Celebrating the Birth of the Prophet sws

The word Rabee in Arabic refers to the season of spring. This season is indicative of a change in the landscape, when flowers bloom, when trees turn green and when there is a general renewal of life. The coming of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) represents change and a new beginning for the whole universe. His coming was like a light that lit up this universe.

This light was not only manifested in the person of the Nabi (SAW), but was also evident in his parents. It is recorded that when the father of the Prophet (SAW) was on his way to marry Sayyida Amina, he was stopped by a lady from Quraish who asked him to marry her. He refused, explaining that he was on his way to get married. After having consummated his marriage, he met the same lady who showed no interest in him. He then inquired from the lady as to why she showed such indifference towards him after wanting to marry him, she replied and said that he no longer carried that light on his forehead. The light had been transferred to the mother of the Nabi (SAW), Sayyida Amina.

When Sayyida Amina became pregnant with the Nabi Muhammad (SAW), she was told in a dream that she was pregnant with the Master of this nation and the sign of that would be that when she gave birth to him, she would witness a light coming out with him that would light up the palaces of Bosra in Syria. When she saw this light, she should then call him Muhammad. When she gave birth to the Prophet (SAW), she saw a light that lit up the skies from the east to the west. This was later confirmed by the Prophet (SAW) himself when he spoke about the light which his mother saw at his birth.

This Prophet of light then became the central figure in the life of every Muslim. He taught them how to eat, drink, speak, walk and sleep. He taught them how to pray to their Lord and how to establish a spiritual link with Him. He taught them to respect each other, how to interact with people and how to honour mankind. He taught them how to revere their womenfolk, mothers and fathers. He taught them the meaning of love, compassion, mercy and respect. With his coming, he set an ethical standard never before witnessed by this world and never to be equalled by any person after his demise.

This wonderful person became the guide, leader, inspiration and goal of every Muslim during his time, after he passed away, and in time to come. His status is so celebrated in Islam, that the faith of a Muslim is not complete until he loves the Prophet (SAW) more than he loves his self, his children, his parents and all of mankind. In his presence, no one was allowed to raise his voice above his voice, or else his good deeds would be obliterated without his knowledge. No one is allowed to call him by his name or to address him in the way they would address each other. This example was set by the Almighty in the Holy Quran where He refrained from calling the Nabi (SAW) by his name and instead addressed him as ‘O Prophet’ and ‘O Messenger’, as opposed to the other Prophets whom He addressed by their names.

His status is further enhanced by the confirmation of the Holy Quran of his sublime morals and beautiful manners. His excellent behaviour and beautiful personal features left no Believer in doubt about his status and position as the Prophet of Allah and the best of creation. His personal interaction with people was instrumental in drawing them closer to Islam and increasing their love for him (SAW). His outstanding disposition was acknowledged even by his enemies and people of other faiths. His compassion and care for his companions instilled in them a love so intense, so true, and so sincere, that he became their objective in this world and the hereafter. They feared that they would be separated from him after death and longed to be with him even in paradise. He became the all and everything for them when he informed them that he would intercede for the Believers on the day of judgement.

In the month of Rabee ul Awwal, Muslims all over the world acknowledge the importance of the coming of this beautiful Prophet (SAW) by celebrating his birth, his life, his character and his personality. These celebrations take the form of athkaar, praise, lessons from his seerah, and feeding of the poor and those who attend these gatherings. It is a gathering place for those whose cup runneth over with the love of the Prophet (SAW). It is a time of giving thanks to the Almighty for blessing this world with the presence of His beloved. It is an opportunity to recite the praiseworthy qualities of the Holy Prophet (SAW) in the form of famous Qasidas like the Qasidah Burdah and the Mawlid of Barzanji.

These acts of celebration are however not sanctioned by all Muslims. Some are of the opinion that it is an innovation and should not be allowed in Islam. This contrasts sharply with the general understanding of the word ‘bid’ah’ among the scholars of Islam. It is well documented that the Ameerul Mu’mineen, Sayyidina Umer (RA), gathered the people behind one Imam for the prayer of taraweeg and then commented about the beautiful bid’ah. The words of Imam Shafii (RA) concerning which bid’ah is either a good or a bad innovation are not disputed by the people of knowledge. The Prophet (SAW) himself referred to innovations being divided into the categories of good and bad  when he said that the one who introduces a good ‘sunnah’ in Islam will receive the reward thereof and the reward of those who follow him. Probably the most definitive proof for the permissibility of celebrating Mawlid, came from the Prophet (SAW) himself when he replied in answer to a question about fasting on a Monday, “I was born on that day and became a Prophet on that day”.

However, the debate is ongoing, with one group fearing the possibility of falling into sin, and the other group overcome by their love and reverence of the Prophet (SAW). But what cannot be disputed by anyone is that the Nabi (SAW) was sent as a mercy and blessing to this world, and his name, life and personality was honoured by none other than Allah (SWT). So whomsoever honours the Prophet (SAW) and praises him, only but follows the way shown to us by Allah.

Sheikh Bashier Benjamin
Online Journalist/Broadcaster
Voice of the Cape Radio, Cape Town, South Africa