Intentions and Sunnah-Inspiring Guidelines for Celebrating Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ

1.     In cities, towns, villages, etc, the Nigran of every Area Mushawarat should hold great Sunnah-inspiring Ijtima sin different mosques daily for 12 days. Hold these Ijtimas in the houses of personages, shops of the devotees of the Holy Prophet, markets, factories, educational institutions, etc. as well. (Responsible Islamic sisters should hold Ijtimas at homes according to the method prescribed by the Madani Markaz.)

Lab par Na’t-e-Rasool-e-Akram hathaun mayn parcham

Diwanah Sarkar ka kitna piyara lagta hay

2.           Do Ghusl with good intentions in the evening of the 11th Rabi-ul-Awwal or in the night preceding 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal. Having the intention of paying this ‘Eid of Eids’ respect, if possible, buy new clothes, Imamah, kerchief, Islamic cap, a white shawl if you wish to wear it on the head, a chador for observing veil within veil, Miswak, handkerchief, footwear, Tasbeeh, an ‘Itr bottle, wristwatch, pen, Qufl-e-Madinah pad, etc, in fact, everything you use.(It is Mustahab to do Ghusl for Majlis-e-Milad and other religious Majalis. (Read ‘Laws of Salah’, page 115.) Islamic sisters are also persuaded to buy new things they use, whatever possible.)

Aayi nai hukumat sikkah naya chalay ga

‘Aalam nay rang badla subh-e-shab-e-wiladat

(Zauq-e-Na’t, pp. 95)

3.           Spend the night preceding 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal in Ijtima’-e-Milad, and welcome ‘The Dawn of Blessings’ with tearful eyes at the time of Subh-e-Sadiq, having Madani flags in your hands and reciting Salat and Salam upon the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم. After Fajr Salah, meet each other warmly by saying ‘Eid Mubarak’ after saying Salam; moreover, keep doing so the whole day.

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi to Eid ki bhi Eid hay

Bil-yaqeen hay Eid-e-Eidaan Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi

(Wasail-e-Bakhshish, pp. 380)

4.           The Beloved and Last Prophet of Allah, Muhammad-ur-Rasoolullah صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم, kept celebrating the day of his blessed birth by fasting on Mondays. Following the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم, you also fast on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal. Join a Milad procession, having a Madani flag in your hands; remain in the state of Wudu as long as possible. Recite Na’ts, and Salat and Salam upon the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم, and keep your gaze lowered while walking majestically. Do not give a chance of criticism to someone by causing commotion. (In a Milad procession, the responsible Islamic brothers of Dawat-e-Islami should chant only those slogans, or play only those Kalams in vehicles which have been released by the Madani Markaz.)

Rabi’—e-Pak tujh per Ahl-e-Sunnat kyun na qurban haun

Kay tayri Barhween tareekh woh Jan-e-Qamar aaya

(Qabalah-e-Bakhshish, pp. 37)

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْب! صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَى مُحَمَّد

Intentions of celebrating the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet ﷺ

The very first blessed Hadees of Bukhari Shareef is: إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ, i.e. actions are dependent upon intentions.

(Bukhari, vol. 1, pp. 5)

Remember! It is necessary to have good intention for every virtuous deed, otherwise you will not get reward. Likewise, for celebrating the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم, it is necessary to have the intention of gaining reward. For the intention of reward, it is a condition that an action is in conformity with Shari’ah and adorned with sincerity. If someone celebrates the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم for showing off and receiving praise, or if he makes the intention of reward but hurts Muslims or violates the rights of the public for this purpose, the intention of reward is useless; in fact, he is a sinner. The more good intentions you will make, the more reward you will receive. 16 intentions are being mentioned below but there are even more; the one who possesses the knowledge of intentions can add more intentions. From these, make those intentions which you can fulfil.

16 intentions of celebrating the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet ﷺ

1.                 I will proclaim and publicise well the greatest blessing of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ (i.e. the Last Prophet of Allah), thereby acting upon the following Quranic commandment:

وَأَمَّا بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثْ

And publicise well the bounty of your Lord.

[Kanz-ul-Iman (Translation of Quran)] (Surah Ad-Duha, verse 11)

2.                 To please Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, I will put up illuminations for celebrating the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم.

3.                 I will wave and hang flags by following the blessed act of Jibra’eel Ameen عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام of planting 3 flags on the honourable night of the blessed birth of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم.

4.                 I will manifest the honour and glory of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم to non-Muslims by celebrating the Prophet’s blessed birth with zest. (Many non-Muslims would probably be surprised [every year] at seeing illuminations and Madani flags all over [and would opine] that Muslims greatly love the blessed birth of their Prophet.)

5.                 In addition to visible illuminations and decorations, I will also adorn my spiritual self through repentance and Istighfar.

6.                 I will have the privilege of the Zikr of Allah and the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم by attending a Milad Ijtima on the night preceding 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal.

7.                 I will have the privilege of the Zikr of Allah and the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم by joining a Milad procession on the day of Eid Milad-un-Nabi صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم.

8.                 I will have the privilege of beholding Ulama [in the Milad procession].

9.                 I will have the privilege of beholding pious people [in the Milad procession].

10.             I will gain the blessings of the company of the devotees of the Holy Prophet [in the Milad procession].

11.             I will wear a turban in the Milad procession.

12.             I will remain in the state of Wudu as long as possible [in the Milad procession].

13.             I will not leave the ‘Salah in a congregation’ of a Masjid even during the Milad procession.

14.             I will distribute the religious booklets, etc. of Maktaba-tul-Madinah, even if less in number.

15.             I will make efforts and persuade at least 12 Islamic brothers to travel with Madani Qafilahs.

16.             In the Milad procession, as long as possible, I will try to attentively listen to Na’ts, and recite Salat and Salam upon the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم extensively by protecting my tongue from useless conversation and eyes from looking here and there unnecessarily.

O Rabb of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم! Bless us with the Taufeeq of celebrating the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم wholeheartedly with good intentions, and bless us with Jannat-ul-Firdaus without accountability by virtue of Jashn-e-Wiladat and also the neighbourhood of Your Beloved and Last Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم.

Wiladat ka sadaqah parosi banana

Shaha! Khuld mayn jab badkar aaey

(Wasail-e-Bakhshish (murammam) pp. 501)

 

امِیْن بِجَاهِ النَّبِیِّ الْاَمِیْن صَلَّی اللهُ عَلَیْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

صَلُّوا عَلَی الْحَبِیْب صَلَّی اللهُ عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

Attar’s Letter: 8 Madani Pearls for Celebrating Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ

Attar’s letter about celebrating Milad

(Request: This letter should be read out every year in the last weekly Ijtima’ of Safar-ul-Muzaffar. Islamic brothers and sisters can make changes as per need).

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

From Sag-e-Madinah Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qaadiri Razavi عَفَا عَنْهُ to all the devotees (Islamic brothers & sisters) of the Beloved Prophet:

اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِيْنَ عَلٰى كُلِّ حَالٍ

Tum bhi ker kay un ka charcha apnay dil chamkao

Ounchay mayn ouncha Nabi ka jhanda ghar ghar mayn lahrao

1.                 On the first night of Rabi’-ul-Awwal, make this announcement three times in all the Masajid: ‘Congratulations to all Islamic brothers and sisters. The moon of Rabi’-ul-Awwal has been sighted.’

Rabi’-un-Noor ummidaun ki dunya sath lay aaya

Du’aon ki qabuliyyat ko hathaun hath lay aaya

2.                 By virtue ofthe blessing of Rabi’-ul-Awal, Islamic brothers should make intention to grow one fist-length beard and Islamic sisters should make intention to observe Shar’i Pardah for good. (Man’s act of getting his beard shaved or trimmed less than a fist-length and woman’s act of not observing Pardah, – are both Haraam. It is necessary to give up these sins for ever after repenting of them immediately.)

Jhuk gaya Ka’bah sabhi but munh kay bal aundhay giray

Dab-dabah aamad ka tha, أَهْلًا وَسَهْلًا مَرْحَبًا

 (Wasail-e-Bakhshish, pp. 147)

3.                 An excellent formula for remaining steadfast in practising Sunnah and performing other virtuous deeds is that all devotees (Islamic brothers & Islamic sisters) of the Beloved Prophet should make self-accountability daily regarding the deeds which they perform every day. While making accountability they should fill out the booklets of Madani In’amaat and then submit them to the responsible Islamic brother of their area on the first of every lunar month. اِنْ شَآءَالله, they will become pious and true devotees of the Prophet.

Badliyan rahmat ki chaeen boondiyan rahmat ki aaeen

Ab muradayn dil ki pa`een aamad-e-Shah-e-Arab hay

(Qabalah-e-Bakhshish, pp. 337)

4.                 All the Islamic brothers including the responsible Islamic brothers of Dawat-e-Islami should make intention that they will attend weekly Madani Muzakarah and observe I’tikaf in the night of the weekly Sunnah-inspiring Ijtima. They should also intend that they will travel with the Madani Qafilah of learning and teaching Sunnahs for three days every month, for one month every year and at least for twelve months once in life. With the intention of conveying Sawab to the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم, all the devotees of the Prophet including Nigran and responsible Islamic brothers should travel with a Madani Qafilah for at least three days especially in this blessed month. They should also either give or listen to Dars in their homes daily. Islamic sisters should attend the Ijtima of Islamic sisters from beginning to end and should start giving Dars in their homes daily (only to the ladies and Maharim of their homes).

Mayn muballigh bano sunnaton ka,

khob charcha karon sunnaton ka

Ya Khuda! Dars don sunnaton ka

Ho karam! Bahr-e-Khaak-e-Madinah

(Wasail-e-Bakhshish (murammam) pp. 189)

5.                 Display 12 flags or at least one flag in your Masjid, home, shop, workplace, etc. from the moon sighting night of Rabi ul Sharif to 12ᵗʰ Rabi-ul-Awwal. Display Madani flags on buses, wagons, trucks, trolleys, taxis, rickshaws, horse carriages, etc. Display flags on your cycle, scooter and car. اِنْ شَآءَالله, there will be Madani flags everywhere. Usually, there are big pictures of living beings or useless couplets printed on the back of trucks. If possible, get it written on your conveyance: I love Dawat-e-Islami.

Attar’s Du’a: O Rub of Mustafa! Whoever gets it written or gets its sticker put, ‘I love Dawat-e-Islami.’ on his scooter, car, taxi, bus, truck, trailer, wagon, rikshaw, suzuki, etc. on the front or back or both sides, protect his vehicle from accident and forgive him without any accountability. May Allah Almighty accept this Du’a also for the one who persuades any van owner to do it.

Caution If a flag bears lettering or image of Na’layn (image of the blessed shoe-sole of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم), make sure that the flag neither tears nor falls on the ground. If there is a fear that a flag can be disrespected, do not display it. Further, as soon as the day of 12th Rabi’-ul-Awwal ends, remove all the flags and illuminations immediately. They should also be removed on time from Madani Marakiz Faizan-e-Madinah, Masajid of Dawat-e-Islami, Jami’a-tul-Madinah and from Madrasa-tul-Madinah (for boys and girls).

Nabi ka jhanda lay ker niklo dunya mayn chha jao

Nabi ka jhanda aman ka jhanda ghar ghar mayn lahrao

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْب! صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَى مُحَمَّد

6.                 Illuminate your home with 12 strings of lights or at least 12 bulbs. Moreover, decorate your area and your Masjid with lights for 12 days as per the customary practice. There are Masajid in some areas which are not decorated with lights for 12 days with the donation of Masjid. For decorating such Masajid with lights for 12 days, donation can be collected separately. Decorate your whole area with Madani flags and coloured bulbs. Display big flags (12 metres long or as suited) on the roof of your home and Masjid and on main squares etc. such that they may not hinder pedestrians and traffic in anyway and also make sure that public rights are not violated. Do not plant flags in the middle of the road as this will obstruct the traffic. Do not dig footpath in order to plant flags. Do not decorate streets etc. in a way which makes them narrow, hurts people and results in violation of public rights.

Mashriq-o-Maghrib mayn ik ik baam-e-Ka’bah per bhi ayk

Naseeb parcham ho gaya, أَهْلًا وَسَهْلًا مَرْحَبًا

 (Wasail-e-Bakhshish (murammam) pp. 146)

7.                 Every Islamic brother should distribute ‘religious booklets’ and ‘different pamphlets of Madani pearls’ published by Maktaba-tul-Madinah in Milad procession as many as possible; Islamic sisters should also have these distributed.

Similarly, spread ‘call to righteousness’ through the ‘distribution of booklets’ at your shops, etc. throughout the year. Moreover, make the ‘distribution of booklets’ in wedding ceremonies and ‘Ijtimas for Isal-e-Sawab’, and also for the Isal-e-Sawab of deceased Muslims; persuade others to do so as well. Everyone should have the privilege of reading or listening to weekly booklets, and should also make a booking for ‘Monthly Magazine Faizan-e-Madinah’ every year for the next 12 months.

Chaar so rahmaton ki hawa’yn chaleen

Ho ga’ie jis say saari Faza dil nasheen

Muskirao sabhi aa gaey hayn Nabi

Gham kay maro tumhari khushi kay liye

8.                 Distribute 112 pamphlets titled ‘Jashn-e-Wiladat kay 12 Madani Phool’ if possible, or at least 12, and also 12 booklets titled ‘The Dawn of Blessings’ if possible after purchasing them from Maktaba-tul-Madinah. Give these pamphlets and booklets especially to the leaders of those organisations that arrange for illuminations or Mahfil of Na’t or Milad procession in Rabi’-ul-Awwal. During Rabi’-ul-Awwal, Islamic brothers and Islamic sisters should make benefactions to a Sunni Aalim, Imam, Muazzin, or the Khadim of a Masjid, even if a little amount; if only you would have this privilege every month.

On the occasions of weddings, give a religious booklet published by Maktaba-tul-Madinah with the wedding invitation. Establish the tradition of gifting religious books and booklets in place of Eid cards so that the money spent also brings about religious benefit. Have a stall of Maktaba-tul-Madinah set up at your place at a wedding ceremony, or a sad occasion. Moreover, distribute Islamic books and booklets as many as possible amongst the guests.

Wiladat shah-e-deeb her khushi ki ba’is hay

Hazaar ‘Eid say bhaari hay barhiveen tareekh

(Zauq-e-Na’t, pp. 122)

12 Important Guidelines for Celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ

 1.                 Decorate your homes, Masajid, shops and vehicles with Madani flags for celebrating the blessed birth of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم. Do illuminations a lot. Illuminate your home with at least 12 bulbs. On the 12ᵗʰ night of Rabi-ul-Awwal, with the intention of gaining reward, attend the Ijtima’ of Milad. Welcome Subha Baharan (the dawn of blessings) with tearful eyes, raising your Madani flags and reciting Salat and Salam at dawn. If possible, observe fast on the 12ᵗʰ of Rabi’-ul-Awwal because our Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم would celebrate his birthday by observing fast on Mondays.

Sayyiduna Qatadah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ has said that the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم was asked as to why he fasted on Mondays. The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم replied, ‘I was born on this day and the revelation was sent to me on the same day.’

(Sahih Muslim, pp. 591, Hadees 198)

The commentator of Sahih Bukhari, Sayyiduna Imam Qastalani رَحْمَةُاللهِ عَلَيْه has said, ‘One of the proven boons of celebrating the blessed birth of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم is that there remains peace and safety throughout the year and wishes are soon fulfilled. May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ have mercy also on the one who celebrates the nights of the Milad month like Eid.’

(Al-Mawahib-ul-Ladunniyyah, vol. 1, pp. 148, summarised)

2.                 In the models of the Holy Ka’bah, the Tawaf of dolls are displayed at some places. This is a sin. In the era of ignorance, there were 360 idols in the Holy Ka’bah. The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم removed all the idols from the Holy Ka’bah after conquering Makkah. O devotees of the Prophet! Do not place dolls in the scenes of Tawaf either which are to be seen in the model of the Holy Ka’bah. However, there is no harm if plastic flowers are placed instead. (It is permissible to display the portrait of the real scene of Tawaf-e-Ka’bah in the home, Masjid etc. in which the faces of the people are not clearly visible. However, it is impermissible and a sin to display such a portrait in the home or shop in which the faces are clearly visible when we look at it while standing with the portrait being placed on the floor).

3.                 It is not permissible to put in decorated gates with the images of peacocks etc. on them. Read the following two blessed Ahadees regarding the condemnation of pictures of living beings and tremble with Divine fear:

i.                   The angels (of mercy) do not enter the home which has a picture or a dog in it.

(Sahih Bukhari, vol. 2, pp. 409, Hadees 3322)

ii.                 Whoever paints the picture (of a living being) will be tormented by Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ as long as he does not put soul in that picture and he will never be able to put soul into it.

(Sahih Bukhari, vol. 2, pp. 51, Hadees 2225)

4.                 At some places, songs and music are played in order to celebrate the blessed birth of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم. According to Shari’ah, it is a sin to do so. In this regard, two narrations are being mentioned below:

i.                   The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم has said, ‘I have been ordered to break the drum and the flute.’

(Firdaus-ul-Akhbar, vol. 1, pp. 483, Hadees 1612)

ii.                 Sayyiduna Dahhaak رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه has narrated: Music spoils the heart and displeases Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ.

(Tafsiraat-e-Ahmadiyyah, pp. 603)

5.                 You can arrange a gathering of Na’t or play recorded Na’ts, but take care of the time of Azan and Salah. Moreover, make sure that the sound of Na’t should not disturb the sick, infants and ordinary people. (It is forbidden as per Sharia to play Na’ts recited by women if the sound of the Na’ts is heard by Non-Maharim.)

6.                 It is not permissible to decorate roads or streets etc. or plant flags in such a way that causes inconvenience to passersby or to those who are driving.

7.                 Women’s act of coming out of their homes in order to see illuminations without observing Pardah are shameless and Haraam. Further, even when Purdah-observing women intermingle with men as can be seen today, it is extremely shocking. Moreover, it is also impermissible to use electricity illegally. Therefore, do illuminations in a permissible way after contacting the electricity department.

8.                 In the Milad procession, try to remain in Wudu as long as possible. Offer Salah with Jama’at. The devotees of the Prophet do not miss Jama’at.

9.                 Avoid bringing horse-drawn carts and camel-drawn carts etc. in the procession as their urine or dung may cause the clothes of devotees to become impure.

10.             During the procession, distribute as many booklets, pamphlets and VCDs/DVDs of Sunnah-inspiring speeches released by Maktaba-tul-Madinah, as you can. Further, while distributing fruits, grains, etc. give them in the hands of the people instead of throwing them to the people.

Fruits and other things are disrespected if they fall and scatter on the ground and then they are trampled underfoot.

11.             Chanting provocative slogans may disperse the great Milad procession. It is good for you to stay calm and peaceful.

12.             Neither get emotional nor try to retaliate if you face stone pelting as it may disperse the procession which your enemy desires.

Ghunchay chatkhay phool mahkay her taraf aa’ie bahaar

Ho gayi Subh-e-Baharan Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi

(Wasail-e-Bakhshish, pp. 380)

The Noor and Spiritual Blessings of Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ

3. Shower of Noor

On the day of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (1417 A.H.), in the afternoon after Zuhr Salah like every year, the Milad procession led by the Nazimabad Halqah of Dawat-e-Islami, Karachi, was making its way through streets and roads chanting the slogans ‘Marhaba and Marhaba Ya Mustafa صَلَّی اللّٰهُ عَلَیْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.’ The procession stopped at many places in order to present the call towards righteousness. Meanwhile, at one place, a ten-year-old child presented the call towards righteousness. After the Bayan (speech), a person stood up and reached Nigran Halqah. In an emotional state he said: ‘During the Bayan, I saw that Noor was showering down on the attendees of the procession including your child Muballigh (preacher). I am a non-Muslim. Please make me Muslim.’ The slogan ‘Marhaba’ started to be chanted more enthusiastically. Having seen the greatness of the Milad procession and blessed Madani Bahar of Dawat-e-Islami, Satan lost his senses. After embracing Islam that person said that اِنْ شَآءَ اللّٰه he would invite his family members to embrace Islam. He did the same and by virtue of the blessing of his efforts, his wife, three children and his father embraced Islam.

Eid Milad-un-Nabi hay dil barra masroor hay

Her taraf hay shadmani ranj-o-gham kafoor hay

Her malak hay shadman khush aaj her ik Hoor hay

Han magar Shaytan ma’ rufaqa barra ranjoor hay

(Wasail-e-Bakhshish (amended), pp. 483)

صَلُّوا عَلَى الْحَبِيْب صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَى مُحَمَّد

4. One can behold the Prophet even today

A devotee of the Beloved Prophet has stated: An Ijtima’ of Milad was held in the night preceding 12ᵗʰ Rabi’-ul-Awwal by Dawat-e-Islami at Kakri ground, Karachi. Few Islamic brothers and I also attended the Ijtima. During the conversation, an Islamic brother started saying, ‘The Ijtima’ of Milad of Dawat-e-Islami used to be very inspiring, but it’s not so impressive now.’ On hearing that, another Islamic brother said, ‘My friend! You are wrong! The Ijtima’ of Milad is still the same, but the state of our hearts is not like before. How can the Zikr of Rasool change! Our mentality has changed! Even today, instead of making criticism if we listen to Na’ts engrossing ourselves in the Tasawwur of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم, we will be blessed اِنْ شَآءَالله.’

The first Islamic brother’s unfounded objection based on satanic whispers could cause other Islamic brothers to lose their interest in the Ijtima’ and go home, but the second Islamic brother’s reply was very appropriate. His reply was something that made other Islamic brothers wake up to the fact and it made Satan run away too. That correct reply had a great effect on the heart of the narrator of the Madani parable. He plucked up courage and sat in the middle of the Ijtima of Milad with devotees of the Prophet and began to listen to Na’ts fondly.

The beautiful time of dawn came near and all the Islamic brothers stood up to welcome the dawn of blessings. The attendees of the Ijtima were in ecstasy. The calls ‘Marhaba’ (welcome) could be heard from every direction. Salat and Salam were being recited upon the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم. There were tears in the eyes of the devotees of the Prophet. People were weeping everywhere in the Ijtima’. He was also in ecstasy. He saw very tiny drops and light drizzle falling on the Ijtima’. It seemed as if the entire Ijtima’ had been having a bath with the rain of mercy. After closing eyes and engrossing himself in the beautiful Tasawwur of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم he became busy reciting Salat and Salam. All of a Sudden, the eyes of his heart opened and he said, ‘I am truly speaking that the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم, whose Milad was being celebrated, had mercy on me and allowed me to behold him; اَلْحَمْدُلِلّٰه, I was fully satisfied after beholding the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم.

The Islamic brother surely spoke the truth when he said: The Ijtima’ of Milad held by Dawat-e-Islami is always touching, but it is the state of our heart that has changed. If we are right, then even today, we can behold the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ وَسَلَّم.

Aankh wala tayray joban ka tamasha daykhay

Deedah-e-Kor ko kiya aaey nazar kiya daykhay

Koi aaya pa kay chala gaya, koi ‘umar bhar bhi na pa saka

Yeh baray karam kay hayn fayslay, yeh baray naseeb ki baat hay

The blessed accounts of Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ remind us of the immense love, devotion, and spiritual blessings associated with remembering the birth of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ. These inspiring incidents emphasize that a gathering of Milad is not merely a social occasion; rather, it can become a means of awakening hearts, encouraging righteous deeds, and strengthening love for the Holy Prophet ﷺ.

Key lessons from these accounts:

1.     Milad inspires love: Remembering the blessed birth of the Holy Prophet ﷺ increases devotion and affection for him in the hearts of Muslims.

2.     A means of guidance: The account of a non-Muslim embracing Islam after witnessing the Milad procession illustrates how beautiful Islamic environments and sincere preaching can inspire people towards Islam.

3.     Spread goodness: The ten-year-old Muballigh teaches us that even children can participate in conveying the message of righteousness according to their ability.

4.     Spiritual transformation: Attending a blessed gathering can motivate a person to offer Salah regularly, avoid sins, adopt Sunnahs, and improve his character.

5.     Purify the heart: The account of the Milad gathering teaches that the spiritual benefit of an Islamic gathering is greatly influenced by the condition and sincerity of one's heart.

6.     Recite Salat and Salam: Increasing Salat and Salam upon the Holy Prophet ﷺ is a beautiful way to express love and devotion.

7.     Avoid negative thoughts: Instead of criticizing religious gatherings, a person should examine his own heart and intentions and try to participate with sincerity and respect.

8.     Seek Allah's pleasure: The ultimate purpose of every righteous gathering should be to gain the pleasure of Allah عزوجل and strengthen one's connection with His Beloved Prophet ﷺ.

May Allah عزوجل bless us with sincere love for the Holy Prophet ﷺ, enable us to attend righteous gatherings, act upon the Sunnah, and make our hearts a source of goodness and guidance for others. Ameen.