On the occasion of Eid-e-Milad un-Nabi (PBUH)
By: Dr. M.I.H. Farooqi
Muslims throughout India celebrate Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, popularly known as Eid-e-Milad un-Nabi, every year on 12th Day of the Month of Rabi ul Awwal (3rd month of the year according to Islamic Lunar Calendar.)
This day changes in Gregorian Calendar every year. Thus, this year Prophet’s Birthday falls on 28th Sept 2023
On the occasion of Eid e Milad un-Nabi, large meetings are organized where the Sirah (the life of the Prophet) is revisited, and Islamic Scholars remind the Ummah (Community) about the teachings of the Prophet for their benefit in this world and hereafter.
These meetings, popularly known as Milad or Mahfil e Milad continue with small gatherings throughout the month of Rabi ul Awwal.
In view of the fact that presently Muslims around the World lag behind in Education (knowledge), main cause of their sufferings, many Ulema (Islamic Scholars) exhort Muslims to acquire knowledge as directed by the Prophet. Indifference to Knowledge (Arabic – Ilm, singular; Uloom – plural) is the main cause for the decadence of Muslims.
There are a large number of Prophetic Traditions (Sayings) that encourage Muslims to acquire all types of knowledge from any corner of the world. The Hadith literature (Sayings of the Prophet) is also full of advice to the value of knowledge. Some such sayings of the Prophet are as follows:
“Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim (men or women)” (Source: Ibn Majah)
Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise. (Source: Sahih Muslim)
Verily, the angels lower their wings for the seeker of knowledge. (Source: Abī Dāwūd)
Hatred does not enter the heart of a Muslim (Source: Ibn Majah)
Verily, it is the duty of a student of knowledge to behave with dignity, tranquility, and reverence, and to follow the way of those who came before him. (Source: Jāmi’Bayān al-Ilm)
There is no envy but in two cases: a man whom Allah has given wealth, and he spends it rightly, and a man whom Allah has given wisdom (Knowledge), and he judges and teaches with it. (Source: Sahihal-Bukhārī)
When the human being dies, his deeds end except for three: ongoing charity (Sadqa e Jaria), beneficial knowledge (Ilm Nafe), or a righteous child who prays for him. (Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
It is not befitting for anyone with knowledge to give up learning. (Source:Jāmi’Bayān al-‘Ilm)
‘Knowledgeable man is more formidable against the Satan’ (Source: Ibn Majah)
“Seek knowledge though it may be as far as China” (Source: Ibn Majah)
The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the moon over all other heavenly bodies (Source: Ibn Majah)
The hand of Allah is over the united community. (Source: Al-Tirmidhi)
Verily, the only cure for ignorance is to ask questions. (Source: Abī Dāwūd)
Verily, the most hated man to Allah is the one who is ‘fiercest in argument.’ (Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
Whoever practices medicine without any prior knowledge of medicine will be held liable. (Source: Ibn Mājah)
“Wisdom (Knowledge) is the lost property of a Muslim; hence collect it from whoever you find it with” (Sourc: al-Tirmidhī)
“Give freedom to the prisoner (of war) if he teaches four Muslims to read and write” (Order of Prophet during early period of Islam) (Source: Al Bukhari)
“When a person dies, his deeds are cut off except for three: Continuing charity (Urdu –Sadaqa), knowledge that others benefited from (Urdu– Ilm Nafe), and a righteous son who supplicates for him.” (Source: Sahih Muslim)
These Prophetic Sayings (Traditions) echoed throughout the history of Islam and encouraged Muslims to seek knowledge. For a believer, life should be a “learning journey from cradle to grave” (Hadith).
Muslims prospered for almost ten centuries because they followed these injunctions. The rise of Muslims to the zenith of civilization was due to their thirst of worldly knowledge.
Their decline started when they considered religious knowledge as the only obligation for them and then abandoned the path of modernization.
If Muslims are to move towards Islamic renaissance, they must be fully accountable and be ready for self- appraisal. It is very important to harmonize Islam with the new scientific trend.
Islam is actually a religion of rationalism and is in accordance with nature. The World is rapidly changing. As a matter fact it has already changed Forever. Muslim Ummah has to work hard to meet the requirements of the new world.
If any Nation or Group of People are not allowed by their Masters to adapt to the new world order and keep them away from modern sciences, they face humiliation discrimination in society.
Unfortunately, Muslims consider their plight (poverty) as Divine Will, which is definitely an un-Islamic attitude. Remember, the Quran says: “Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change themselves” (Surah Raad; Verse 11)
Now the best way of celebrating Prophet Birthday (Milad un-Nabi) is to appeal to Muslims to acquire knowledge with electric speed for the resolution of all their problems. This is the best occasion for Muslims to “Say to Allah” (Pray to Allah)
”Oh My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.’’ (Surah 20, Verse 114)
