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wa 'alaikum 'alaikum assalaam,
Below is a very informative and eye-opening article by Mufti Taqi Usmani sb(Damat Barkaatahum).



http://www.albalagh.net/general/rabi-ul-awwal.shtml
Rabi'ul-Awwal

By Mufti Taqi Usmani
- From Superstitions into Light
- Islamic Celebrations
- No Birthdays
- The Origins of Christmas
- Original Islamic Resources
- What is Wrong with These Celebrations
- The Transformation of Christmas
- The Religion is Complete
- Disagreement About Date
- Contemporary Seerah Meetings and Shariah
- Real Message of Seerah
From Superstitions into Light
Rabi'ul-Awwal is the most significant month in the Islamic history, because humanity has been blessed in this month by the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Before the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, not only the Arabian peninsula, but also the so-called civilized nations of Rome and Persia were drowned in the darkness of ignorance, superstitions, oppression and unrest. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, came with the eternal truth of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah), the only faith which provides a firm basis for the real concepts of knowledge, equity and peace. It was this faith which delivered humanity from ignorance and superstitions and spread the light of true knowledge all over the world.
Back to Top
Islamic Celebrations
Thus the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was the most significant and the most remarkable event in human history. Had there been room in Islamic teachings for the celebration of birthdays or anniversaries, the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, would have undoubtedly deserved it more than the birthday of any other person. But that is against the nature of Islamic teachings. That is why, unlike Judaism, Christianity, and Hinduism, there are very few festivals in Islam, which provides for only two Eids(Eidul-fitr and Eidul-Adha) during the whole year. The dates of these two Eids do not correspond to the birthday of any of the outstanding persons of Islamic history, nor can their origin be attributed to any particular event of history that had happened in these dates.
Both of these two Eids have been prescribed for paying gratitude to Allah on some happy events that take place every year. The first event is the completion of the fasts of Ramadan and the second event is the completion of Hajj, another form of worship regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam.
The manner prescribed for the celebration of these two Eids(festivals) is also different from non-Islamic festivals. There are no formal processions, illumination or other activities showing formal happiness. On the contrary, there are congregational prayers and informal mutual visits to each other, which can give real happiness instead of its symbols only.
Back to Top
No Birthdays
On the other hand, Islam has not prescribed any festival for the birthday of any person, however great or significant he may be. The prophets of Allah are the persons of the highest status amongst all human beings. But the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, or his noble companions never observed the birthday or anniversary of any of them. Even the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, which was the most happy day for the whole mankind was never celebrated by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself, nor by his blessed Companions.
The Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, remained alive after him for about a century, but despite their unparalleled and profound love towards the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, they never celebrated the birthday or the death anniversary of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Instead, they devoted their lives for promoting the cause of Islam, for bringing his teachings into practice, for conveying his message to the four corners of the world and for establishing the Islamic order in every walk of life.
Back to Top
The Origins of Christmas
In fact, commemorating the birth of a distinguished person has never been prescribed by any religion attributing itself to divine revelation. It was originally a custom prevalent in pagan communities only. Even Christmas, the famous Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ finds no mention in the Bible or in the early Christian writings. It was only in the 4th century after the ascension of Jesus Christ that Christmas was recognized as a regular Christian feast. To quote the Collier's Encyclopedia:
"It is impossible to determine the exact date of the birth of Christ, either from the evidence of the gospels, or from any sound tradition. During the first three centuries of the Christian era there was considerable opposition in the Church to the pagan custom of celebrating birthdays, although there is some indication that a purely religious commemoration of the birth of Christ was included in the feast of Epiphany. Clement of Alexandria mentions the existence of the feast in Egypt about the year A.D. 200 and we have some evidence that it was observed on various dates in scattered areas. After the triumph of Constantine, the Church at Rome assigned December 25 as the date for the celebration of the feast, possibly about A.D. 320 or 353. By the end of the fourth century the whole Christian world was celebrating Christmas on that day, with the exception of the Eastern Churches, where it was celebrated on January 6. The choice of December 25 was probably influenced by the fact that on this day the Romans celebrated the Mithraic feast of the Sun-god, and that the Saturnalia also came at this time." (Collier's Encyclopedia 1984 ed, v. 6, p. 403).
A similar description of the origin of Christmas is found in-the Encyclopedia Britannica with some more details. Its following passage will throw more light on the point:
"Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church, and before the 5th century there was no general consensus of opinion as to when it should come in the calendar, whether on Jan. 6, March 25 or Dec. 25. The earliest identification of Dec. 25 with the birthday of Christ is in a passage, otherwise unknown and probably spurious, of the philos of Antioch (c.180), preserved in Latin by the Magdeburyg centuriators (i, 3, 118), to the effect that the Gauls contended that since they celebrated the birth of Lord on Dec. 25, so they ought to celebrate the resurrection on March 25. A passage, almost certainly interpolated, in 'Hippelates' (c. 202) commentary on Daniel iv, 23, says that Jesus was born at Bethlehem on Wednesday, Dec. 25, in the 42nd year of Augustus, but he mentions no feast, and such a feast, indeed, would conflict with the then orthodox ideas. As late as 245, Origin (hem. viii on Leviticus) repudiated the idea of keeping the birthday of Christ "as if he were a king Pharaoh". (Britannica, 1953 ed. v. 5, p.642)
These two quotes are more than sufficient to prove the following points:
1. The commemoration of birthdays was originally a pagan custom, never recognized by a divine scripture or prophetic teaching.
2. The exact date of the Birth of Sayyidna 'Isa is unknown and impossible to be ascertained.
3. The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ was not a recognized practice in the early centuries of the Christian history.
4. It was in the 4th or 5th century that it was recognized as a religious feast, and that, too, under the influence of the pagans who worshipped Sun-god.
5. There was a strong opposition against the commemorating of the birthday by the early Christian scholars like Origin, on the ground that it is originally a custom of pagans and idolaters.
Back to Top
Original Islamic Resources
In original Islamic resources, also we cannot find any instruction about the celebration of birthdays or death anniversaries. Many Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, passed away during his life-time. His beloved wife Sayyidah Khadijah, Radi-Allahu anha, passed away in Makkah. His beloved uncle Sayyidna Hamzah, Radi-Allahu anhu was brutally slaughtered during the battle of Uhud. But the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, never observed their birthday or their death anniversaries, nor did he ever advise his followers to celebrate his own birthday in Rabi'ul-Awwal.
Back to Top
What is Wrong with These Celebrations
The reason for abstinence from such celebrations is that they divert the attention of people from the real teachings of Islam towards the observance of some formal activities only. Initially, these celebrations may begin with utmost piety and with a bona fide intention to pay homage to a pious person. Yet, the experience shows that the celebration is ultimately mixed up with an element of merrymaking and rejoicing and is generally confused with secular festivals and the secular, and often sinful, activities creep into it gradually.
Back to Top
The Transformation of Christmas
The example of Christmas will again be relevant. This Christian feast was originally innovated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and, of course, to remember his teachings. But once the occasion had been recognized as a feast, all the secular elements of public festivals crept in. The following quotation from the Encyclopedia Britannia is worth attention:
"For several centuries Christmas was solely a church anniversary observed by religious services. But as Christianity spread among the people of pagan lands, many of the practices of the winter solstice were blended with those of Christianity because of the liberal ruling of Gregory I, the great, and the cooperation of the missionaries. Thus, Christmas became both religious and secular in its celebration, at times reverent, at others gay."
Then, what kind of activities have been adopted to celebrate Christmas is mentioned in the next paragraphs of which the following quote is more pertinent here:
"Merrymaking came to have a share in Christmas observance through popular enthusiasm even while emphasis was on the religious phase. ... In the wholly decked great halls of the feudal lords, whose hospitality extended to all their friends, tenants and household, was sailing, feasting, singing and games, dancing, masquerading and mummers presenting pantomimes and masques were all part of the festivities." (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1953 v. 5, p. 643)
This is enough to show as to how an apparently innocent feast of reverence was converted into a secular festival where the merrymaking and seeking enjoyment by whatever means took preference over all the religious and spiritual activities.
Being fully aware of this human psychology, Islam has never prescribed, nor encouraged the observance of birthdays and anniversaries, and when such celebrations are observed as a part of the religion, they are totally forbidden.
Back to Top
The Religion is Complete
The Holy Qur'an has clearly pronounced on the occasion of the last Hajj of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam: "Today, I have completed the teachings of your religion." [Al-Maida 5:3]
It means that all the teachings of Islam were communicated to the Muslims through the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. No one is allowed after it to add any thing to them as a part of religion. What was not a part of religion during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, can never become part of it. Such additions are termed by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, as Bid'ah or innovation.
Thus, the observance of the 12th of Rabi'ul-Awwal as a religious feast is not warranted by any verse of the Holy Qur'an or by any teaching of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Had it been a part of the religion it would have been clearly ordered or practiced by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and his blessed companions or, at least, by their immediate pupils. But no example of the celebration of the occasion can be traced out in the early centuries of the Islamic history. It was after many centuries [Albalagh Note: According to Maulana Yusuf Ludhinavi it was in the year 604 A.H.] that some monarchs started observing the 12th of Rabi'ul-Awwal as the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, without a sound religious basis, and the congregations in the name of Maulood or Milad were held where the history of the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to be narrated.
Back to Top
Disagreement About the Date
The observance of the 12th of this month as the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is not only an innovation having no basis in the Islamic teachings, but the accuracy of this date as the real birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is also very much doubted. There are different dates suggested in different traditions, and the majority of the authentic scholars is inclined to hold that the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was born on the 9th of Rabi'ul-Awwal. This difference of opinion is another evidence to prove that the observance of the birthday is not a part of the religion, otherwise its exact date would have been preserved with accuracy.
The life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is, no doubt, the most important source of guidance for all the Muslims, and every Muslim is under an obligation to learn and study the events of his life, and to follow the practical example set by him in every sphere of life. The narration of his pious biography (the Seerah) in itself is a pious act, which invites the divine blessings, but the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah have not prescribed a particular time or method for it. This pious act should be performed in all the months and at all the times. The month of Rabi'ul-Awwal has not been designated by the Shariah as a special season for holding such congregations to commemorate the birth or life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is thus an innovation (Bid'ah) to restrict the Seerah meetings to the month of Rabi'ul Awwal only, or to believe that the meetings held in this month are worthy of more reward than the meetings held on any other date during the year. In fact, the Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to commemorate the life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, throughout the year, not only by studying and conveying his message to others, but also by following his way of life and acting upon his teachings in each and every branch of their activities, and this is exactly what a Muslim is required and supposed to do.
By this we do not mean that the Seerah meetings should not be held in the month of Rabi'ul-Awwal. The point is only that they should not be restricted to it, nor should it be believed that the Shariah has laid any kind of emphasis on holding such meetings in this particular month.
Another point that should always be kept in mind while holding such meetings is that they must be in complete conformity with the rules of Shariah. A Muslim is supposed to abide by the rules of Shariah in all his activities. But at least the meetings held in the memory of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, should be free from all the acts forbidden by the Shariah.
Back to Top
Contemporary Seerah Meetings and Shariah
It is often observed, especially in the Western countries, that the people hold the Seerah meetings where men and women sit together without observing the rules of hijab prescribed by the Shariah. The teachings of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, are obviously against such mixed gatherings. How can a Seerah meeting bring fruits where such fundamental teachings of the Shariah are openly violated?
In some meetings the Na'ts (poems) in the memory of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, are recited by the women before the male audience, sometimes with music, which is totally against the instructions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is clearly prohibited by the Shariah to hold such meetings or to participate in them, because it is not only a violation of the Shariah rules, but it is an affront to the sanctity of the Seerah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.
All other activities, often practiced on the twelfth of Rabi'ul-Awwal, like holding processions, constructing the mock tombs of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and illumination of the buildings and the roads are not warranted by any rule of the Shariah. Rather they are based on conscious or unconscious imitation of certain other religions. No example of such activities can be traced out from the earlier Islamic history.
Back to Top
Real Message of Seerah
What is really important with regard to the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is, first, to follow his teachings, and second to make his pious Seerah available to every Muslim, to preserve it in the hearts of the Muslims from the very childhood, to educate the family members to run their lives according to it and to hold it as the most glorious example of the human conduct the universe has ever witnessed -- and all this with utmost love and reverence, not manifested by some formal activities only, but also through actual behavior of following the Sunnah. This cannot be done by merely holding processions and illuminating the walls. This requires constant and consistent efforts and a meaningful program of education and training.
Back to Top

[santorio]

Assalaamu alaykum

Colonel Saheb, here in South Africa a similar trend has developed over the years where during the month of Rabi al Awwal these Seerah Jalsas take place (not specific to the 12th). Most, if not all, Deobandi Masjid have these and very senior scholars take part. Many times it will just be a lecture after say Maghrib and thats it, sometimes naats, etc

Many times I have thought that these are not in line. Your thoughts. Shukran

[tinetttstation]

wa 'alaikum 'alaikum assalaam,
Below is a very informative and eye-opening article by Mufti Taqi Usmani sb(Damat Barkaatahum).



http://www.albalagh.net/general/rabi-ul-awwal.shtml
Rabi'ul-Awwal

By Mufti Taqi Usmani
- From Superstitions into Light
- Islamic Celebrations
- No Birthdays
- The Origins of Christmas
- Original Islamic Resources
- What is Wrong with These Celebrations
- The Transformation of Christmas
- The Religion is Complete
- Disagreement About Date
- Contemporary Seerah Meetings and Shariah
- Real Message of Seerah
From Superstitions into Light
Rabi'ul-Awwal is the most significant month in the Islamic history, because humanity has been blessed in this month by the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Before the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, not only the Arabian peninsula, but also the so-called civilized nations of Rome and Persia were drowned in the darkness of ignorance, superstitions, oppression and unrest. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, came with the eternal truth of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah), the only faith which provides a firm basis for the real concepts of knowledge, equity and peace. It was this faith which delivered humanity from ignorance and superstitions and spread the light of true knowledge all over the world.
Back to Top
Islamic Celebrations
Thus the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was the most significant and the most remarkable event in human history. Had there been room in Islamic teachings for the celebration of birthdays or anniversaries, the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, would have undoubtedly deserved it more than the birthday of any other person. But that is against the nature of Islamic teachings. That is why, unlike Judaism, Christianity, and Hinduism, there are very few festivals in Islam, which provides for only two Eids(Eidul-fitr and Eidul-Adha) during the whole year. The dates of these two Eids do not correspond to the birthday of any of the outstanding persons of Islamic history, nor can their origin be attributed to any particular event of history that had happened in these dates.
Both of these two Eids have been prescribed for paying gratitude to Allah on some happy events that take place every year. The first event is the completion of the fasts of Ramadan and the second event is the completion of Hajj, another form of worship regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam.
The manner prescribed for the celebration of these two Eids(festivals) is also different from non-Islamic festivals. There are no formal processions, illumination or other activities showing formal happiness. On the contrary, there are congregational prayers and informal mutual visits to each other, which can give real happiness instead of its symbols only.
Back to Top
No Birthdays
On the other hand, Islam has not prescribed any festival for the birthday of any person, however great or significant he may be. The prophets of Allah are the persons of the highest status amongst all human beings. But the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, or his noble companions never observed the birthday or anniversary of any of them. Even the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, which was the most happy day for the whole mankind was never celebrated by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself, nor by his blessed Companions.
The Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, remained alive after him for about a century, but despite their unparalleled and profound love towards the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, they never celebrated the birthday or the death anniversary of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Instead, they devoted their lives for promoting the cause of Islam, for bringing his teachings into practice, for conveying his message to the four corners of the world and for establishing the Islamic order in every walk of life.
Back to Top
The Origins of Christmas
In fact, commemorating the birth of a distinguished person has never been prescribed by any religion attributing itself to divine revelation. It was originally a custom prevalent in pagan communities only. Even Christmas, the famous Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ finds no mention in the Bible or in the early Christian writings. It was only in the 4th century after the ascension of Jesus Christ that Christmas was recognized as a regular Christian feast. To quote the Collier's Encyclopedia:
"It is impossible to determine the exact date of the birth of Christ, either from the evidence of the gospels, or from any sound tradition. During the first three centuries of the Christian era there was considerable opposition in the Church to the pagan custom of celebrating birthdays, although there is some indication that a purely religious commemoration of the birth of Christ was included in the feast of Epiphany. Clement of Alexandria mentions the existence of the feast in Egypt about the year A.D. 200 and we have some evidence that it was observed on various dates in scattered areas. After the triumph of Constantine, the Church at Rome assigned December 25 as the date for the celebration of the feast, possibly about A.D. 320 or 353. By the end of the fourth century the whole Christian world was celebrating Christmas on that day, with the exception of the Eastern Churches, where it was celebrated on January 6. The choice of December 25 was probably influenced by the fact that on this day the Romans celebrated the Mithraic feast of the Sun-god, and that the Saturnalia also came at this time." (Collier's Encyclopedia 1984 ed, v. 6, p. 403).
A similar description of the origin of Christmas is found in-the Encyclopedia Britannica with some more details. Its following passage will throw more light on the point:
"Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church, and before the 5th century there was no general consensus of opinion as to when it should come in the calendar, whether on Jan. 6, March 25 or Dec. 25. The earliest identification of Dec. 25 with the birthday of Christ is in a passage, otherwise unknown and probably spurious, of the philos of Antioch (c.180), preserved in Latin by the Magdeburyg centuriators (i, 3, 118), to the effect that the Gauls contended that since they celebrated the birth of Lord on Dec. 25, so they ought to celebrate the resurrection on March 25. A passage, almost certainly interpolated, in 'Hippelates' (c. 202) commentary on Daniel iv, 23, says that Jesus was born at Bethlehem on Wednesday, Dec. 25, in the 42nd year of Augustus, but he mentions no feast, and such a feast, indeed, would conflict with the then orthodox ideas. As late as 245, Origin (hem. viii on Leviticus) repudiated the idea of keeping the birthday of Christ "as if he were a king Pharaoh". (Britannica, 1953 ed. v. 5, p.642)
These two quotes are more than sufficient to prove the following points:
1. The commemoration of birthdays was originally a pagan custom, never recognized by a divine scripture or prophetic teaching.
2. The exact date of the Birth of Sayyidna 'Isa is unknown and impossible to be ascertained.
3. The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ was not a recognized practice in the early centuries of the Christian history.
4. It was in the 4th or 5th century that it was recognized as a religious feast, and that, too, under the influence of the pagans who worshipped Sun-god.
5. There was a strong opposition against the commemorating of the birthday by the early Christian scholars like Origin, on the ground that it is originally a custom of pagans and idolaters.
Back to Top
Original Islamic Resources
In original Islamic resources, also we cannot find any instruction about the celebration of birthdays or death anniversaries. Many Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, passed away during his life-time. His beloved wife Sayyidah Khadijah, Radi-Allahu anha, passed away in Makkah. His beloved uncle Sayyidna Hamzah, Radi-Allahu anhu was brutally slaughtered during the battle of Uhud. But the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, never observed their birthday or their death anniversaries, nor did he ever advise his followers to celebrate his own birthday in Rabi'ul-Awwal.
Back to Top
What is Wrong with These Celebrations
The reason for abstinence from such celebrations is that they divert the attention of people from the real teachings of Islam towards the observance of some formal activities only. Initially, these celebrations may begin with utmost piety and with a bona fide intention to pay homage to a pious person. Yet, the experience shows that the celebration is ultimately mixed up with an element of merrymaking and rejoicing and is generally confused with secular festivals and the secular, and often sinful, activities creep into it gradually.
Back to Top
The Transformation of Christmas
The example of Christmas will again be relevant. This Christian feast was originally innovated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and, of course, to remember his teachings. But once the occasion had been recognized as a feast, all the secular elements of public festivals crept in. The following quotation from the Encyclopedia Britannia is worth attention:
"For several centuries Christmas was solely a church anniversary observed by religious services. But as Christianity spread among the people of pagan lands, many of the practices of the winter solstice were blended with those of Christianity because of the liberal ruling of Gregory I, the great, and the cooperation of the missionaries. Thus, Christmas became both religious and secular in its celebration, at times reverent, at others gay."
Then, what kind of activities have been adopted to celebrate Christmas is mentioned in the next paragraphs of which the following quote is more pertinent here:
"Merrymaking came to have a share in Christmas observance through popular enthusiasm even while emphasis was on the religious phase. ... In the wholly decked great halls of the feudal lords, whose hospitality extended to all their friends, tenants and household, was sailing, feasting, singing and games, dancing, masquerading and mummers presenting pantomimes and masques were all part of the festivities." (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1953 v. 5, p. 643)
This is enough to show as to how an apparently innocent feast of reverence was converted into a secular festival where the merrymaking and seeking enjoyment by whatever means took preference over all the religious and spiritual activities.
Being fully aware of this human psychology, Islam has never prescribed, nor encouraged the observance of birthdays and anniversaries, and when such celebrations are observed as a part of the religion, they are totally forbidden.
Back to Top
The Religion is Complete
The Holy Qur'an has clearly pronounced on the occasion of the last Hajj of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam: "Today, I have completed the teachings of your religion." [Al-Maida 5:3]
It means that all the teachings of Islam were communicated to the Muslims through the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. No one is allowed after it to add any thing to them as a part of religion. What was not a part of religion during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, can never become part of it. Such additions are termed by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, as Bid'ah or innovation.
Thus, the observance of the 12th of Rabi'ul-Awwal as a religious feast is not warranted by any verse of the Holy Qur'an or by any teaching of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Had it been a part of the religion it would have been clearly ordered or practiced by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and his blessed companions or, at least, by their immediate pupils. But no example of the celebration of the occasion can be traced out in the early centuries of the Islamic history. It was after many centuries [Albalagh Note: According to Maulana Yusuf Ludhinavi it was in the year 604 A.H.] that some monarchs started observing the 12th of Rabi'ul-Awwal as the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, without a sound religious basis, and the congregations in the name of Maulood or Milad were held where the history of the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to be narrated.
Back to Top
Disagreement About the Date
The observance of the 12th of this month as the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is not only an innovation having no basis in the Islamic teachings, but the accuracy of this date as the real birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is also very much doubted. There are different dates suggested in different traditions, and the majority of the authentic scholars is inclined to hold that the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was born on the 9th of Rabi'ul-Awwal. This difference of opinion is another evidence to prove that the observance of the birthday is not a part of the religion, otherwise its exact date would have been preserved with accuracy.
The life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is, no doubt, the most important source of guidance for all the Muslims, and every Muslim is under an obligation to learn and study the events of his life, and to follow the practical example set by him in every sphere of life. The narration of his pious biography (the Seerah) in itself is a pious act, which invites the divine blessings, but the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah have not prescribed a particular time or method for it. This pious act should be performed in all the months and at all the times. The month of Rabi'ul-Awwal has not been designated by the Shariah as a special season for holding such congregations to commemorate the birth or life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is thus an innovation (Bid'ah) to restrict the Seerah meetings to the month of Rabi'ul Awwal only, or to believe that the meetings held in this month are worthy of more reward than the meetings held on any other date during the year. In fact, the Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to commemorate the life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, throughout the year, not only by studying and conveying his message to others, but also by following his way of life and acting upon his teachings in each and every branch of their activities, and this is exactly what a Muslim is required and supposed to do.
By this we do not mean that the Seerah meetings should not be held in the month of Rabi'ul-Awwal. The point is only that they should not be restricted to it, nor should it be believed that the Shariah has laid any kind of emphasis on holding such meetings in this particular month.
Another point that should always be kept in mind while holding such meetings is that they must be in complete conformity with the rules of Shariah. A Muslim is supposed to abide by the rules of Shariah in all his activities. But at least the meetings held in the memory of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, should be free from all the acts forbidden by the Shariah.
Back to Top
Contemporary Seerah Meetings and Shariah
It is often observed, especially in the Western countries, that the people hold the Seerah meetings where men and women sit together without observing the rules of hijab prescribed by the Shariah. The teachings of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, are obviously against such mixed gatherings. How can a Seerah meeting bring fruits where such fundamental teachings of the Shariah are openly violated?
In some meetings the Na'ts (poems) in the memory of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, are recited by the women before the male audience, sometimes with music, which is totally against the instructions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is clearly prohibited by the Shariah to hold such meetings or to participate in them, because it is not only a violation of the Shariah rules, but it is an affront to the sanctity of the Seerah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.
All other activities, often practiced on the twelfth of Rabi'ul-Awwal, like holding processions, constructing the mock tombs of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and illumination of the buildings and the roads are not warranted by any rule of the Shariah. Rather they are based on conscious or unconscious imitation of certain other religions. No example of such activities can be traced out from the earlier Islamic history.
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Real Message of Seerah
What is really important with regard to the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is, first, to follow his teachings, and second to make his pious Seerah available to every Muslim, to preserve it in the hearts of the Muslims from the very childhood, to educate the family members to run their lives according to it and to hold it as the most glorious example of the human conduct the universe has ever witnessed -- and all this with utmost love and reverence, not manifested by some formal activities only, but also through actual behavior of following the Sunnah. This cannot be done by merely holding processions and illuminating the walls. This requires constant and consistent efforts and a meaningful program of education and training.
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and here is the opposite view, for discussion insha Allah and not criticism:

http://www.livingislam.org/n/tufm_e.html

WS

[tinetttstation]

[QUOTE=Colonel_Hardstone;570556]:

Shaykh (Maulana) Yaqoob Qasmi (HA): There is nothing in this issue. Did Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA) conduct and organise these conferences and Majalis? Can we claim more love to Rasul-ullah then him.

[QUOTE]

Some would argue that this is precisely the reason why we need these Seerah conferences, in order to instill this love of Rasullullah (SAW) in us because we don't love Rasulullah (SAW) the way in which Abu Bakr and the other companions did.

Reminders benefit the believers, and what better time to remind people about their Prophet (SAW)!!!

[FallJimerks]

:...Shaykh (Maulana) Yaqoob Qasmi (HA): There is nothing in this issue. Did Sayyidina Abu Bakr (RA) conduct and organise these conferences and Majalis? Can we claim more love to Rasul-ullah then him.

.....

Couldn't one say the same thing about nearly any and everything that was done with the intention of advancing the deen but wasn't done during the time of the Sahabah? For instance, couldn't someone say, when asked about the permissibility or preferability or engaging in many of the acts that Sufis engage in to purify the soul, that the Sufis aren't more knowledgeable than the Salaf on matters of spiritual purification and as such, to do something that they didn't, is not valid?

[Maserati]

Reminders benefit the believers, and what better time to remind people about their Prophet (SAW)!!!

What makes this time better than any other? Seerah is about the life of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, not merely his (saw) birth!

Couldn't one say the same thing about nearly any and everything that was done with the intention of advancing the deen but wasn't done during the time of the Sahabah? For instance, couldn't someone say, when asked about the permissibility or preferability or engaging in many of the acts that Sufis engage in to purify the soul, that the Sufis aren't more knowledgeable than the Salaf on matters of spiritual purification and as such, to do something that they didn't, is not valid?

Again, it's apples and oranges. the practices of Tasawwuf are a means to the end of spiritual purification. Where they are not derived from the Sunnah, then they are arrived at through a sound knowledge of which means are most effective to reach this end.

On the other hand, there is no evidence which suggests that studying Seerah in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal somehow inculcates the love of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam more than studying it in any other month. Put this way, such a notion seems laughable, no?

[alexosnasos2]

bro syamuj, do you have the audio bayan of that by mufti taqi usmani??

[Necedofer]

bro syamuj, do you have the audio bayan of that by mufti taqi usmani??

plz click HERE may be it is useful for this issue

[VistaULTIMATEdownloadaPro]

bro syamuj, do you have the audio bayan of that by mufti taqi usmani??

Visit this link http://albalagh.net/audio/
and scroll down till You find Milad Celebrations: A Deeper Look (Urdu)

The above bayan may or may not be the audio version of the posted article.

[VistaULTIMATEdownloadaPro]

plz click HERE may be it is useful for this issue

Moulana Sahib,May Allah award You for Your efforts on Your site which has been very useful for Me.

[alexosnasos2]

plz click HERE may be it is useful for this issue

:salam Maulana, did you say useful? Those are very useful

[Lerpenoaneway]

What makes this time better than any other? Seerah is about the life of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, not merely his (saw) birth!



Again, it's apples and oranges. the practices of Tasawwuf are a means to the end of spiritual purification. Where they are not derived from the Sunnah, then they are arrived at through a sound knowledge of which means are most effective to reach this end.

On the other hand, there is no evidence which suggests that studying Seerah in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal somehow inculcates the love of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam more than studying it in any other month. Put this way, such a notion seems laughable, no?

I agree that last paragraph is laughable indeed.

[FallJimerks]

:...

Again, it's apples and oranges. the practices of Tasawwuf are a means to the end of spiritual purification. Where they are not derived from the Sunnah, then they are arrived at through a sound knowledge of which means are most effective to reach this end.

So far, I don't see how one is apples and the oranges.

Additionally, how does one identify if what is advanced as knowledge by a claimant is indeed "sound"? Furthermore, can't these deductions be disputed, as they have been by a fair number of scholars?

On the other hand, there is no evidence which suggests that studying Seerah in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal somehow inculcates the love of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam more than studying it in any other month.

What constitutes evidence? According to who? Furthermore, don't those who support the studying of Sirah during Rabi ul Awwal claim that there is something significant and blessed about the month itself which makes the studying of Sirah during it especially effective? Further still, don't they also argue that there is a certain level of appropriateness to do so given that this was the month of his birth, just like it is especially appropriate to give recite an ayah of the Quran or narrate a hadith when one sees a parallel to what is in that Ayah of the Quran or in that hadith in front of one's eyes, even though to recite the Quran and narrate hadith is appropriate in nearly all times?

If once more you want to advance the "apples vs. oranges" argument you need to show why this makes sense in this context.

[santorio]

I did not want to resurrect this thread but felt the need to do so as this year a similar situation is occurring. We are not talking about the Milad/Mawlood that has been discussed in the past but this is regarding the "Seerah Jalsahs" hosted by Deobandi Ulama and Masajid. Some of the Jalsahs are now including refreshments as well as lunch/supper. Is this the way of our Akaabireen?

Meanwhile the Ahlul Bidah are having a field day. As they say that we regarded their Mawlood functions as Bidah while today we are hosting, participating these similar programs.

The Majlis has written the following article in light of one of these Jalsahs that took place in Port Elizabeth:
'MAWLUD JALSAH’ – A PRACTICE OF SATANISM



On 11 February 2012 a function to celebrate the birth of our Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is being organized. This haraam, bid’ah function has been dubbed Mawlud Jalsah’. With regard to innovations and the introduction of alien and un-Islamic practices into the Deen, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

“The worst of acts are innovations, and every bid’ah (innovation) is dhalaalah

(manifest deviation).”

Islam was taught by Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and transmitted to the Ummah first by the Sahaabah, then by the Taabieen, then by the Tab-e-Taabieen. These three ages have been collectively described by Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as Khairul Qurooon (The Noblest Ages). The Deen is what Allah Ta’ala has revealed to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and what the Sahaabah had taught and transmitted to the Ummah. Everything which is presented as ‘deen’ but has neither sanction nor origin in the Sunnah is Satanism (pure shaitaaniyat). The satanic practice of ‘mawlud/moulood/meelaad’ was innovated about seven centuries after Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). This haraam innovation has no origin whatsoever in Islam.

There were no greater devotees and lovers of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) than the Sahaabah. But never did the Sahaabah nor the great Ulama, Fuqaha, Muhadditheen, Mufassireen and Auliya of the Khairul Quroon epoch nor the illustrious personalities of Islam in the succeeding three centuries after Khairul Quroon know what this bid’ah of ‘mawlud’ is. This branch of Satanism never existed in the Islam of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The Devil (Iblees) is a cunning teacher and plotter. On the occasion when Allah Ta’ala expelled shaitaan from the heavens, he (the Devil) declared that he would trap mankind in sin. Allah Ta’ala said that He would bestow to people the wonderful practice of Taubah. When shaitaan heard this, his spirit broke and he dwelt in dejection. Then he plotted and schemed the trap of Bid’ah. Shaitaan invented Bid’ah to counter Taubah. He understood that a true Muslim would be overwhelmed with remorse and regret after having committed a sin. This remorse will constrain him to hasten to repentance. This Taubah will cleanse him of the filth of sin and elevate his status spiritually. But the sin of Bid’ah is presented as ‘deen’. Shaitaan decorates and conceals Bid’ah with a deceptive ‘deeni’ veneer to entrap ignorant Muslims into his snare. Now when they commit the sin of Bid’ah believing it to be ‘deen’, then the taufeeq (spiritual ability) to repent (make Taubah) is effaced. Why would they repent when they believe that the haraam satanic innovation is an act of ‘ibaadat’ (worship?

Shaitaan achieves great success over people with his trap of Bid’ah. It is because Bid’ah is not followed by Taubah as is the case with actions which people understand are sinful, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi) wasallam) said:

“Verily, Allah deprives every perpetrator of bid’ah from Taubah.”

People who indulge in Bid’ah such as these haraam satanic ‘mawlud’ practices, pass their entire lives trapped in their villainy of Bid’ah. They cling to their acts of Bid’ah like dogs cling tenaciously to bones. It is precisely for this reason that in the Hadith Bid’atis (the people of innovation) are designated KILAABUN NAAR - THE DOGS OF THE FIRE (OF JAHANNUM). Thus those who participate in these haraam ‘mawlud jalsahs’ are ‘Dogs of Jahannum’, hence a primary feature of all such haraam functions is to devour food like gluttons – like dogs.

At these Bid’ah ‘mawlud jalsahs’ they sing and make merry. They deceive themselves into believing the falsehood which shaitaan whispers into their nafs. They are duped and tricked to believe that they are honouring Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) with their haraam merrymaking act of bid’ah. They sing songs, eat like dogs, ogle the women exhibiting them- selves, thus committing zina of the eyes, and believe that they are the “lovers of the Nabi”, when in reality they are the lovers of Iblees in whose footsteps they are following, and at whose command they are dancing and making merry.

Whilst Allah Ta’ala commands the women of Islam in the Qur’aan: “And remain firmly glued in your homes and do not make a display (of yourselves) like the exhibition of Jaahiliyya”, these Lovers of Shaitaam, exhorting women to take to the streets, say: “O women! Attend in large numbers’.

The main guest of honour at the ‘mawlud jalsah’ will be none other than Shaitaan, the Iblees who has misled these vile organizers of Bid’ah Dhalaalah. In the guise of the ‘deen’ the Kilaabun Naar (Dogs of the Fire) are promoting Satanism, zina, waste and haraam merrymaking. Whilst these Bid’ati followers of Shaitaan describe themselves to be the “lovers of the Nabi” (sic), there is not a sign of the Sunnah on and in them. They are satanic clowns exuding pure jahaalat. To be a genuine Lover of the Nabi, one has to incumbently submit to the command stated in the following Qur’aanic aayat:

“Say (O Muhammad!, i.e. Say to the people): ‘If you love Allah. Then follow me (i.e. the Nabi). Then (only) will Allah love you.”

True love for Allah and His Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is obedience to the Shariah and living a life in conformity with the Sunnah – all aspects of the Sunnah. The Sunnah is not to hoodwink the stupid participants of the haraam bid’ah ‘mawlud’ function with long Arab dresses and robes with which the Kilaanun Naar will be adorning themselves to show off at the haraam Bid’ah ‘mawlud’ of Shaitaan. The Sunnah is not to sing songs of hollow praise. In reality they will be celebrating for the pleasure of the Devil. The sign of true love for the Rasool (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is emulation of every detail of the Sunnah. But these Dogs of the Fire will be devouring with relish the haraam MJC and SANHA-approved and certified carrion chickens and carrion meat at their haraam Bid’ah ‘mawlud’ merrymaking function conducted in person by Shaitaan himself.

Whilst the whole function will be bereft of any sign and ethos of the Sunnah, the stupid ‘shaykhs’ will be singing so-called ‘praises’ of our Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Whilst they will be breaking the heart of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) with their haraam act of Bid’ah, they will be bringing delight and ecstasy to Shaitaan, the Father of Bid’ah. These Dogs of Jahannum are further duped by Shaitaan to describe their acts of Bid’ah as bid’ah hasanah (beautiful innovation). Regarding their satanic acts of bid’ah hasanah, Mujaddid Alf-e-Thaani (rahmatullah alayh) said: “I have not seen any goodness or light in any bid’ah, and I have not seen anything in them (these acts of bid’ah described as ‘beautiful’) anything but darkness and filth. Whoever today , due to defective spiritual insight finds praise and sees light in bid’ah, he will tomorrow (on the Day of Qyaamah) after gaining vision understand that there is no goodness besides regret and loss.

Since every bid’ah is misguidance, what is the meaning of ‘goodness’ in bid’ah? According to the Hadith, every bid’ah eliminates a Sunnah. Hence every bid’ah is evil.

Restrict yourself to following Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Be content with emulating his noble Sahaabah, for they are Stars of Guidance.”

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “”He who honours (respects) a person of Bid’ah, verily he has aided in demolishing Islam.” Those who participate in the haraam, bid’ah, satanic merrymaking function which is being organized for 11 February 2012 in Port Elizabeth at the ‘Muslim Movement Hall’ should understand that they will be engaging in an act of demolishing Islam. Whilst Allah Ta’ala calls the Mumineen to join the company of those who remember, him, the organizers of the bid’ah mawlud, call you to join the company of the Shayaateen. The Qur’aan Majeed commands: “Join yourself (to the company) of those who call their Rabb morning and evening seeking His Pleasure. And do not take your eyes off from them intending the adornment of the world? Do not follow him whose heart We have diverted from Our Thikr whilst he is following his base desires, and his affair is in gross transgression.”

[santorio]

Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (rahmatullah alayh) said that Bid’ah is not confined to meelaad, qiyaam, urs and similar practices in which the Ahl-e-Barelwi sect notoriously specializes. Bid’ah exists even in the ranks of our Ulama of Deoband, and this Bid’ah is on the rise. Bid’ah is proportionately incremental to the decrease of the quality of Ilm and Taqwa.

Whilst the Janaazah of Taqwa has long ago departed from the ranks of the molvis who align themselves with Deoband, the Janaazah of even Zaahiri Ilm (textual/book knowledge) is on its way to the Qabrustaan. It is precisely on account of the demise of Taqwa and Ilm, that the new brand of ‘deobandi’ molvies are groping in darkness, searching for ways out from
the tunnel of darkness. Since they lack the necessary Ilm and Taqwa to combat the deluge of Bid’ah and Baatil in which the
community is submerged, they are now blindly emulating the ways of the Qabar Pujaaris.

It is the long-standing Bid’ah practice of the Barelwi Qabar Pujaaris (graveworshippers) to conduct a flurry of ‘seerah’ and moulood programmes specially in the month of Rabiul Awwal. Molvis aligned to Deoband are now jumping onto this Bid’ati wagon. Bereft of sound Ilm which is an imperative requisite for combating Bid’ah and Baatil, they have clambered on board the Bid’ati wagon, hence they too are now introducing the Rabiul Awwal bid’ah in their ranks.

Bid’ah is the product primarily of jahaalat (ignorance). Ignorance is zulmat (darkness), and zulmat can be dispelled with only Ilm (sound knowledge of the Deen adorned with Noor), for Ilm is Noor (spiritual Light). The Bid’ah of the Bareilwis cannot be combated and extinguished by introducing Bid’ah or by adopting their methods.

The New Brand Ulama of Deoband, i.e. those who are not of the Barelwi sect and who proclaim to be followers of the
Akaabir Ulama of Deoband, but who are not genuine followers of the Akaabireen, have strayed from Siraatul Mustaqeen. The vile process of halaalization of haraam, bid’ah, fisq and fujoor is now a deepseated disease in the molvis of our jamaat. There is no resemblance between them and the Akaabir Ulama of Deoband. There is a difference of heaven and earth between the two groups.

Their self-professed alignment with the Ulama of Deoband is a deceptive canard, They befool themselves and beguile others who cherish respect and honour for the illustrious Akaabireen of Deoband. Their ‘seerah’ jalsahs are either manifestations of their nafs craving for cheap publicity, or the effect of wayward jahaalat which is an attribute of such knowledge whose objective is the dunya. They manipulate knowledge for worldly and nafsaani motives. They are signs of Qiyaamah. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) commenting on the Signs of Qiyaamah, mentioned that “The dunya will be pursued with the amal (deed) of the Aakhirah.” In other words, under guise of ibaadat, the ‘learned’ men will seek worldly, nafsaani and monetary goals.

It is not permissible to organize ‘seerah’ jalsahs in Rabiul Awwal nor is it permissible to participate in such gatherings of Bid’ah.


The Majlis

[vintsqyuid]

Forgive my ignorance for I know nothing and have no knowledge but am I right in saying one shouldn't study/read the seerah in Rabbi-Awwal?
But then by limiting it to the other 11 months .. can that not be classed as a biddah?
I don't understand I really don't you want to learn about our beloved (saws) but there are times when we can and can't?
The sahaba the tab'ieen the taa tab'ieen had a lot stronger connection with our beloved (saws) we have no connection 1400 years on so to learn about his life whenever that may be is blessing in itself.
I really cannot understand how one can doubt this .. I am not one to question the scholars but these are just my personal thoughts and If i am using my 'desires' it is to learn/understand the seerah which isn't wrong.

[bingookenoo]

wa 'alaikum 'alaikum assalaam,
Below is a very informative and eye-opening article by Mufti Taqi Usmani sb(Damat Barkaatahum).



The month of Rabi'ul-Awwal has not been designated by the Shariah as a special season for holding such congregations to commemorate the birth or life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is thus an innovation (Bid'ah) to restrict the Seerah meetings to the month of Rabi'ul Awwal only, or to believe that the meetings held in this month are worthy of more reward than the meetings held on any other date during the year. In fact, the Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to commemorate the life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, throughout the year, not only by studying and conveying his message to others, but also by following his way of life and acting upon his teachings in each and every branch of their activities, and this is exactly what a Muslim is required and supposed to do.
By this we do not mean that the Seerah meetings should not be held in the month of Rabi'ul-Awwal. The point is only that they should not be restricted to it, nor should it be believed that the Shariah has laid any kind of emphasis on holding such meetings in this particular month.
Another point that should always be kept in mind while holding such meetings is that they must be in complete conformity with the rules of Shariah. A Muslim is supposed to abide by the rules of Shariah in all his activities. But at least the meetings held in the memory of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, should be free from all the acts forbidden by the Shariah.

How does this apply to contemporary Seerah lectures organized and condoned by deobandi Ulema that are organized during Rabiul Awwal nowadays? Surely none of the Ulema organizing such lectures say that it is sinful not to attend them, or that they are mandatory, or Sunnah, or that it is more rewarding to do so in this particular month. But the fact of the matter is, that it is understood that there will be such a lecture particularly in Rabi'ul Awwal without stating it emphatically. What is the status of such a gathering, and how does Mufti Taqi Uthmani's words pertain to the current situation?

When Meelad and the such is discussed, the haraam aspects that occur in such gatherings are generally mentioned. Haraam is haraam any day of the year - and is not really relevant to discussing Meelad. Many such Meelad gatherings exist in which correct Shar'ee decorum is observed, does that make them correct? The real issue is the gathering in and of itself (assuming ALL other prescriptions of Shariah were indeed followed).

Colonel_Hardstone, here is what you posted a few years back:
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/show...ti-Taqi-Usmani

How is that reconciled with the words of Shaykh (Maulana) Yaqoob Qasmi (HA)?

I've always personally wondered about such gatherings by deobandis. Those learned individuals on 'the other side' who practice meelaad don't really have any ghayr-shar'ee aspects to their gatherings from what I have heard. The gatherings are not mixed, no music, no believing that Rasulullaah sws is present, nor any belief that it is Sunnah, nor any belief that one must attend, etc ... What is the principle difference (haqeeqee difference) between such a gathering which I just described, and the ones organized by deobandis in Rabi'ul Awwal. Is using the title 'Meelaad' incorrect? What if they renamed Meelaad to Seerah lectures or something?
I'm honestly curious, please chime in if you know the differences.

[bingookenoo]

Anyone? Colonel_Hardstone, where are you!!??