The Significance of Milad un Nabi | The Birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
As one of the most significant events in the history of Muslims worldwide, Milad un Nabi, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Which is celebrated on the 12 Rabi Al Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar symbolizes the deep love and reverence Muslims have for the Prophet (PBUH), the final messenger of Allah.
The occasion is of great historical, spiritual, and cultural significance and serves as an opportunity to reflect on the life, teachings, and legacy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Historical Background of Milad Un Nabi
During the 11th century, the Fatimid dynasty in Egypt was the first to commemorate Milad un Nabi. A key annual celebration for many Muslim communities, this tradition spread throughout the Muslim world, from North Africa to South Asia.
There were initially religious gatherings that included recitation of the Qur’an, offering prayers, and recalling the life and virtues of the Prophet (PBUH). Over time, the celebration evolved to include processions, decorations, charity, and celebrations.
There may be differences in practice between different Muslim sects and cultures, but the purpose of Milad-un-Nabi remains universal. to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and to remember his invaluable contribution to human beings.
Milad un Nabi Celebration and Quran
There is a definite difference in opinion within the Islamic community as to the celebration of Milad un Nabi. Many Muslims believe that such celebrations are an innovation (Bid’ah) that never occurred during the Prophet’s lifetime or that of his companions, while others believe that they are a means of honoring him and his role in spreading Islam.
There are several ways in which Muslims are encouraged to commemorate and honor Milad un Nabi.
1. Obeying the Prophet
The Quran frequently emphasizes the importance of following and obeying the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad), you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. (Surah Al-Ahzab -33:21)
2. Sending blessings upon the Prophet
Muslims are encouraged to send peace and blessings upon the Prophet:
Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, ask (Allah to confer) blessing upon him and ask (Allah to grant him) peace. (Surah Al-Ahzab-33:56)
3. Remembrance and Gratitude
The Quran also teaches the importance of remembrance and gratitude for Allah’s guidance, which the Prophet Muhammad was instrumental in delivering:
And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you give thanks (by accepting faith and worship), I will give you more (of My blessings); but if you are thankless (disbelievers), verily My punishment is indeed severe. (Surah Ibrahim-14:7)
4. Mercy to the Menkind
The Quran refers to the Prophet Muhammad as a mercy to all of creation:
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Surah Al-Anbiya -21:107)
These verses emphasize the significant role of the Prophet in guiding humanity and the importance of showing love, respect, and obedience to him. While there is no specific mention of Milad un Nabi, these Quranic teachings are often cited by those who celebrate the event as a way of showing love for the Prophet.
Milad un Nabi Celebration and Hadith
The celebration of Milad-un-Nabi properly began centuries after the Prophet’s time and was not observed by the Prophet, his companions, or the early generations of Muslims.
There are some Hadiths that those who celebrate Mawlid use to justify the practice, seeing it as a way of showing love and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
1. Fasting on Mondays
One of the traditions often referenced is the Prophet Muhammad’s practice of fasting on Mondays. This is seen by some as an indirect acknowledgment of the significance of his birth:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was asked about fasting on Mondays, and he responded:
“That is the day on which I was born, and on it the Revelation came to me. (Sahih Muslim-Book 6, Hadith 2606)
This Hadith is sometimes cited by those who celebrate Milad-un-Nabi to support the idea that recognizing the Prophet’s birthday is important, as even the Prophet himself marked the significance of the day of his birth.
2. Showing Love for the Prophet
The Hadith emphasizes the importance of loving the Prophet Muhammad as part of faith:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
None of you will have faith until he loves me more than his father, his children, and all of mankind.” (Sahih Bukhari (Volume 1, Book 2, Hadith 15)
Those who celebrate Milad-un-Nabi often use this hadith to emphasize that honoring the Prophet’s birth is an expression of love for him, which is central to the Islamic faith.
3. Rejoicing in Allah’s Mercy
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent as a mercy to all of creation, as the Qur’an mentions (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107). In the Hadith, Muslims are encouraged to express happiness for Allah’s blessings:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
When any one of you is delighted by his good deeds and saddened by his evil deeds, then that is a sign of faith. (Sahih Muslim-Book 43, Hadith 7168):
Many consider the birth of the Prophet Muhammad to be one of the greatest blessings for humanity, and therefore, they rejoice on this day, citing Hadiths such as this one to emphasize the importance of expressing happiness for good events.
4. Remembering the Prophet’s Life
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to speak about the lives of previous prophets. This is often extended to remembering his own life:
Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated:
The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Speak of me and speak of the prophets. (Sunan Al-Darimi-Hadith 94)
Based on this, many Muslims view the Milad-un-Nabi as an opportunity to remember and reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad through gatherings, sermons, and discussions.
5. The Debate on Bid’ah (Innovation)
Many Islamic scholars who oppose the celebration of Milad un Nabi argue that it is a Bid’ah (innovation) in the religion, as it was not practiced by the Prophet, his companions, or the early generations of Muslims (the Salaf). They reference the following Hadith:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam) that is not part of it, will have it rejected. (Sahih Muslim-Book 18, Hadith 4266):
The opposition to the celebration emphasizes that any new acts of worship that have not been performed or endorsed by the Prophet and his companions should not be held.
According to the Quran and Hadith, honoring the Prophet, showing love for him, and rejoicing in Allah’s blessings are important aspects of celebrating it. Conversely, those who oppose it view it as an innovation that was not a part of the original Islamic practice.
Spiritual and Religious Significance
It is a deeply spiritual celebration, as it gives Muslims an opportunity to reconnect with the Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings and renew their commitment to follow in his footsteps.
On this day, Muslims are encouraged to reflect upon their prophetic mission, which is characterized by mercy, kindness, compassion, and wisdom. To rekindle their love for the Prophet (PBUH) and strive to emulate his character, Muslims practice prayer, remembrance, and storytelling.
1. Expression of Love and Devotion
In Islam, celebrating Milad-un-Nabi symbolizes their deep love and devotion to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In his view, he is considered a mercy to human beings (Rahmat al-lil Alameen), and his birthday is a time to express gratitude for his life and mission.
Milad is a time of recitation of Qaseeda, Naats, and songs in praise of the Prophet (PBUH), further strengthening the emotional and spiritual bond between Muslims and their beloved Prophet.
2. Renewal of Faith
A Prophet’s (PBUH) birth represents the dawn of spiritual enlightenment since his prophethood brought humanity the final and complete message of Islam.
The celebration of Milad-un-Nabi is an opportunity for Muslims to renew their faith in Islam, reflect on the purpose of life, and seek spiritual growth.
In addition, it is an ideal opportunity to remember the principles of justice, humility, and compassion that the Prophet (PBUH) taught through his life and example.
3. Charity and Good Deeds
In honor of the Prophet’s (PBUH) generosity and care for others, Milad-un-Nabi is often marked by charitable acts. Muslims are encouraged to give to people with low incomes, distribute food, and help those in need. This reflects the Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings about the importance of charity (sadaqah) and caring for the less fortunate, and it allows Muslims to put into practice the values he embodied.
4. Community Unity
Milad un Nabi celebrations foster a sense of unity within Muslim communities. It brings people together in mosques, homes, and public spaces to collectively remember the Prophet (PBUH). In many countries, there are large processions, public gatherings, and community meals, all of which create a spirit of camaraderie and shared faith. By gathering to honor the Prophet (PBUH), Muslims reinforce the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood that lies at the heart of the Islamic faith.
The Debate on Celebrating Milad-un-Nabi
While Milad-un-Nabi is widely celebrated in many Muslim-majority countries, there are differences of opinion within the Muslim world regarding its permissibility.
Some scholars and Islamic groups, particularly from the Salafi and Deobandi traditions, argue that the celebration of Milad-un-Nabi is an innovation (bid’ah) that was not practiced by the Prophet (PBUH) or his companions.
They maintain that religious practices should strictly adhere to the way of the Prophet (PBUH), as recorded in the Qur’an and Hadith, and that any new forms of worship are discouraged.
On the other hand, many scholars from the Sufi and Barelvi traditions support the celebration of Milad-un-Nabi, viewing it as a means of honoring the Prophet (PBUH) and expressing gratitude for his life and mission.
They emphasize that as long as the celebration involves permissible acts of worship, such as reciting the Quran, offering prayers, and spreading good deeds, it is in line with Islamic teachings.
Regardless of differing viewpoints, the essence of Milad-un-Nabi remains rooted in love, reverence, and the desire to follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Milad un Nabi Celebration Around the World
Milad un Nabi is celebrated in various ways depending on cultural and regional traditions. In many countries, including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Indonesia, Milad processions, mosque decorations, and public gatherings are common.
In places like Turkey and Bosnia, Milad is observed with more solemn religious services, including the recitation of the Quran and religious lectures.
In South Asia, homes, mosques, and streets are often adorned with lights and banners bearing religious messages, and food is distributed to people with low income.
In countries like Egypt and Morocco, large public celebrations are held, featuring sermons on the Prophet’s life, storytelling, and the singing of qasida.
Conclusion
Milad un Nabi is a profound expression of love and devotion to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a time for Muslims to reconnect with his teachings.
Whether through prayers, acts of charity, or public celebrations, this day serves as a reminder of the mercy, compassion, and wisdom that the Prophet (PBUH) brought to the world.
The celebration of Milad un Nabi invites Muslims to reflect on the Prophet’s (PBUH) legacy and strive to live by the principles of justice, kindness, and humility that he embodied.
