Issue No: 109
10th February 2012
17th Rabi ul Awwal 1433 A.H
Salamun alaykum,
Meeladun Nabi:
Mawleed in Arabic means birth, birthday, nativity.
At the sighting of the crescent of month of Rabi’ al Awwal, Muslims all over the world celebrate with intense felicitations the occasion of Meeladun Nabi (the date of the birth of the holy prophet ) which occurred on on the 17th Rabi’ al Awwal in the year of the Elephant (Aamul Feel) 570 C.E.
Some historians record the birth date as 12th Rabi’ al Awwal.
Such great is the excitement and happiness of this occasion that the whole month of Rabi’ al Awwal is dedicated towards this lofty personality.
Celebration events:
Around the world numerous events are organized at different levels by to celebrate and express the joy of this auspicious event of Meeladun Nabi. These events, participated by women and men, range from naat, qasida khanis (poem of praise recitations), lectures, processions, fund raising for charity, volunteering services, presenting donations, competitions in various skills /arts and sporting events. Through these diverse activities muslims of all ages come together for the celebration of Meeladun Nabi.
Why celebrate Meeladun Nabi?
Muslims indulge in these celebrations for several reasons. Among them being:
- To remember and to honour the birth anniversary of that great personality who is the best among all creations and who leads out of darkness /ignorance into light/enlightenment.
- To express gratitude to Allah SWT for this great endowment.
- To remind us of the supreme lifestyle of this great personality.
- To derive lessons /moral from his teaching and lifestyle.
- Such gatherings are a blessed assembly where the recitation of Quran, dhikr of Allah, salawat is performed. Thus deriving thawab.
Some segments of the muslim community do not favour the celebrations of Meeladun Nabi considering it to be bid’a–an innovation which was not practiced by the holy prophet. This group is very vocal in condemning people who arrange or participate in Meeladun Nabi to an extent of considering them to be misguided and destined for hell.
Is it not ironic that a section of the community by opposing Meeladun Nabi celebrations cause disunity in the muslim ummah whereas the birth of this elevated personality is a blessing to all mankind and the universe?
The birth of Nabi Muhammad Mustafa, the chosen messenger of Allah is a great boon bestowed upon believers and mankind. For which we are obliged to express our deep gratitude and appreciation in all forms including Meeladun Nabi.
Khushali Mubarak!
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat