The Joyful Celebration ofProphet Muhammad’s birth

All the Muslims, relying upon clear proofs from the Qur`aan and the Sunnah celebrate the birth of the Prophet sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam at various points in the year. This is because the birth of the Prophet sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam can in fact be celebrated throughout the year. However, Muslims put more effort to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam during the month of Rabee^ul Awwal [February-March 2009]. This is because every year when the blessed month of Rabee^ul-Awwal appears, it brings with it the fragrant tones and memory of the honourable birth of the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam.

The birth of the last Prophet and the best of all creation, he was a beacon of light shining in the vast desert spreading throughout the world, sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam. His birth turned the sun scorched desert into a garden that leads to paradise, providing the world with the glittering brilliance of Islam, his message altered the course of the world from prevailing dungeons of ignorance into sparkling gardens of belief.

Those who followed his message were raised from the pits of sinfulness to the proud peaks of obedience. Those who genuinely follow his message shall be bestowed with the everlasting enjoyments of paradise. Celebrating the birth of our master Muhammad sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam is a sound, gratifying and a rewardable practice. It reflects our delight for the birth of the one whom Allah sent as a mercy to us. Among its merits are rewardable practices, such as joining with the other Muslims, remembering Allah, praising the Prophet sallallahu ^alayhi wa sallam and recalling the years of his honourable life and learning rich lessons from them, feeding the poor and reciting verses of the Qur`an.

In performing these and other good deeds, one is hopeful of being rewarded by Allah. The reputable scholars from the east to the west regard celebrating the mawlid (birth) as honourable, good and rewardable. Many of the scholars authored books to praise and highlight the legitimacy of this practice.