Zeeshan Rasool Khan
Rabi-ul-Awal is an auspicious month of the Islamic calendar, for the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born in this month, according to the most credible opinion. Though 12th Rabi-ul-Awal is celebrated as the Mawlid (birthday) of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the celebrations continue throughout the month. Among Muslims, there are a few sects that disapprove of its celebration, but the majority observe it globally. Those not celebrating it consider it an innovation. Many among them disagree with the manner of celebration and do not negate it wholly. They think that Mawlid itself is not impermissible, but that the activities involved make it so. Also, there is no denying that in certain places, people have introduced some questionable elements into this festival that call it into question. However, if undesirable things are shut out and this event is commemorated purposefully, it can prove to be significant from several perspectives. It will be favourable in achieving many religious and social objectives:
1) Furthering the Prophet’s (pbuh) Love:
The love of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is an indispensable part of our faith. Hazrat Anas narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children, and all mankind’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari 15). Cultivating the love of Allah’s Messenger is therefore essential for everyone. According to scholars, the love of the Prophet (pbuh) can be multiplied by sending abundant greetings and salutations upon him, remembering him perpetually, incorporating his teachings in everyday life, glorifying him through naat, and so on. The event of Mawlid, which revolves around remembering and extolling the Prophet (pbuh) and the recitation of Salawat and Salaam, provides an opportunity to inculcate and increase love for the Prophet (pbuh).
2) Obedience to the Prophet (pbuh):
The Quran ordains us to obey Allah and His Apostle, and says: ‘O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger’ (Surah An-Nisa 4:59). Further, it teaches us that obedience to Allah is entwined with obedience to the Prophet (pbuh). The Quran says: ‘Whoever obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah’ (Surah An-Nisa 4:80). The occasion of Mawlid can be used to call others to Islam, Allah, and His beloved Messenger. Mawlid gives us a chance to connect with people, old and young alike, including children, and should be utilised to grow a sense of obedience in them.
3) Occasion for Dawah:
In the month of Rabi-ul-Awal, religious gatherings, assemblies, and processions are held, which enable us to come face to face with people, known and unknown. Thus, preachers and common Muslims alike can contribute to spreading the word of Deen. We can act with ease upon the Prophet’s (pbuh) directive: ‘propagate even if you know a single verse of the Quran’. This effort can be propitious in bringing about a positive change among others and will earn us an immeasurable reward.
4) Acquainting People with the Biography of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):
The Quran says: ‘In truth, in (the sacred person of) Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) there is for you a most perfect and beautiful model (of life) for every such person that expects and aspires to (meeting) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah abundantly’ (Al-Ahzab 33:21). So, as per the Quran, our ideal is the Prophet (pbuh). We need to imitate him. Follow him. Seek solutions to our problems in his virtuous life. For that, we must be cognisant of his biography. Observance of Mawlid presents an opportunity to familiarise people with the life history of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), which is requisite for every Muslim to know. Through his biography, we can understand Islam, how to prosper and live a successful life while being a practising Muslim, and how to be among the heavenly people. It will help reinforce our faith, keep us optimistic, and prepare us to withstand testing times as well.
5) Guiding Youth and Children:
Youngsters, particularly children, are fond of festivals. During the month of Rabi-ul-Awal, children are found to be more jubilant. They like to be part of celebrations. They participate in gatherings zealously, and in this way are exposed to a religious environment. It offers scholars, clerics, and elders the possibility of making them aware of their religious responsibilities and teaching them about Islam and its principles, besides sowing in their hearts the seeds of love and respect for our supreme leader, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Similarly, the youth could be educated about their status and importance in the light of religious teachings. They can be motivated and trained to execute their socio-religious duties. In this way, we can channelise their energy for better results.
6) Helping and Feeding the Poor:
Helping and feeding the poor is one of the most rewarding deeds in Islam. The Quran says: ‘So give to the kindred his due, and to Al-Miskeen (the poor) and to the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek Allah’s Countenance’ (Ar-Rum 30:38). In the Holy Quran, Allah compares disbelievers and believers on the basis of their approach towards the hungry, and states: ‘(The righteous are those) who give food, despite their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive’ (Surah Al-Insan 76:8). Moreover, the Prophet (pbuh) encouraged us to help the poor and feed the hungry. The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘The one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like a Mujahid (warrior) who fights for Allah’s Cause, or like him who performs prayers all the night and fasts all the day’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari 265). Our Prophet (pbuh) was asked, ‘What Islamic traits are the best?’ He responded: ‘Feed the people and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari 6236). Muslims mark the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with pomp and splendour. It is not unwanted but desirable to express exhilaration in every permissible manner. However, it should not be all about show. Instead, we must use our resources for the greater good. In this holy month, we can reach out to the poor and destitute to help them financially, arrange food and clothes for them and their children, and organise free health camps for the needy. This will not only bring us contentment, but the noble purpose of Mawlid will also be fulfilled.
7) Attaining Allah’s Pleasure:
To attain the good pleasure of Allah is the final aim of every Muslim. We worship and pray, perform Hajj, give Zakat, do charity, and perform other pious acts only to seek divine acceptance. Holding festivities on Mawlid can help us in the same, especially when we include righteous acts and remain goal-oriented. This will benefit us personally, and also the people around us. Over and above this, it will be productive in spreading the Islamic message.
(Zeeshan Rasool Khan, hails from Seer Hamdan and is an independent researcher, columnist, and co-author of the book #55_Stories. He tweets @zeeshan_rk and can be reached at mohdzeeshan605@gmail.com.)
