
Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (1899CE) (may ALLAH have mercy on him) says:"The practice of this faqeer has been that I participate in Milad Sharif functions. In view of the fact that doing so brings blessings, I myself hold Milad every year, and find great solace and joy in Qiyaam (reciting salutations in a standing position)"
References:
1. Faislah Haft Mas'alah, page 5, published by Matba' Majeedi, Kanpur, December, 1921
2. Faislah Haft Mas'alah Ma’a Taleeqat, page 111, published in Lahore.
3. Faislah Haft Mas'alah, page 5, published in Lahore 1986
The book: ad-Durr ul Munazzam fe Mawlude an Nabi al-Azam, which is authored by Haji Imadullah Muhajir Makki (ra) the book narrates: “celebration of Melad-un-Nabi by more than 100 Sahaba.”
[Haji Imadullah Muhajir Makki, (ad-Durr ul Munazzam fe Mawlude an Nabi al-Azam).]
Shah `Abdul Haq Ilahabadi Muhajir Madani (d.1333AH/1914 C.E.), a dear friend of Haji Imdadullah who resided in the Two Holy Sanctuaries, authored: ‘Al-Durr al-Munazzam fi Mawlid al-Nabiy al-A`zam’ in support of ‘Al-Anwar al-Sati`ah’ on the desirability of celebrating Mawlid gatherings and performing Qiyam.
The following scholars endorsed Al-Durr al-Munazzam: Mawlana Haji Rahmatullah Keerwani the Mureed of Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki.
Sayyid Hamza Naqawi Dihalwi, who studied under Rasheed Ahmad Gongohi for some time. Mawlana `Abd al-Samee`Khalifa of Haji Imdadullah Makki and author of Al-Anwar al-Sat`iah. Mawlawi Abdullah, Qasim Natotwi’s son in law.
In the fourth chapter of his book "Ad Durr al-Munazzam", Mawlana Shaykh Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Allahabaadi has recorded in detail incidents which manifested themselves at the time when the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born.
These include: "A cluster of stars concentrated over the roof of his house at the time of the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam); Angels hoisted flags on holy Baitullah and in the east and in the west; the whole atmosphere was filled with the voices of Angels and houres reciting salutations to him in the standing position and congratulating each other and rejoicing with abandon; animals also congratulated each other at the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), the Ka'batullah bowed in a manner of saluting, and the falsehood vanished and the light of truth spread light in all directions." References:
1. Page 54, 72, 91; Mawaahib al-Ladunniyah by Imaam Qastalaani
2. Page 57; Mawlid al-Uroos by Imam Ibne Jauzi
3. Page 3, 7, 26, Shawahid an-Nubawwah by Mawlana Jaami
4. Page 55; Seerat al-Halbiyah by Allamah Ali Bin Burhaan
5. Khasaa'is al-Kubra by Imaam Suyooti Vol. l, Page 45, 94
6. Zarqaani ala al-Mawahib by Allamah Zurqaani Vol. 1, Page 112, 116.
After relating Abu Lahab’s relief on setting Thuwaibha free, Hadrat Maulana Shah Abdul Haq Dehlvi (b.1551CE- d.1642CE) in his famous book
Madarij an-Nabuwwah says, "This event provides a clear proof to those who celebrate Milad Sharif by rejoicing and alms giving on the night of the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), People of Makkah gather on 12th Rabi al-Awwal to is it the house in which the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born. Only because he was his nephew, he has been receiving, in spite of this being an idolater, the benefits of thus rejoicing in his grave every Monday, then how much more blessing will fall to the lot of him who acknowledges the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) as the beloved of ALLAH and His true Prophet, and celebrates Milad Sharif repeatedly.”
[Madarij an-Nabuwwah, Vol. 2, Page 34, Publisher: Zia al-Quran Publication]
Due to the rejoicing he made at the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), Imaam Qastalaani(d.923AH/1517CE) says: "How would anyone of the Ummah the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) fare, who is a Muslim and is steadfast in his belief in the unity of Allah and rejoices at his (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) birth and who spends whatever he can afford for the love of him (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)? I swear by my life, that Allah, out of His Grace, will not reward such a person but by entering him into the Gardens of Bliss.”
[Mawahib al-Ladunniyah by Imam Qastalani, Vol. 1, Page 27, Published in Egypt]
Imaam Qastalaani further states:"May ALLAH bless a person who celebrates ‘Eid’ on the nights of the blessed month of the holy birth of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), so that it hurts them the most who have a serious disease in their hearts and who suffer from an incurable ailment on account of the blessed birth".
[Mawaahib-dunniyah by Imam Qastalani, Vol. 1, Page 27, Published in Egypt]
Oppositions would have now found the required word "Eid" in such an authentic book. If they do not agree with the writings of Imaam Qastalaani, then they should condemn their own leaders and scholars who have called this book the best and of great virtue.
Imaam Qastalaani further says that How blessed is the month in which the Prophet of ALLAH (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born!
How very superior and sacred! How very respected the nights (of the month) as though they are pearls shining bright throughout the ages! How full of light and pure the face of the one born! How blessed the Being (ALLAH) who made the birth of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) a springtime for the hearts and his (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) face a manifestation of splendor!
يقول لنا لسان الحال عنه
The tongue of the Prophet of ALLAH (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) Speaks the truth. And the thing is that the voice of truth appears to be sweet to the listener
وقول الحق يعذب السميع
And, O questioner! If you want to know about my attributes and my affairs, I would say this:
فوجهي والزمان وشهر وضعي
My face and my age and the month of my birth is springtime in the month of Rabi al-Awwal.
ربيع في ربيع في ربيع
He (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) has likened his blessed face to springtime in respect of blessed beauty and splendor and that his face blossomed in springtime in the month of Rabi al-Awwal.
Reference: Mawaahib al-Ladunniyah by Imam Qastalani, Vol. 1, Page 73, Published in Egypt
Ibne Jauzi (d.597AH) has devoted a whole book to Milad, which is called "Mawlid al-Uroos". Allamah Ibne Jauzi says:"And whosoever rejoices at the birth of our beloved Mustafa (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), this rejoicing by him will turn the Fire away, and whosoever spends even a dirham on the occasion of the Milad of the Prophet of ALLAH, He (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) will intercede on his behalf and his intercession will be accepted".[Mawlid al-Uroos, Page 9]
Ibne Jauzi has also written:"O Milad of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)! You are mightily praised, and the praise is such that it is the loftiest and the remembrance is such that it is the most excellent; how I wish the remembrance of the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) shall be with me for a long time! How I wish his (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) Milad shall be with me for a long time!” [Mawlid al-Uroos, Page 28]
Imam Sharf al-Din al-Busairi (d.694AH/1294CE), in chapter 4 of his Qasida Burda Sharif speaks of the birth of Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam.
The blessed day on which Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, was born is a praise worthy event. The birth of Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, illuminated the entire universe. Some miracles and incidents, which took place at the time of birth, are mentioned in this chapter. These were signs of the greatness of Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam.
أبان مولده عن طيب عنصره
His birth distinctly showed his pure, good origin,
ياطيب مبتدإ منه ومختتم
Oh, the excellence, of his beginning and his end!
والجن تهتف والأنوار ساطعهٌ
And the jinn hailed and the lights shone,
والحق يظهر من معني ومن كلم
And the truth appeared from the meaning and its word.
Reference: Qasida Burda Sharif, Chapter 4 - Concerning the birth of Rasulullah SallAllahuAlayhi Wasallam, Couplet 1/7
Imam Abul Hussain Muahammad Bin Ahmad known as Ibn-e-Jabeer Andalusi writes,“Place of Birth of Prophet Peace Be with Him is one of the Holy Places in Makkah Mukarramah. The soil of this place have an honor that it kissed the blessed body of Allah’s Beloved Peace Be with Him very first and this is the place where the Birth of Prophet Peace Be Upon Him took place who is the blessing for whole universe. In the Month of Rabi al-Awwal especially on the occasion of his Birth Day this place is open for all and sundry and people incessantly visits this place to attain Allah’s Mercy and blessing.” [Rehlah Ibn-e-Jabeer, Page 60]
Ibn Kathir (d.774 AH / 1373 CE) has stated: “Iblis cried loudly four times, first when Allah declared him as cursed, second when he was thrown out, Third when Prophet (SalAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was born and fourth when Surah Fatiha was revealed.”
References:
1. al-Bidayah wa al-Nihaayah, Vol. 2, Page 166
2. Shawaahid an-Nubuwwah by Mawlana Jaami, Page 51
Ibn Kathir says regarding Shah Malik al-Muzzafar regarding whom Salafis spread deception by forging words of Ibn Kathir i.e. he was actually a Fasiq, cruel and Bidati ruler but in reality Ibn Kathir said:"He was a generous, mighty master, and glorious ruler, whose works were very good. He built Jamiya al Muzaffari near Qasiyun … During Rabi al-Awwal he used to celebrate Mawlid Sharif with great celebration, Moreover, he was benevolent, brave, wise, a scholar, and just person. Shaykh Abul Khattab wrote a book on Mawlid an-Nabwi for him and named it At-Tanwir fi Mawlid al Bashir al Nazeer, for which he gave him 1000 dinars. His rule stayed till the Rule of Salahiya and he captured Aka and he remained a man worthy of respect."
Al-Sabt mentions that a person attending the gathering of Mawlid held by Muzzafar said: "He used to fill the table with 5000 well cooked goats, 10,000 chickens, 100-thousand bowls (of milk) and 30,000 trays of sweets."[Tarikh Ibn Kathir, al Bidayah wa an-Nihaya, Vol. 13, Page 174]
Imam Shahab al-Din Abul Abbas al-Qastalani (Rahimuhullah) said: When it is said that Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was born at night time then the question arises which of the two nights is greater i.e. Night of Decree or Night of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam)'s birth?
First: He (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) arrived (in this world) on the Night of Mawlid whereas Night of decree was granted to him (afterwards), therefore the arrival of Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is greater than what has been granted to him, hence night of Mawlid is higher in virtue.
Second: If Night of decree is vitreous night because Angels descend in it, then Night of Mawlid has the virtue of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) being sent to world. The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is superior to Angels, therefore night of Mawlid becomes superior.
Third: Due to night of decree, the Ummah of Muhammad (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was given imminence, whereas due to Night of Mawlid all creations were given Fadhilah (Superiority), as Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) is sent as Mercy to worlds/creations (Quran 21:107), hence the blessing was made general for all creations.
References:
1. Imam Qastalani in al-Muwahib al-Laduniya, Vol. 1, Page 145
2. Imam Zarqani in his Sharah of Al-Muwahib, Vol. 1, Page 255/256
Imam Jalal al-Din Suyuti (Rahimuhullah) writes: The reality of Mawlid is that people gather to recite Quran to the extent that is easy, also to discuss narrations which are regarding Prophet (SalAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam), the signs which took place on his birth. Then dinning is arranged for them and they return without adding anything more to this "Bidat al-Hasanah". The one who arranges it gets Thawab due to honoring Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and showing gratitude on his birth [Al Hawi lil Fatawi, Vol. 1, Page 292, Published by Maktaba al Athriya, Beirut - Lebanon]
Imam Jalal al-Din Suyuti (Rahimuhullah) answers why celebrating on birth supersedes the sorrow of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) passing away on same date?
The birth of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) is a great blessing for us and his death is very saddening for us too, however Shariah has ordered us to rejoice and thank Allah on blessings, whereas on calamity it has taught us to have patience while hiding it. Hence in light of rulings prescribed by Shariah one should rejoice in Rabi al-Awwal on birth of our beloved Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam). [Al Hawi lil Fatawi, Vol. 1, Page 298, Published by Maktaba al Athariya, Beirut - Lebanon]
Imam Shams al-Din Dimishqi (Rahimuhullah) writes: It is proven that Abu Lahab's punishment of fire is reduced on every Monday because he rejoiced on brith of Prophet (SalAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and freed the slave-woman Thuwaiba Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anha. When Abu Lahab, whose eternal abode is hell fire and regarding whom whole surah of Tabad Yada (i.e. Surah Lahab) was revealed, he gets Takhfif in his torment every Monday then Imagine the situation of a (momin) who has spent his life in rejoicing over birth of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and died as a Mawhid.
References:
1. Mawrid as Sadi fi Mawlid al Hadi by Imam al-Dimishqi
2. Imam Suyuti in Hassan al-Maqsad fi Amal al-Mawlid, Page 66
Shah Abd al-Aziz Muhadith Dhelvi (Rahimuhullah) said:The Barakah of Rabi ul Awwal is due to birth of Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) in this month, the more this Ummah sends Durood and Salaam and arrange for (sadaqa for the poor), more will they be blessed. [Fatawa al-Azizi, Vol. 1, Page 123]
The great Mufasir and Sufi, Hadrat Ismail al-Hiqqi (Rahimuhullah) said:To celebrate Mawlid is amongst the great tributes to Prophet (SalAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam), but the condition is that it should be clear of evil things. Imam Suyuti has said: It is Mustahab for us to be happy on birth of Prophet (SalAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam). [Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan, Vol. 9, Page 52]
Shaykh al-Islam Imam Ibn Hajar al-Haytami al-Makki Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho states in an-Ne’matul Kubra that Sayyiduna Junayd al-Baghdadi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho said,"Whoever attends a Mawlid gathering with esteem respect, his Imān will remain safe, InshaAllah"[an-Ne’mat al-Kubra, Page 6, Istanbul – Turkey]
Imam Shawkani in his book al-Badr at-tali`, said, "It is permissible to celebrate the Prophet's birthday." He mentioned that Mullah `Ali Qari held the same opinion in a book entitled al-Mawrid ar-Rawi fi al-Mawlid al-Nabawi, written specifically to support the celebration of the Prophet's birthday.
Shaykh Muhammad Bin Alawi al-Maliki (d.2004CE) said: “Holy Prophet Peace Be With Him due to importance of his Birthday use to avow it a great incident and use to pray to Allah Almighty as it was a great blessing for him also Sarkar have supremacy on everything in this universe because everything in this universe through HIS foundation got providential.” [Houl al-Ihtifaal bil Mawid an-Nabawi Ash-Sharif, Pg 8-9] A scholar stated that he was blessed with the vision of Holy Prophet Peace Be Upon Him. He asked, “Ya Rasool Allah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam, Are you pleased about Muslims; who celebrate your birthday?” He replied “Those who love me; I love them too” [Tazkirat al-Wa’izeen, Page 200, Published from Maktaba Habibia – Quetta]
Shah Waliullah (RA) writes in ( Anfas al Arifeen , page 65): “ Sometimes Khawja Khurd (RA) used to celeberate “Urs” of Khawja Baqi Billah (RA). My Father narrates that he has seen many times that people use to offer help to Shah Khurd (RA). Some one used to say “I will take the responsibility to provide rice (for Urs). Other used to say” I will take the responsibility to provide meat ( for Urs) and someone else used to say “ I WILL TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ARRANGING QAWWAL” ( for the urs)”
This is sufficient proof to show that Urs was celeberated before any division ocured in the subcontinent. There are many other authentic narrations present in books showing celeberation of Urs even before this.
Please note an important point that people used to arrange Qawwal for urs. Those people who perform ( read) sam’a ( audition) in urs gathering are called Qawwal. This shows that sam’a was also a part of this Urs. Imam Rabbani Mujaddid al fathani (rd) also did not object to sam’a and Insha Allah this will be scanned later from his maktoob.
Also Data Ganj Hujweri (Rd) has written in Kashf Al Mahjoob an incidence about Jaunaid Baghdadi (rd) listening to sam’a.
Shah Waliullah (RA) writes ( Anfas al Arifeen , page 82): “ My father used to tell that he has seen one of the khalifah of Khawja Berang ( RA) who was very old , but he had grace/ light on his face. This Khalifa was famous by the name “ Shaykhi”. He used to celeberate Urs ( annual gathering) and l ( that is , Shah Waliullah ) also participated in these urs when I was about six- seven years old.
Imamal-Rabbani Sheikh Ahmadal-Sirhindi (971AH-1034CE)
Often misquoted, research shows was that he was not against the Mawlid at all, but only certain mawlids with specific actions incorporated into them. As for the rather puzzling citation of the Imam’s views on bidah hasanah, it is sufficient to note that he does believe in bidah hasanah (though he may not call it such). If not where in the corpus of hadith is the specific mention and instruction of the dhikr of the lataif, nafi wal-ithbat, muraqabah etc which he taught his students?
He said in in his ‘Maktubat’ (Daftar Sawm, letter: 72): What harm is there in the recitation of the Quran, poems and euologies with a beautiful voice? What is forbidden is the corrupting and altering of the letters of the Quran, and modulating the voice with singing tunes and clapping which are also forbidden with poetry. If the Mawlid is recited such that the Quranic words are not corrupted, and poetry is recited in which the aforementioned (impermissible) matters are not present, then which matter makes it forbidden?
Hadrat Shaykh Yousuf bin Ismail an-Nabhani said, “Only Pagans and Non-Believers are against celebrating Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllahu Alaihi Wasallam.” [Jawahir al-Bihar]
Sheikh Abd al-Haq al-Dehlawi (958-1052AH) Sh Abd al-Haq al-Dehlawi was a contemporary of Imam al-Rabbani and is counted as one of the major scholars of the subcontinent. In his ‘Ma Thabata Min al-Sunnah Fi Ayyam al-Sanah’ (p.60) he said: The people of Islam still continue to celebrate the month of his (Allah bless him and give him peace) birth and organise feasts, giving charity during its nights with different types of charities and express happiness. They increase in acts of piety and pay attention to reciting the events of his noble birth…That which has been experienced from its special qualities is that it is a means of safety for that year, and gladtidings for the prompt fulfilling of aims and desires. May Allah have mercy on a person who takes the night of the month of his birth as an Eid…
Shah Abd al-Rahim al-Dehlawi (1054-1131AH)
It was mentioned regarding the father of the illustrious Shah Waliullah in his ‘Dur al-Thamin fi Mubashirat Nabi al-Amin’ (p.40) that his father said: I would prepare food during the days of Mawlid of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), however one year I was unable to prepare anything. I was only able to find fried chickpeas, which I distributed amongst people. I saw the Prophet Allah bless him and give him peace (in a dream) with these chickpea’s infront of him, and he was happy and smiling.
Shah Waliullah al-Dehlawi (1114-1174AH)
A scholar which all of the hanafi’s of the subcontinent ascribe themselves to, describing his stay in Makkah, he said in ‘Fuyud al-Haramain’ (p.80,81): Before this I was in Makkah al-Muazzamah during the Mawlid al-Nabi (Allah bless him and give him peace) on the day of his birth. The people were sending blessings upon the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and mentioning the miraculous events which took place during his birth, and that which was witnessed before his being sent. I then saw lights suddenly emanating. I do not say I witnessed them with bodily sight, nor do I say I witnessed them with the sight of the soul only, Allah knows best which of the two it was. I examined these lights and I found them to be from the angels who are made responsible for these events and gatherings. And I saw that light of the angels was accompanied by the the lights of mercy aswell.
Shah Abd al-Aziz al-Dehlawi (1159-1239AH)
The illustrious son of Shah Waliullah, he said in his ‘Fatawa’ (1/163): The blessing of Rabi al-Awwal is due to the birth of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in it. And by the spreading of his (Allah bless him and give him peace) blessings upon his community in accordance to what reaches him from the gifts of sending blessings (upon him) and also feeding.
Mawlana Abd al-Hayy al-Luknawi (1264-1304AH)
He said in his ‘Majmua Fatawa’ (2/282): When a disbleliever such as Abu Lahab because of expressing happiness at his (Allah bless him and give him peace) birth has his punishment lightened, then any of his followers (ummati) if expressing happiness at his (Allah bless him and give him peace) birth and according to his ability spending due to love of him (Allah bless him and give him peace) why should he not reach a higher level, as has been mentioned by Ibn Jawzi and Sheikh Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi.
He also said in his ‘Majmua Fatawa’ (2/283): The people of the Haramain, Basrah, Shaam, Yemen and other countries on seeing the moon of Rabi al-Awwal express happiness and hold gatherings of Mawlid and perform righteous acts, and take care in the recitation and hearing of the birth (milad). In these countries apart from Rabi al-Awwal in other months there are gatherings of Mawlid. There should not be the belief that the noble Mawlid should only be in the month of Rabi al-Awwal, if so there will be reward, otherwise not.
Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki (1233-1317AH) .The famous guide of numerous notable and influential scholars, his students and successors include:
Mawlana Qasim Nanotwi, Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi, Mawlana Mahmud al-Hasan, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Golrawi and the founder of Jami Nizamia Mawlana Anwarullah Faruqi.
He said in his ‘Shamaim Imdadiyyah’ (p.47): The blessed Mawlid is practised by all of the people of the Haramain, this is a sufficient proof for us. How can the rememberance of the Messenger [Hazrat Risalat Panah] Allah bless him and give him peace be censured?! However the excesses of people which they have invented should be avoided. As for the standing (qiyam) I do not say anything, yes, I experience a state in the standing (qiyam).
He also said in ‘Faisla Haft Masala’ (p.7): The approach/view (mashrab) of the needy one (faqir) is that I participate in it, rather I hold it to be a means of blessings and organise it each year and experience a pleasure in the standing (qiyam).
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Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali In his Lata'if al-Ma`arif, a book on what Muslims should do for each month and season of the years, the great hadith master Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali held three lessons.
The first two lessons concerned the birth of the Prophet and the third and final lessons concerning his death. Allah bless him and his family and give them peace. As a bare minimum, this shows that Ibn Rajab considered teaching about the life of the Prophet (s)Allah bless him and give him peace) during the month of Rabi` al-Awwal to be something not only permissible, but of such importance that it should be done in public. While virtually no Muslims denies the permissibility of studying the biography of the Prophet (s)Allah bless him and give him peace), a vocal minority claims that this is a [blameworthy] innovation. Mentioning the birth and death of the Prophet (s) Allah bless him and give him peace as things that Muslims should do during the month of Rabi` al-Awwal is a clear indication from Ibn Rajab that it is permissible:
1. to learn about the birth and death of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace)
2. to gather in public to do so
3. to emphasis doing it during Rabi` al-Awwal is permissible
While specific modalities of education about, reminding of, and commemoration of these things may take different rulings, they cannot be declared categorically impermissible.
[See: Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, Lata'if al-Ma`arif. Damascus: Dar Ibn Kathir. 1999/1420 AH. pp158-216]
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Imaam Qastalaani says:"May Allaah bless a person who celebrates Eid on the nights of the blessed month of the holy birth of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi wa Sallam), so that it hurts them the most who have a serious disease in their hearts and who suffer from an incurable ailment on account of the blessed birth".
Imam Ibn Al Jawzi (d.597AH) said about the honorable Mawlid, "It is security throughout the year, and glad tidings that all wishes and desires will be fulfilled." also wrote a booklet of poems and sira to be read at mawlid celebrations. It is entitled Mawlid al-`arus and begins with the words: al-hamdu lillah al-ladhi abraza min ghurrati `arusi al-hadrati subhan mustanira: "Praise be to Allah Who has manifested from the radiance of the bridegroom of His presence a light giving daybreak..."
