Revive a Sunnah | Using Miswak (Siwak) and its Excellence

A Miswak, or siwak, is a natural tooth-stick made from a twig of a tree. Typically made from peelu, olive or walnut tree. It is used to clean the teeth, and holds an important place in Islam. The reason for this is that our blessed and beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam), along with all the other prophets (Ala Nabiyyina wa Alayhim as-Salat wa as-Salam), used it regularly, and strongly advised his followers to do the same. Unfortunately! Today, most perhaps this beautiful sunnah of using Miswak is almost a 'Forgotten' Sunnah (May Allah forbid). Whereas, this is definitely one of the most favourable and easiest Sunnah of all. Instead, we embarrassed to practise it in public. May Allah give us better understanding. Here we present some of the sacred traditions of the beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) on the excellence and benefits of using miswak.

..:: Ahadtih on the Excellence of Miswak ::..

Hadith 1: The Beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) states, "Miswak is a thing that pleases the Merciful Lord." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 637, Hadith 1933]

So it is obvious that one will reap endless bounties when the Lord Almighty is pleased.

Hadith 2: The Noble Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) has stated, "When any one of you stand at night to offer Salah, you should clean your teeth with a Miswak because when you recite the Quran, an angel places his mouth on yours and anything coming out of your mouth enters the mouth of that angel." [Shu'ab al-Iman, Vol. 2, Page 381, Hadith 2117]

Hadith 3: Sayyiduna Abu Umamah (Radi Allahu Anhu) has narrated the following saying of the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam), "Miswak is a means of the purification of your mouths and the pleasure of your Rabb." [Sunan Ibn Majah, Page 2495, Hadith 289]

Hadith 4: Tabrani narrates a Hasan narration on the authority of Hadrat Ali (Radi Allahu Anhu), citing that Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "If I did not feel that it would be difficult upon my Ummah, I would have commanded them to perform miswak with every Wudu." [Mu'jam al-Awsat, Vol. 1, Page 341, Hadith 1238]

Hadith 5: In other words I would have made it Fard. In some narrations the term Fard has also appeared. [Mustadrak lil Haakim, Vol. 1, Page 364, Hadith 531]

Hadith 6: It is also mentioned in one narration of Tabrani that Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) never went for any Salaah without performing Miswak (cleaning the teeth). [Mu'jam al-Kabeer, Vol. 5, Page 152, Hadith 253-44]

Hadith 7: Imam Ahmed narrates from Ibn Umar (Radi Allahu Anhuma) that Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, 'Make it a habit to perform Miswak, as it is a means of cleansing the mouth and a means of attaining the pleasure of Allah.' [Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 2, Page 438, Hadith 5869]

Hadith 8: Abu Nu'aym narrates on the authority of Hadrat Jaabir (Radi Allahu Anhu) that Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, 'To perform 2 Raka'ats after performing Miswak is more exalted than 70 Raka'ats which is performed without performing Miswak.' [Al-Targhib wa at-Tarheeb, Vol. 1, Page 102, Hadith 18]

Hadith 9: It has been mentioned in one narration that the Namaaz which is performed after Miswak is 70 folds more exalted than the Namaaz which is performed without making Miswak. [Shu'ab al-Iman, Vol. 3, Page 26, Hadith 2774]

Hadith 10: It is narrated in Mishkaat Shareef from Hadrat Sayyidah A'isha (Radi Allahu Anha) that there are 10 actions which are of Fitrat (inherent qualities) :

1. To trim the moustache
2. To lengthen the beard
3. To perform Miswak
4. To put water into the nostrils (cleansing the nostrils)
5. To clip the nails
6. To wash between the toes
7. To remove the hair from under the arms
8. To remove the pubic hair
9. To perform Istinja (to clean oneself after answering the call of nature)
10. To rinse the mouth. [Sahih Muslim, Page 154, Hadith 261]

Hadith 11: It is on the authority of Hadrat Ali (Radi Allahu Anhu) that Rasoolullah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, 'When a servant (believer) performs Miswak and then stands for Salaah, an Angel stands behind him and listens to his Qir'at (recitation). The Angel then comes so close to him, that it places its mouth against the mouth of that person (the Namaazi).' [Musnad al-Bazzar, Vol. 2, Page 614, Hadith 603]

Hadith 12: Whenever the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) would enter his blessed home, he would use the Miswak first. [Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 152, Hadith 152]

Hadith 13: Whenever the Exalted Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) would wake up from his sleep, he would use the Miswak. [Sunan Abu Dawud, Page 54, Hadith 57]

Hadith 14: Make use of Miswak necessarily because it cleans your mouth and pleases Allah. [Musnad Imam Ahmad, Vol. 2, Page 438, Hadith 5869]

Hujjatul Islam Imam Muhammad al-Ghazali (Alayhir Rahmah) says, "Whilst using a Miswak, make intention to clean mouth for the recitation of the Holy Quran and for the Zikr (Remembrance) of Allah." [Ihya al-Uloom, Vol. 1, Page 182]

It is quoted in the margins of Tahtawi: "Use of Miswak strengthen memory and eyesight, cures headaches and relieves the veins in the head, eliminates sputum, improves digestion, increases brain power, increases birth rate, delays aging and strengthens the back." [Hashiya al-Tahtawi Ala Maraqil Falah, Page 69]

Sadr al-Shariah Allama Amjad Ali Al-Aazami stated: The Masha'ikh (Pious Grandmasters) have mentioned that a person (believer) who is habitual of making Miswak, will be blessed with the opportunity of being able to recite the Kalima at the time of his death and that person who uses opium, will not be blessed with the opportunity of reciting the Kalima at the time of his death. [Bahar-e-Shari'at, Vol. 2, Page 288]

..:: Important Notes pertaining to Miswak ::..

• Miswak should be as thick as the little finger.
• Miswak should not be longer than one's hand span (the distance between the tip of the thumb and that of the little finger when the hand is fully extended) as Satan its on the Miswak longer than this.
• The strands of Miswak should be soft; otherwise, they might cause space between teeth and gums.
• Use a fresh Miswak, if available. Otherwise, place it in a glass of water to make it soft.
• Trim the strands of Miswak every day as they are beneficial so long as they have some bitterness.
• Brush your teeth horizontally with Miswak.
• Always brush your teeth with Miswak at least thrice.
• And wash it after every use.
• Hold the Miswak in the right hand in such a manner that the little finger remains at the bottom, and the middle three fingers remain on it while the thumb remains at the top (near the soft strands that are used to brush the teeth).
• Brush (with Miswak) the upper teeth of the right side first and then the left. Thereafter, clean the lower teeth again starting from the right and then the left.
• To use Miswak while one is lying on his back can cause the spleen to enlarge.
• To use Miswak when held in fist can cause piles.
• Miswak is a pre-Wudu Sunnah. However, it becomes Sunnah al-Mu'akkadah when foul smell emanates from the mouth. [Fatawa Razawiyyah, Vol. 1, Page 223]
• Don't throw away the used bristles or used Miswak. Instead, place it at a safer place e.g. bury under the ground or sink into the sea etc. as it is sacred, being tool for acting upon a Sunnah. [Bahar-e- Shari'at, Vol. 1, Page 294, Durr-e-Mukhtar wa Radd al-Muhtar, Vol. 1, Page 250]

..:: Other times when the usage of Miswak is Sunnah ::..

• For the recitation of the Holy Qur'an.
• For the recitation of Hadith.
• When the mouth emits bad odour.
• For teaching or learning the virtues of Islam.
• For making remembrance of Allah (The Exalted).
• Before intercourse.
• After entering one's home.
• Before entering any good gathering.
• When experiencing pangs of hunger or thirst.
• After the time of Suhoor.
• Before meals.
• Before and after a journey.
• Before and after sleeping.

May Allah Almighty give us the ability and strength to practise and revive this beautiful Sunnah with sincerity, Aameen!!

--
Shahzad Afzal
http://www.pakistanprobe.com

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History of Mawlid an-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Celebrations

Another cheap trick (Irony) the insolent opposition attain is a lame accusation towards the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah that, some ignorants from India and Pakistan of the last few decades have innovated the celebrations of Mawlid an-Nabi Sharif being influenced by the Hindu Celebration culture and that it was never ever celebrated before and there is no history of Mawlid Celebrations (Curse of Allah upon the liars). Let them have some glimpses of enthusiastic and joyous Mawlid celebrations from the very true and evident history.

An old photograph of Bayt al-Mawlid (The place where the blessed birth took place) in Makkah.

..:: History of Mawlid Celebrations ::..

1. Allama Mulla Ali Qari narrating the routine of the people of Madina Munawwarah writes,

"The people of Madina Munawwarah (May Allah have Mercy on them) used to arrange and attend Mawlid gatherings with great enthusiasm and sincerity on the occasion of Mawlid Sharif." [Mawrid ar-Rawi Fi Mawlid an-Nabawi, Page 29]

2. Ibn al-Jawzi says:

"People of Haramain Sharifayn (Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah) and Egypt and Yemen and Syria and of the eastern and western cities of Arabia hold functions in celebration of the birth of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam), they rejoice at the sighting of the moon of Rabi al-Awwal, bathe and put on their best dresses adorn themselves in various ways, put on scent, and give alms with great joy, and exert themselves in listening to the Mawlid of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam). By doing so, they themselves attain to success, as it has been proved that by celebrating the Mawlid of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) much good accrues the whole year round, security and comfort, greater means of livelihood, increase in children and in wealth, peace in cities and contentment and peace in homes."

References:

1. Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan by Allama Ismail Hiqqi, Vol. 9, Page 56
2. Milad al-Uroos – Urdu "Bayan-e-Milad-un-Nabi", Page 34/35, Published in Lahore.
3. Ad-Durr al-Munazzam, Page 100/101
4. Al-Milad an-Nabawi, Page 58

Prophet's (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Birthday procession at Citadel Square (Cairo, Egypt) in 1915.
 

3. Gatherings of Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was switched to Prose in 3rd/4th Hijri then 700 years back from today, A pious and virtuous person named Umer bin Mullah Muhammad Mousli (Alayhir Rahmah) established it on regular basis. Following him the great commander Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi's dearly loved Sultan Arbal Malik Abu Saeed Muzaffar al-Din celebrated Mawlid an-Nabi officially. Ibn-e-Khalqaan Arabali Sha'fai was eyewitness of that festival.

4. According to "Tarikh Mir'at az-Zaman" billions of rupees were used to spend on those festivities. In the beginning of 7th Century of Hijri Calendar; Great Scholar named Abul Khattab Umer Bin Hasan dahiyya Qalbi Andalusi Balansi wrote a book on the topic Milad an-Nabi SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam named "At-Tanveer fi Mawlid as-Siraj al-Muneer". In 1207, He went to Sultan Arbal's castle and presented his book on Mawlid to him, for which he was awarded thousand Gold Coins from Sultan. This was the status and respect of Mawlid Sharif in hearts of earlier leaders of Islam.

Mawlid Celebrations in the ottoman empire for the birth of Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam)
 

5. Not only Sultan Arbal, King of Egypt celebrated the Mawlid Shareef; Allama Ibn Jazari (Alayhir Rahmah) is one the eyewitnesses. For the celebration of this festival 1000 Mithqal of Gold was spent on it. Sultan Abu Hamu Musa Talamsani and earlier rulers of Aqsa and Andalus used to Celebrate Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Abdullah Tunisi Talamsani has written the details of these festivals in his book "Raah al-Arwah".

References:

1. Subl al-Huda wa ar-Rishaad Fi Seerah Khair al-Ibaad by Muhammad Bin Ali Yusuf Damishqi
2. Ad-Durr al-Munazzam Fee Hukmi Mawlidin Nabi Sallalahu Alaihi wa Sallam
3. Wafyat al-Da'yaan Anba'a Abna az-Zaman, Published in Cairo
4. Allama Muhammad Raza Misri's, Muhammadur Rasoolullah, Published in Lahore, Page 33
5. Imam Jalal al-Din Suyuti, Husn al-Maqsad Fi Amal al-Mawlid
6. Anwar as-Sati'aa (1307 H), Page 261, Published from Muradabad.

Mawlid an-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) procession at Boulac Avenue (Cairo, Egypt) in 1904.

6. It is stated in Seerah al-Halabiya that:

Muslims have been celebrating gatherings of Mawlid Sharif in major cities for long. [Seerah al-Halabiyah, Page 80]

7. Shaykh Yusuf bin Ismail an-Nabhani states:

Dwellers of Makkah visits Birthplace of Prophet (Peace be Upon him) on the eve of Mawlid an-Nabawi every year and arrange enormous gatherings. [Jawahir al-BiHar, Page 122]

8. In "Fuyudh al-Haramain", Shah Waliullah has pointed out,

"The birth of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was celebrated by the people of Makkah who received blessings on account of it."

Mawlid an-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) procession at Mogador (Essaouira, Morocco) in 1912.
 

9. The Al-Qibla Newspaper of Makkah al-Mukarrama witnesses:

On the eve of Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam celebrations are observed in Makkah and dwellers of Makkah named this day as Youm al-Eid Mawlid ar-Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. People cook delicious food. The governor of Makkah and Commander of Hijaz with their army visit birthplace of Prophet Peace be Upon Him and recites Qasa'id (praises) there. Rows of shining candles are positioned from Haram al-Makki to Birthplace and Shops and Houses on the way are also decorated. People recite Qasaid whole day at Birthplace. On the night of 11th Rabi al-Awwal after Isha, Mawlid Gathering is organized. From Maghrib prayer of 11th Rabi al Awwal to Asar Prayer of 12th Rabi al Awwal, after every prayer Salutations of 21 tanks is presented.

References:

1. Al-Qibla Paper – Makkah Mukarramah
2. Monthly Tariqat – Lahore, January 1917, Pages 2-3

The Invitation of Celebrating the Birth of Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam)
in Urdu and Gujrati Languages at Durban, South Africa (with Ottoman Tughra) on 16th May 1906.

10. Encyclopedia of Islam verifies:

On the Eve of Mawlid an-Nabi; whole Islamic world is observed to be rejoicing and celebrating it. And it is celebrated till now with utmost enthusiasm and integrity. [Encyclopedia of Islam, Vol. 21, Page 824, Published By: Punjab University, Lahore]

11. Ibn al-Jawzi in his book on Mawlid, says:

In Haramayn (i.e. Makkah Mukarrama and Madina Munawwarah), in Egypt, Yemen rather all of Arab world have been celebrating Mawlid for long. Upon sight of the moon in Rabi ul Awwal their happiness touches the limits and hence they make specific gatherings for Dhikr of Mawlid due to which they earn immense reward and Success. [Bayan al-Mawlid an-Nabwi, Page 58]

Mawlid an-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) procession in Cairo, Egypt in 1911.
A deputation of one of the Muhammadan Orders on its way from Saluting the Shaykh el-Bekri.
 

12. Shah Waliullah Dhelvi mentions one of his all time wonderful experiences as: 

I took part in a gathering of Mawlid inside Makkah where people were sending Darood and Salam upon Prophet (Peace be upon him) and commemorating the incidents which took place during the time of the blessed birth (before and after) and those which were witnessed before He was appointed as a Nabi (such as Noor eliminating from Bibi Amina Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha, she seeing Noor, woman proposing to Sayyiduna Abdullah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho on sighting the Noor on his forehead etc...) suddenly I saw Noor to have enveloped one group of people, I don't claim that I saw this with my bodily eyes, nor do I claim that it was spiritual and Allah knows the best regarding these two, however upon concentration on these Anwaar a reality opened upon me that these Anwaar are of those Angels who take part in such gatherings, I also saw Mercy to be descending along with Anwaar of Angels. [Fuyudh al-Haramayn, Pages 80-81]

13. Shaykh al-Islam Imam Ibn Hajr al-Haytami (Alayhir Rahmah) writes:

The gatherings of Mawlid and Adhkaar which take place during our time, they are mostly confined to good deeds, for example in them, Sadaqat are given, Dhikr is done, Durood and Salam is sent upon the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he is praised. [Fatawa al-Hadithiyyah, Page 202]

Prophet's (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Birthday procession at Citadel Square (Cairo, Egypt) in 1915.

 

14. The 7th-century historians Shaykh Abu al-Abbas al-Azafi and his son Abu al-Qasim al-Azafi wrote in their Kitab al-Durr al-Munazzam:

Pious pilgrims and prominent travelers testified that, on the day of the Mawlid Sharif in Makkah al-Mukarrama, no activities are undertaken, and nothing is sold or bought, except by the people who are busy visiting the noble birthplace, and rush to it. On this day the Holy Ka'abah is opened and visited.

15. The famous eighth-century historian, Ibn Battuta relates in his Rihla that:

On every Jum'uah after the Salah and also on the birthday of the Beloved Prophet Alaihis Salat wa as-Salam, the door of the Holy Ka'abah is opened by the head of the Banu Shayba the doorkeepers of the Holy Ka'abah while on the Mawlid Shareef, the Shafi'i head judge of Makkah al-Mukarrama, Najm al-Din Muhammad ibn al-Imam Muhyi al-Din al-Tabari, distributed food to the descendants of the Beloved Prophet Alaihis Salat wa as-Salam and to the people of Makkah al-Mukarrama.

The Feast of the Mawlid at the pavilions of the Khedie's Ministers (Cairo, Egypt) in 1911.
 

16. The historian Shaykh Ibn Zahira from his Jami al-Latif fi Fadli Makkata wa-Ahliha; Shaykh al-Haytami from his book al-Mawlid al-Sharif al-Muazzam; and the historian Shaykh al-Nahrawali from al-Ilmam bi-Alam Bayt Allah al-Haram says:

Each year on the twelfth of Rabi al-Awwal Shareef, after Maghrib Salah, the four Qadhis of Makkah al-Mukarrama (representing the Four Sunni Schools) and large groups of people including the jurists and notables of Makkah al-Mukarrama, Shaykhayn, Zawiya teachers and students, magistrates and scholars, leave the Mosque and set out collectively for a visit to the Noble Birthplace of the Beloved Prophet Alaihes Salato Salaam, shouting out Dhikr and Tahlil.

The houses on the route are illuminated with numerous lanterns and large candles, and a great many people are out and about. They all wear special clothes and they take their children with them.

Inside the Noble Birthplace, a special sermon for the occasion of the birthday of the Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is delivered. Hereafter the Dua' for the (Ottoman) Sultan, the Ameer of Makkah al-Mukarramah, and the Shafi'i Qadhi is performed and all pray humbly.

Shortly before the 'Isha prayer, the whole party returns to the Great Mosque, which is almost overcrowded, and sit down in rows at Maqam Sayyiduna Ibrahim (Alayhis Salam). 

A similar description is given by Shaykh al-Diyar Bakri (d/960) in his Great Sirah entitled Ta'rikh al-Khamis fi Akhbari Anfasi Nafis.

The Ottoman flag is raised during Mawlid an-Nabi Celebrations in Benghazi - Libiya in 1896.

— — —
May we be sacrificed at this Merriment O blessed month of Rabi' al-Awwal!!
Your joys surpass thousands of 'Eids; All in the world are rejoicing, except Shaytan

 

--
Shahzad Afzal
http://www.pakistanprobe.com

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Mawlid: Sunnah or Bid'ah? | Answers to Ten Questions regarding the Mawlid

All praise is for Allah Almighty, Lord of all creation. He created the most beloved with perfection, elevated His status beyond imagination. He prepared Him with qualities in abundance, including vast knowledge, and in all, competence. He sent Him as a Messenger to every nation, on a specific day fixed by the most Benevolent. He revealed upon him a book of excellence, known as the mother of all revelation; they all declared His birth, for mankind, a divine form of guidance, surely a great gift from the most Beneficent. Salutations be upon his eminence, and also a shower of mercy, and be it endless.

Mawlid — Sunnah or Bid'ah?
Answers to Ten Questions regarding the Mawlid
by Mufti Zahid Hussain al-Qadiri (may Allah preserve Him)

Celebrating the birth of Allah's most beloved is without doubt permissible and encouraged according to the unanimous consensus of our predecessors. Its origin shines clearly from the divine book of Allah and the traditions of our great Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) as the midday sun.

Unfortunately, as soon as the month of Rabi' al-Awwal arrives, a group of insolent people knowingly and intentionally start circulating confusions and deviancy amongst the Muslims regarding the celebrations of the Mawlid (Blessed birth of beloved Prophet - SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and thegullible masses are trapped in their fallacies (may Allah protect us).

This Book, "Mawlid — Sunnah or Bid'ah" will in sha Allah clear all doubts rumored by the notorious opponents of Mawlid Sharif. Following is the list of ten most famous delusions and objections made by the opponents.

THE TEN QUESTIONS:

1. It is a known fact that our Prophet is the most superior of all the Prophets and Messengers (Alayhim as-Salam) and also that he is the seal of all the Prophets (Alayhim as-Salam). He left no stone unturned in conveying the religion to us and rendering precious advice to us. If the "Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam)" was a divinely inspired act, then surely the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) would have commanded the Muslims to it, or at least, either he or his beloved Sahabah would have practiced it.
2. Surah Maidah: we have perfected your religion ... so why do you Sunnis add to religion; don't you believe this Quranic verse?
3. There's a hadith in Tirmizi Shareef which says any Bid'ah in religion leads one astray, so why do you Sunnis add this Bid'ah of celebrating?
4. All this Milaad celebration is just a Bid'ah and innovation introduced by a modern day Indian called Ahmed Raza Khan.
5. How come Imam Abu Hanifa or Imam Bukhari didn't celebrate milaad?
6. Is fixing date for milaad shareef permissible?
7. Celebrating the birth is a way of the Christians for Jesus, why do you Sunnis light up your houses and put decorations like the Christians?
8. You shouldn't celebrate Milaad on 12 Rabi ul Awal as that's the date the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) passed away.
9. The contemporary form of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) apart from being a manifestation of Bid'ah also encompasses other evils such as the intermingling of sexes, usage of musical instruments and many other such evils. The most abhorring and shocking evils in these functions are the acts of shirk that take place. With hollow claims of "Hubb-e-Rasool (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam)" [love for Rasulullah (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam)] entreaties and supplications are made to beings other than Allah, namely to Ambiyaa (Alayhim as-Salam).
10. I turn my lights off and some of my friends keep lights off on 12 Rabi ul awal because we believe it has no significance to our lives – how will celebrating the Milaad help us in this life and the hereafter?
    

THE ANSWERS: All these objections are intensely and authentically refuted in detail by Mufti Zahid Hussain al-Qadiri, Khalifah of Hadrat Taaj al-Shari'ah Mufti Muhammad Akhtar Rida al-Qadiri . The book can be downloaded for free from:

          

www.thesunniway.com/books/Mawlid%20-%20Sunnah%20or%20Bid%27ah.pdf
www.thesunniway.com/component/phocadownload/file/56-ten-questions-answered-regarding-the-mawlid

Published by: TheSunniWay | Printed by: Daily Islamic Stories | RS. 50 (Sri Lankan Rupees)
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Shahzad Afzal
http://www.pakistanprobe.com

 

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Ihsanica Media | The Pinnacle of Beauty by Taaj al-Shari'ah, Shaykh Muhammad Akhtar Rida Khan

All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. May prayers and salutations be upon the master of the two worlds, our liege lord Muhammad, and upon his pure family, noble Companions, and all who follow his exemplary way.

— THE PINNACLE OF BEAUTY —
On the Lightening of Abu Lahab's Punishment each Monday
by Taaj al-Shari'ah Shaykh Muhammad Akhtar Rida al-Qadiri

Publisher's Foreword: When handling complex issues in the sacred sciences of Islam, a student or scholar must possess two essential features: a passionate love for Allah and His Messenger - may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him -, and a analytical mind capable of penetrating to the root of matters and drawing from a wide array of disciplines. One without the other will lead inevitably to erroneous and dangerous conclusions. Strong religious emotions, when not tempered by scholastic aptitude, will usually lead to folly, since a lover's feelings alone cannot determine the ruling of Allah and His Messenger - may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him - in a given issue. And scholastic aptitude, when not rendered soft by love and devotion, and made malleable by sincerity, will lead to dry and lifeless rulings that alienate the common Muslim and provide fodder for Pharisaical hair-splitting Ahl al-Rusoom (those obsessed with the outward of the law at the expense of the inward). Gathering between the two is perfection.

This small but detailed work by Taaj al-Shari'ah, Shaykh Muhammad Akhtar Rida Khan, scion of the great reviver (Mujaddid) Imam Ahmad Rida Khan, addresses the famous narration of Thuwayba, a slave whom Abu Lahab freed out of joy for the Prophet's birth - may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him - , and the narrations that detail the lightening of punishment that Abu Lahab received on account of that, and tackles an assortment of objections made to these narrations, which in essence limit the Prophet's mercy and intercession. The central thesis of this treatise is that the Prophet's - may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him - power of intercession encompasses non-believers; but not in the sense of general amnesty from Hell, rather because of the lightening of the punishment of lengthy standing to be suffered on the Last Day.

Other areas of discussion in this work include: the use of dreams as legal proofs, whether non-believers receive recompense for their good deeds in the Hereafter, whether nonbelievers can receive benefit in their graves, the forms of intercession held by the Prophet - may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him -, the reconciliation of proof texts that seemingly contradict one another, and how mursal (hanging) hadith reports are acceptable for use according to the principles of the Hanafi school.

"If this disbeliever who was condemned
And whose hands were bound forever in the Fire
Mentioned that every Monday
His punishment is lightened due to his joy in Ahmad
What say you of the servant
Whose entire life is joyful with Ahmad"

- Imam Shams al-Din Muhammad b. Nasir,
  

This is a free download available here:
http://www.ihsanica.com/pinnacle_of_beauty.html
http://www.ihsanica.com/publications/PinnacleOfBeauty_Ihsanica.pdf

— — —
The Publisher
Junayd Yasin [Durban, South Africa]
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Shahzad Afzal
http://www.pakistanprobe.com

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History of Mawlid an-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Celebrations

Another cheap trick (Irony) the insolent opposition attain is a lame accusation towards the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah that, some ignorants from India and Pakistan of the last few decades have innovated the celebrations of Mawlid an-Nabi Sharif being influenced by the Hindu Celebration culture and that it was never ever celebrated before and there is no history of Mawlid Celebrations (Curse of Allah upon the liars). Let them have some glimpses of enthusiastic and joyous Mawlid celebrations from the very true and evident history.

An old photograph of Bayt al-Mawlid (The place where the blessed birth took place) in Makkah.

..:: History of Mawlid Celebrations ::..

1. Allama Mulla Ali Qari narrating the routine of the people of Madina Munawwarah writes,

"The people of Madina Munawwarah (May Allah have Mercy on them) used to arrange and attend Mawlid gatherings with great enthusiasm and sincerity on the occasion of Mawlid Sharif." [Mawrid ar-Rawi Fi Mawlid an-Nabawi, Page 29]

2. Ibn al-Jawzi says:

"People of Haramain Sharifayn (Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah) and Egypt and Yemen and Syria and of the eastern and western cities of Arabia hold functions in celebration of the birth of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam), they rejoice at the sighting of the moon of Rabi al-Awwal, bathe and put on their best dresses adorn themselves in various ways, put on scent, and give alms with great joy, and exert themselves in listening to the Mawlid of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam). By doing so, they themselves attain to success, as it has been proved that by celebrating the Mawlid of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) much good accrues the whole year round, security and comfort, greater means of livelihood, increase in children and in wealth, peace in cities and contentment and peace in homes."

References:

1. Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan by Allama Ismail Hiqqi, Vol. 9, Page 56
2. Milad al-Uroos – Urdu "Bayan-e-Milad-un-Nabi", Page 34/35, Published in Lahore.
3. Ad-Durr al-Munazzam, Page 100/101
4. Al-Milad an-Nabawi, Page 58

Prophet's (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Birthday procession at Citadel Square (Cairo, Egypt) in 1915.
 

3. Gatherings of Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was switched to Prose in 3rd/4th Hijri then 700 years back from today, A pious and virtuous person named Umer bin Mullah Muhammad Mousli (Alayhir Rahmah) established it on regular basis. Following him the great commander Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi's dearly loved Sultan Arbal Malik Abu Saeed Muzaffar al-Din celebrated Mawlid an-Nabi officially. Ibn-e-Khalqaan Arabali Sha'fai was eyewitness of that festival.

4. According to "Tarikh Mir'at az-Zaman" billions of rupees were used to spend on those festivities. In the beginning of 7th Century of Hijri Calendar; Great Scholar named Abul Khattab Umer Bin Hasan dahiyya Qalbi Andalusi Balansi wrote a book on the topic Milad an-Nabi SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam named "At-Tanveer fi Mawlid as-Siraj al-Muneer". In 1207, He went to Sultan Arbal's castle and presented his book on Mawlid to him, for which he was awarded thousand Gold Coins from Sultan. This was the status and respect of Mawlid Sharif in hearts of earlier leaders of Islam.

Mawlid Celebrations in the ottoman empire for the birth of Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam)
 

5. Not only Sultan Arbal, King of Egypt celebrated the Mawlid Shareef; Allama Ibn Jazari (Alayhir Rahmah) is one the eyewitnesses. For the celebration of this festival 1000 Mithqal of Gold was spent on it. Sultan Abu Hamu Musa Talamsani and earlier rulers of Aqsa and Andalus used to Celebrate Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Abdullah Tunisi Talamsani has written the details of these festivals in his book "Raah al-Arwah".

References:

1. Subl al-Huda wa ar-Rishaad Fi Seerah Khair al-Ibaad by Muhammad Bin Ali Yusuf Damishqi
2. Ad-Durr al-Munazzam Fee Hukmi Mawlidin Nabi Sallalahu Alaihi wa Sallam
3. Wafyat al-Da'yaan Anba'a Abna az-Zaman, Published in Cairo
4. Allama Muhammad Raza Misri's, Muhammadur Rasoolullah, Published in Lahore, Page 33
5. Imam Jalal al-Din Suyuti, Husn al-Maqsad Fi Amal al-Mawlid
6. Anwar as-Sati'aa (1307 H), Page 261, Published from Muradabad.

Mawlid an-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) procession at Boulac Avenue (Cairo, Egypt) in 1904.

6. It is stated in Seerah al-Halabiya that:

Muslims have been celebrating gatherings of Mawlid Sharif in major cities for long. [Seerah al-Halabiyah, Page 80]

7. Shaykh Yusuf bin Ismail an-Nabhani states:

Dwellers of Makkah visits Birthplace of Prophet (Peace be Upon him) on the eve of Mawlid an-Nabawi every year and arrange enormous gatherings. [Jawahir al-BiHar, Page 122]

8. In "Fuyudh al-Haramain", Shah Waliullah has pointed out,

"The birth of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was celebrated by the people of Makkah who received blessings on account of it."

Mawlid an-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) procession at Mogador (Essaouira, Morocco) in 1912.
 

9. The Al-Qibla Newspaper of Makkah al-Mukarrama witnesses:

On the eve of Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam celebrations are observed in Makkah and dwellers of Makkah named this day as Youm al-Eid Mawlid ar-Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. People cook delicious food. The governor of Makkah and Commander of Hijaz with their army visit birthplace of Prophet Peace be Upon Him and recites Qasa'id (praises) there. Rows of shining candles are positioned from Haram al-Makki to Birthplace and Shops and Houses on the way are also decorated. People recite Qasaid whole day at Birthplace. On the night of 11th Rabi al-Awwal after Isha, Mawlid Gathering is organized. From Maghrib prayer of 11th Rabi al Awwal to Asar Prayer of 12th Rabi al Awwal, after every prayer Salutations of 21 tanks is presented.

References:

1. Al-Qibla Paper – Makkah Mukarramah
2. Monthly Tariqat – Lahore, January 1917, Pages 2-3

The Invitation of Celebrating the Birth of Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam)
in Urdu and Gujrati Languages at Durban, South Africa (with Ottoman Tughra) on 16th May 1906.

10. Encyclopedia of Islam verifies:

On the Eve of Mawlid an-Nabi; whole Islamic world is observed to be rejoicing and celebrating it. And it is celebrated till now with utmost enthusiasm and integrity. [Encyclopedia of Islam, Vol. 21, Page 824, Published By: Punjab University, Lahore]

11. Ibn al-Jawzi in his book on Mawlid, says:

In Haramayn (i.e. Makkah Mukarrama and Madina Munawwarah), in Egypt, Yemen rather all of Arab world have been celebrating Mawlid for long. Upon sight of the moon in Rabi ul Awwal their happiness touches the limits and hence they make specific gatherings for Dhikr of Mawlid due to which they earn immense reward and Success. [Bayan al-Mawlid an-Nabwi, Page 58]

Mawlid an-Nabi (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) procession in Cairo, Egypt in 1911.
A deputation of one of the Muhammadan Orders on its way from Saluting the Shaykh el-Bekri.
 

12. Shah Waliullah Dhelvi mentions one of his all time wonderful experiences as:

I took part in a gathering of Mawlid inside Makkah where people were sending Darood and Salam upon Prophet (Peace be upon him) and commemorating the incidents which took place during the time of the blessed birth (before and after) and those which were witnessed before He was appointed as a Nabi (such as Noor eliminating from Bibi Amina Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha, she seeing Noor, woman proposing to Sayyiduna Abdullah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho on sighting the Noor on his forehead etc...) suddenly I saw Noor to have enveloped one group of people, I don't claim that I saw this with my bodily eyes, nor do I claim that it was spiritual and Allah knows the best regarding these two, however upon concentration on these Anwaar a reality opened upon me that these Anwaar are of those Angels who take part in such gatherings, I also saw Mercy to be descending along with Anwaar of Angels. [Fuyudh al-Haramayn, Pages 80-81]

13. Shaykh al-Islam Imam Ibn Hajr al-Haytami (Alayhir Rahmah) writes:

The gatherings of Mawlid and Adhkaar which take place during our time, they are mostly confined to good deeds, for example in them, Sadaqat are given, Dhikr is done, Durood and Salam is sent upon the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he is praised. [Fatawa al-Hadithiyyah, Page 202]

Prophet's (SallAllahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Birthday procession at Citadel Square (Cairo, Egypt) in 1915.

 

14. The 7th-century historians Shaykh Abu al-Abbas al-Azafi and his son Abu al-Qasim al-Azafi wrote in their Kitab al-Durr al-Munazzam:

Pious pilgrims and prominent travelers testified that, on the day of the Mawlid Sharif in Makkah al-Mukarrama, no activities are undertaken, and nothing is sold or bought, except by the people who are busy visiting the noble birthplace, and rush to it. On this day the Holy Ka'abah is opened and visited.

15. The famous eighth-century historian, Ibn Battuta relates in his Rihla that:

On every Jum'uah after the Salah and also on the birthday of the Beloved Prophet Alaihis Salat wa as-Salam, the door of the Holy Ka'abah is opened by the head of the Banu Shayba the doorkeepers of the Holy Ka'abah while on the Mawlid Shareef, the Shafi'i head judge of Makkah al-Mukarrama, Najm al-Din Muhammad ibn al-Imam Muhyi al-Din al-Tabari, distributed food to the descendants of the Beloved Prophet Alaihis Salat wa as-Salam and to the people of Makkah al-Mukarrama.

The Feast of the Mawlid at the pavilions of the Khedie's Ministers (Cairo, Egypt) in 1911.
 

16. The historian Shaykh Ibn Zahira from his Jami al-Latif fi Fadli Makkata wa-Ahliha; Shaykh al-Haytami from his book al-Mawlid al-Sharif al-Muazzam; and the historian Shaykh al-Nahrawali from al-Ilmam bi-Alam Bayt Allah al-Haram says:

Each year on the twelfth of Rabi al-Awwal Shareef, after Maghrib Salah, the four Qadhis of Makkah al-Mukarrama (representing the Four Sunni Schools) and large groups of people including the jurists and notables of Makkah al-Mukarrama, Shaykhayn, Zawiya teachers and students, magistrates and scholars, leave the Mosque and set out collectively for a visit to the Noble Birthplace of the Beloved Prophet Alaihes Salato Salaam, shouting out Dhikr and Tahlil.

The houses on the route are illuminated with numerous lanterns and large candles, and a great many people are out and about. They all wear special clothes and they take their children with them.

Inside the Noble Birthplace, a special sermon for the occasion of the birthday of the Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is delivered. Hereafter the Dua' for the (Ottoman) Sultan, the Ameer of Makkah al-Mukarramah, and the Shafi'i Qadhi is performed and all pray humbly.

Shortly before the 'Isha prayer, the whole party returns to the Great Mosque, which is almost overcrowded, and sit down in rows at Maqam Sayyiduna Ibrahim (Alayhis Salam).

A similar description is given by Shaykh al-Diyar Bakri (d/960) in his Great Sirah entitled Ta'rikh al-Khamis fi Akhbari Anfasi Nafis.

The Ottoman flag is raised during Mawlid an-Nabi Celebrations in Benghazi - Libiya in 1896.

— — —
May we be sacrificed at this Merriment O blessed month of Rabi' al-Awwal!!
Your joys surpass thousands of 'Eids; All in the world are rejoicing, except Shaytan

 


--
Shahzad Afzal
http://www.pakistanprobe.com

Read more >>