In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy | |
Al-Istiqaamah | |
Rabee'ul-Awwal 1417H / August 1996CE |
Issue No.3 |
The Prophet's Birth sallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam | ||
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THE YEAR OF HIS
NOBLE BIRTH According to the most correct opinion of the Scholars, the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was born in the city of Makkah in the year of the Elephant (in the year 570 or 571CE), in the month of Rabee'ul-Awwal.1 THE DAY OF HIS NOBLE BIRTH Imaam an-Nawawee (d.676H) - rahimahullaah- said: "There is on agreement that he was born on Monday in the month of Rabee'ul-Awwal. There is a difference of opinion whether this day was the 2nd, 8th, 10th or 12th day of the month - and these ore the four most well-known opinions concerning this."3 EVENTS AT THE TIME OF HIS
BIRTH CELEBRATING THE DAY OF HIS NOBLE
BIRTH As regards to the origins of this newly-invented celebration, then some of the research Scholars have stated that the first person to innovate this practice was 'Umar ibn Muhammad al-Mulaa in the city of Mawsil in Iraaq, during the fourth century, as is mentioned by the Imaam Abu Shaamah (d.665H).8 He was followed in this by the likes of Abul-Khattaab 'Umar ibn Dihyaa: "who was employed in the west, then travelled to Syria, then he travelled to the city of Irbil in 'Iraaq, during the fourth century, where he found its king Mudhaffarud-Deen ibn Zaynud-Deen showing a keen interest in the milaad (birthday) of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. So he composed a book for him called at-Tanweer fi Mawlidis-Siraajil-Muneer; so he recited this to the king who then rewarded him with one thousand deenaars."9 Imaam Maalik (d.179H)
- rahimahullaah - said:
So that which was not part of the religion at that time, cannot be part of the religion today. And the last part of this Ummah cannot be rectified, except by that which rectified its first part."10 Thus, had the practice of celebrating milaadun-Nabee (the birthday of the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) been something praiseworthy then: "the Salaf (the Pious Predecessors) - may Allaah be pleased with them all - would have instituted it. For they were the ones having a greater love and honour for Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and a greater zeal for doing good. Indeed, the most perfect expression of love and honour for him is by following him, obeying him, carrying out his commands, upholding and reviving his Sunnah (guidance and example) - both inwardly and outwardly - and in spreading his message and striving in this, with the heart, the hand and the tongue. Such was the path of the Companions and those who followed them in goodness (i.e. beliefs and actions)."11 1. Refer to Taareekh (p.53) of
Khaleefah ibn Khayaat, as-Seerah (1/167) of Ibn Hishaam and also
Tabaqaatul-Kubraa (1/62) of Ibn Sa'd. |
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