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951 What is the evidence for Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi in the light of Quran & AHadith?
Before writing the arguments of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (S.A.W), I want to clear the meaning of Milad according to literature and Shariah.

The word Milad has been derived from "Viladut" which means birth. Therefore, according to Arabic language, Milad is word which signifies the place and time of birth.

In the light of Shariah, Milad is to remember the events which took place at the birth time of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) and we get the opportunity of narrating the Seerat of the Prophet (S.A.W) on this occasion, we also presents the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) gifts of Durood -o- Salaam. We mention before the people attributes and praises of the Prophet (S.A.W).

We do not believe that Milad is specified with same night but, we believe that the remembrance of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) is incumbent in each minute and second of time and every Muslim should act upon the Sunnahs in the whole life time. Milad un Nabi ((S.A.W) is a great source of preaching. It is incumbent for scholars to teach Muslim nations on this Holy occasion, moral behaviour of the Holy Prophet, (S.A.W) His Etiquettes, His affairs, His Seerat, His dealings and His worships.

Now I write the proofs of Milad from the Holy Quran, the Hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W) and consensus of Ulemas.


Evidence of the Holy Quran

The Quranic verses prove that to celebrate Milad is not only a proper deed but it is also praiseworthy.

1) Allah Almighty says in Quran:

"The peace is on Him the day when he was born and the day when he will die and the day when he will be raised alive." (Kanzul Imaan the translation of Holy Quran, Surah Al-Maryam, Verse 15)

In the above verse Allah Almighty has mentioned the complete Milad of Hazrat Yahya (A.S). And before this Allah Almighty has mentioned the events which took place before the birth. It is the same way of celebrating birth day as Ahle Sunnah adopts for the Milad of the last Prophet (S.A.W) of Allah Almighty. In other words the Prophet of Allah Almighty Hazrat Isa (A.S) celebrates his own Milad.

2) As Allah Almighty says:

"And the same peace on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I would be raised alive." (Kanzul Imaan the translation of Holy Quran, Surah Al Maryam, Verse 33)

Before this verse Allah Almighty has stated the whole story of Maryam (A.S) that how she got pregnant and gave birth to her great son, the Prophet of Allah (S.W.T) Isa (A.S). Allah Almighty also mentioned the words of Isa (A.S) by which Isa (A.S) praised himself. This style of narrating story is nothing but celebration of Milad of Isa (A.S).

Ahle Sunnah also narrate the story of Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) in the same style. We too narrate the events which took place before the birth and after it as Allah Almighty narrated about Yahya and Isa (A.S). Therefore, a person who has eyes of justice will obviously accept that to celebrate Milad is an important deed which Allah Almighty has done. So it proves that the basis of Milad is found in the Holy Quran.

3) Allah Almighty says:

"And remind them of the days of the Allah." (Kanzul Imaan the translation of Holy Quran, Surah Ibrahim, Verse 5)

In this verse Allah Almighty orders his Prophet Musa (A.S) to remind his nation the days of Allah Almighty. "The days of Allah" are those days in which great events took place or Allah Almighty bestowed his great rewards to his creature. As the Holy Quran testifies this explanation of the days of Allah Almighty. In the Holy Quran Musa (A.S) says:

"And when Musa said it, his people remember Allah's favour upon you, when he delivered you from Firawn's people who used to afflict you worstly, and slaughter your sons and let your daughters live and in it there was shown great mercy of your lord."

(Kanzul Imaan the translation of Holy Quran, Surah Ibrahim, Verse 6)

According to the Qur’anic verse emancipation of the nation of Musa (A.S) from Firawn is a day of Allah, so the birth day of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) is, without any doubt, also a day of Allah, because the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) emancipated the whole world from the darkness of ignorance and brought them to the light of guidance.

Therefore, the birthday (Milad) of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) deserves to be celebrated then the celebration of any other event. In case we would not be grateful to Allah Almighty for his favour, which is Muhammad (S.A.W). He will punish us severely. As Allah Almighty says:
"And remember when your lord proclaimed, if you will be grateful then I shall give you more and if you’re thankless then my treatment is severe." (Kanzul Imaan the translation of Holy Quran, Surah Ibrahim, and Verse 7)


4) Allah Almighty says: "Then remember the bounties of Allah and wander not in the earth spreading mischief." (Kanzul Imaan the translation of Holy Quran, Surah Araf, Verse 74)

In the above verse Allah Almighty orders us to remember his bounties and rewards. The last Prophet of Allah Almighty Muhammad (S.A.W) is, undoubtedly, great blessing of Allah Almighty for whole mankind. Allah Almighty himself considers the Prophet (S.A.W) his great favour for mankind as He says:

"Undoubtedly, Allah did a great favour to the Muslims that in them from among themselves sent a messenger who recites unto them His signs and purifies them and teaches them the book and wisdom and necessarily before that they were certainly in apparent error. (Kanzul Imaan the translation of Holy Quran, Surah Ale Imran, Verse 164)

Therefore, according to the Qur’anic commandments we must remember the beloved Prophet of Allah Muhammad (S.A.W) and Milad-un-Nabi is a best way of remembrance of the greatest Prophet (S.A.W).

In another place Allah Almighty says:

"And publicise well the favour of your lord" (Kanzul Imaan the translation of Holy Quran, Surah Al Duha, Verse 11)

The Companion of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) Hazrat Abdullah Ibne Abbas (R.A) explained the word favour. He says here, in this verse favour signifies the Prophethood and Islam. (Tafseer Ibne Abbas, Sure Al Duha, Page 651).

So in the light of the given explanation by the cousin of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W), we can say that Allah Almighty orders us to remember Holy Prophet (S.A.W) in our gatherings between the people, in our Masajid between the worshiper and in our houses between our families and Milad un Nabi (S.A.W), as I have written is a best way for this Quranic purpose.

5) Allah Almighty orders us:

"Say you only Allah's grace and his mercy, on it therefore let them rejoice. That is better than all their wealth."

In this verse Allah Almighty orders us to enjoy on his grace and mercy. If we see around us we find that each favour of Allah Almighty is great mercy for us. Even our existence is also a mercy of Allah Almighty. But the greatest of Allah is the Holy Prophet (S.A.W). As Allah Almighty says:

"And we sent not you but mercy for all worlds." (Kanzul Imaan the translation of Holy Quran, Surah Al Ambiyaa Ayah 107)

So according the Quranic teachings it is necessary for us that we must be happy and pleased on the birthday of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W). The one who pleases with the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) is really a true follower of the Quran. And it is obvious that, in whole world Muslims celebrates Milad un Nabi (S.A.W). Specially for enjoying the mercy of Allah Almighty that is the Beloved Prophet of Allah Almighty (S.A.W) therefore the Holy Quran itself confirms the Milad un Nabi (S.A.W)

6) The gathering of Milad un Nabi (S.A.W) incite Muslims on saying Durood and Salam (to pray for Prophet (S.A.W) of blessing and peace) Allah Almighty says:

"Oh you who believe send upon Him blessing and salute Him fully well in abundance. (Kanzul Imaan the translation of Holy Quran, Surah Al Ahzab, Verse 56)

According to the law of Shariah, a thing which is desired by Shariah, is exactly like an aim of Shariah. And the benefits of Durood -o- Salaam are so much in numbers that cannot be counted. Durood -o- Salaam causes for the help of Allah Almighty in this world and in hereafter. So Milad un Nabi (S.A.W) is a source of fulfilling the commandments of Allah Almighty.

7) Allah Almighty says:

"And all that we narrate to you of the tidings of the messengers is for the purpose of strengthening your heart therewith." (Kanzul Imaan the translation of Holy Quran, Surah Hood, Verse 121)

This Quranic verse reveals that the wisdom of mentioning the stories and events of Prophets (A.S) was to stand fast the heart of the last Prophet (S.A.W). And it is obvious that we are, also today, in need of being stand fast. We must know that how; the Prophet of Allah (S.A.W) faced the problems of his time so that we may face the problems of our times according to the Sunnah.

Therefore Milad un Nabi (S.A.W) provides us an opportunity to know about the affair of the Prophet (S.A.W).


Evidence of Hadith (Narrations of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W))

There are many narrations, which prove the Milad Sharif but I write a few.

1) The Prophet of Allah (S.A.W) himself stated his own birth from very beginning He says: "I had been transferred, continuously, from purified offspring to purified wombs. I had been given birth by a lawful marriage not by adultery.

When Allah Almighty sent Adam (A.S) on earth so He put me in his spine and then transferred in Nuh (A.S) in his boat, and then in Ibrahim (A.S) Allah Almighty transferred me continuously from noble offspring to the purified wombs up to that He brought me in my parents who never committed adultery." (Tafseer Ruhul Bayan, Vol. 3, Page 54)

As I have written in the beginning that Milad means the time of birth or place of birth. So the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) himself celebrated his own Milad. In the same way Ahle Sunnah following the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) narrates the events of the birth of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W).

This Hadith is the clear proof of Milad un Nabi (S.A.W) and as well as shows us that to celebrate Milad un Nabi (S.A.W) is not innovation (Bidat) but it is a Sunnah (Tradition) of Prophet (S.A.W).

There are many other narrations which narrate that the Prophet of Allah (S.A.W) celebrated his own Milad several times, some of those narrations have been written in Mishkat Sharif.

2) "The one who rejoices on the birth day of the Holy Prophet would not be severely punished and it is hoped that a Muslim who celebrate the Milad un Nabi (S.A.W), will not be punished in hell.

Imam Bukhari (R.A) narrates that Abu Lahab would be punished lightly in the Hell on Monday, because he rejoiced and freed his handmaid indicating by his finger, when the Prophet of Allah Almighty (S.A.W) took birth. So as a reward of happiness on Milad un Nabi (S.A.W) he would be given water by his finger. (Saheehul Bukhari Vol. 2, Page 764)

Imam Shams ud din Naseer Al Damaishqi (R.A) narrates this Hadith in poetry. Here is its translation.

If such Kafir was denounced (in the Quran)

And perished are his hands, and in the flame is his eternal abode.

It is narrated every Monday. His torment is made easy for his joy at the birth of Ahmad. (S.A.W)

What is the expectation then of a servant who spent all his life, happy with the arrival of Ahmad (S.A.W) and died on the oneness of Allah Almighty. (Haul-ul-Ahtifal Bil Mawlid Al-Nabvi Al Sharif, Page 11)

2) The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) celebrated his own Milad by having fast.

Imam Wali ud din (R.A) writes this narration with reference to the Saheeh Muslim. When the Prophet of Allah (S.A.W) was asked about the fast of Monday, He (S.A.W) said: "I took birth and the Quran was revealed upon me in this day." (Mishkat Sharif, Page 179)

This narration proves that to celebrate Milad un Nabi is a tradition of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) on every Monday. Secondly it is lawful to fix a particular day for Milad un Nabi (S.A.W). Thirdly it is an act of Sunnah to worship in the pleasure of the Milad un Nabi (S.A.W)


Evidence of general consensus of Muslim Ummah and Scholars (Ulema)

1) Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Suyuti (R.A) in his famous book "Al-Hawii Lil-Fatawii" allocated a special chapter on that topic and named it "The Excellence of Objective in Celebrating the Mawlid" where he said: The question under consideration is what the verdict of the Shari'ah on celebrating the Holy Birthday of the Noble Prophet (S.A.W) during the month of Rabbi-ul-Awwal. From the point of view of Shariah, is this a praiseworthy action or a blameworthy one? And do those who arrange such celebration receive blessings or not? He said:

"The reply to this question is that in my view the Milad Shareef (Celebration of the Birthday of the Noble Prophet (S.A.W)) is in fact such an occasion of happiness on which people assemble and recite the Holy Quran to the extent that is easy. Then they relate the prophecies concerning the appearance of the Noble Prophet (S.A.W) that have been transmitted in AHadith and Author, and the miraculous events and signs that took place on his birth. Then food is set before them and according to their desire they partake thereof to satisfaction.

This festival of celebrating the birthday of the Noble Prophet (S.A.W) is a Bid'ah Hasanah (Good Innovation) and those arranging it will get blessing, since in such a celebration is found the expression of joy and happiness at the greatness and eminence of the Noble Prophet (S.A.W) and his birth".

Even Ibn Taymiah said in his book "Necessity of the Right Path", p. 266, 5th line from the bottom of that page, published by Dar Al-Hadith, the following:

"As far as what people do during the Milad, either as a rival celebration to that which the Christian do during the time of Christ's birthday or as an expression of their love and admiration and a sign of praise for the Noble Prophet (S.A.W), Allah Almighty will surely reward them for such Ijtihad". He then said: "Although Milad was not practiced by (Salaf), they should have done so since there was no objection against it from the Shariah point of view".

And we certainly only celebrate Milad out of love and admiration to the Prophet of all Mankind (S.A.W).

2. Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Qastalani (R.A), who gave commentary on Sahih Bukhari, said: "May Allah Almighty shower his Mercy upon a person who takes the days of the month of Rabbi-ul-Awwal, in which the Noble Prophet (S.A.W) was born, as days of feast and celebration for doing so is the best cure for the heart of an ailing person."

3. Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar (R.A) was asked, same reference of Imam Suyuti, about Milad Shareef. His reply was:

"Milad Shareef is, in fact an innovation, which was not transmitted from any pious predecessor in the first three centuries. Nevertheless, both acts of virtue as well as acts of abomination are found in it (i.e. sometimes acts of virtue are found therein and sometimes acts of abomination). If in the Milad Shareef only acts of virtue are done and acts of abomination are abstained from, then the Milad Shareef is a Bidah Hasanah (good innovation), otherwise not."

He then added "

"To do any virtuous act and to observe it annually as means of recollection for any special day on which Allah Almighty has bestowed any favour or removed any calamity is a form of showing gratitude to Allah Almighty.

Gratitude to Allah Almighty is expressed through different kinds of Ibaadah (worship) -prostration and standing in prayer, charity and recitation of the Holy Quran. And what can be a greater favour from Allah Almighty than the appearance of the Prophet of Mercy (S.A.W) on this day (i.e. 12th of Rabbi-ul-Awwal)?"

Some people do not limit it and celebrate the Milad Shareef on any day of Rabbi-ul-Awwal. Nay, some people have extended it even more and increased the period to the whole year. According to the latter, the Milad Shareef can be celebrated on any day of the year. The objective here is the same, i.e. to rejoice at and celebrate the Holy Birth of the Noble Prophet (S.A.W).

4. Imam Abu-Bakr Abdullah Al-Dimashqi (R.A) compiled a number of books on the subject and called them "Collection of Traditions on the Birth of the Chosen Prophet", "The Pure Expression on the Birthday of the Best of Creations" and "The Spring for the Thirsty One on the Birth of the Rightly Guided".

5. Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Iraqi (R.A) wrote a book and called it "The Pure Spring on the Sublime Birth".

6. Imam Ibn Dahyah (R.A) wrote a book and called it "Enlightenment on the Birthday of the Bearer of Good News, The Warner".

7. Imam Mulla Ali Qari (R.A) wrote a book and called it "The Quenching Spring on the Birthday of the Prophet" (S.A.W).

8. Imam Shams ul-Din Naseer Al-Dimashqi (R.A), said in his book: "The Spring for the Thirsty One on the Birth of the Rightly Guided" about the story of Abu Lahab that he will receive a light punishment every Monday for expressing joy at the birth of the Noble Prophet (S.A.W) on that day.

The Imam said the following verse of poetry, the translation is: If such Kafir was denounced in the (Quran) and perished are his hands, and in the Flames is his eternal abode.

It is narrated that every Monday, his torment is made easy for his Joy at the Birth of Ahmad What is the expectation then of a servant who spent all his life Happy with the Arrival of Ahmad (S.A.W) and died on the Oneness of Allah.

9. Imam Shams Ul-Din Ibn aL-Jazri (R.A), the Imam of reciters, wrote a book and named it "The Scent of Notification on the Blessed Birthday".

10. Imam Al-Hafiz Ibn Al-Jawzi (R.A) said in the description of Milad: "Peace and Tranquillity takes over during that year and a good glad tiding to obtain your wish and inspiration".

11. Imam Abu-Shamah (R.A), The Sheikh of Al Hafiz Al Nawawi (R.A), said:

"The best of the innovations of our times is what is carried out on the day of corresponding to the birthday of our Beloved Prophet (S.A.W), where people give out donations, practice what is right, express their joy and happiness, and in doing so is surely a sign of love and admiration for the Prophet (S.A.W)".

(Answered by: Alims at Islamic Centre, Leicester, UK.)
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