Eid Milad Un Nabi has always been a topic of discussion in Muslim world because of the difference of opinion of scholars on its significance and how it should be celebrated.
In Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Egypt and some parts of Africa this day is celebrated on 12th Rabi ul awal while in other parts of the Middle East & Africa majority of people don’t celebrate it as a religious ceremony.
Saudi Scholar Sheikh Muhammad Saalih Munajjid said that Muslims should avoid celebrations on this day as neither Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) nor any of his companions celebrated this day.
He emphasized that rather we should fast on Monday, the day on which Prophet Muhammad PBUH was born. It was the sunnah of Muhammad (PBUH) to fast on Monday, when asked he said:
[junkie-alert style=”green”] “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was entrusted with the Mission or when I was first given Revelation.” (Reported by Muslim, al-Nisaa’i and Abu Dawood). [/junkie-alert]
On the other hand Muhammad Ilyas Qadri, who is the founder of Dawat-e-Islami believes that Jashn Milad un Nabi reflects the attachment and love of Muslims towards their Prophet and it should be celebrated.
Similarly Tahir Ul Qadri wrote books clarifying evidences in support of celebrating this day. Under his supervision the biggest gathering of Eid e Milad un Nabi is held in Lahore each year which can be watched live through Minhaj TV.
Many classical scholars permitted celebrating such as Imam Ghazali and Imam Suyuti permitted it while others like Imam Taymiya and Imam Hajar Asqalani doesn’t propagated the celebrations but said if someone reads Quran and praises the Prophet with Naat and poetry then he will be rewarded for his intention and love of Prophet.
So rather than decoration and empty wishes on Eid milad ul nabi we should remember the sacrifices Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made for Islam. We should remember the message he brought and make pledge to follow his footsteps.
To do so we can hold seminars and conferences, should write essays and articles, meet and talk with people to remind the struggle and life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which is the best ideal for us to follow.
But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you [Muhammad] judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission.” [al-Nisaa’ 4:65]
