The month of Rabi-ul-Awwal each year brings with it the ancient argument surrounding celebrating the birthday (Milad) of the Prophet (saw); whether it is a blameworthy innovation or a permissible practice.
As is normally the case with many of these disputes, one group or another will likely consider it a core creedal issue; thus, moving the argument from the realms of politely mannered academic discussions, into the realms of conflict and dispute, causing disunity among the ummah. Furthermore, this inevitably leads to creedal allegiances being forged upon the results of these disputes and conflicts, often spilling over from the theological into the sectarian and political realms. And so, the issue of the Mawlid has become, for many, a pivotal defining point for declaring Wala and Baraʿa—of allegiance and disavowal.
This state of affairs is despite the fact that Allah, the Exalted, has made “Islam” in its wider context itself His desired axis or criterion of defining one’s allegiance to others. He, glorified is He, divided people essentially into two clear camps without mention of any third:
“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong; they establish prayer and give Zakah, and they obey Allah and His Messenger. Those— Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”
In this glorious month, we all should recognise that the Prophet Muhammad (saw) is undeniably a role model for every Muslim, of every school of thought. We should follow his guidance in all things large and small. Almighty God has blessed the community by preserving the Sunnah and life history (Sirah) of His Messenger. In spite of the passage of time, both remain as though you were seeing and hearing them today. They provide a living example of the life of the Prophet. They also instill love and respect for him in the hearts of Muslims. God says in the Quran: “Indeed in the Messenger of God, you have a good example to follow.” It is important that as Muslims face the many challenges in today’s world, that we search and seek guidance from the Holy Quran and follow the teachings of the Prophet. The world is passing through a very dangerous period.
Wars, famine, hunger and disease are ravaging parts of the globe. Even in the so-called advanced societies, life is far from trouble-free. We find violence in schools and on the streets, depression, poverty, dysfunctional families and a host of other problems that appear to be increasing instead of dissipating, no matter what measures are used to try to stem the tide of misery. In the Muslim world there is also a crisis of identity. While social problems are few thanks to our strong family values, there is a growing indifference to other challenges that confront us. Intolerance is a rising menace. There is a breeding of extremism, obscurantism and a growing habit of blaming others for our ills. As a people we are not given to soul-searching or introspection. We have failed to question why we are in this position.
What have we done to alleviate our own suffering? We grovel in mortification and we wallow in self-pity, yet we cannot muster the courage to call a spade a spade and find solutions to our own problems. We don’t have to copy others. The life of Prophet Muhammad is itself a beacon of light – a light of guidance that, if only we avail of it, will lead us to safety. Those of us who are in a lofty position in society should lead by example, for it will be disastrous if we ourselves lack true awareness and piety.
On this occasion when everyone is celebrating the birthday anniversary of the Holy Prophet and if we really love him and believe in his message, then we have to follow him in everything we do. We must leave anything that is abominable – all that is indecent, whether in speech or in action. If an injustice is done to us, respond with a kind act by forgiving the one who wronged us. Do not take revenge. Free ourselves by forgiving others and working to strengthen relationships. Avoid blaming or being harsh to our servants, colleagues, children, students and spouse(s) when they do not perform their duties to the required standard. Do not hesitate to help the weak, the needy and women; and walk in their midst without arrogance or superiority. Work hard and participate with other workers, even if it be digging in the ground or removing rubble; and be happy in carrying out the tasks we are performing to show our humility. Do not use abusive or rude language, even in jest. Do not direct evil deeds at any of your brothers or sisters. Let politeness and propriety in speech be your way of life. Be merciful to people and to animals, so that God may have mercy upon us. Be unafraid to speak the truth, even if it is against us. We must have role models. Let us seek them from people around us but never forget the one who God has sent as a Messenger. Of all the prophets, there is none whose life has been as open to scrutiny as that of Prophet Muhammad. Therefore, we owe it to ourselves to research his life and study his character, his dealings with people, his manners and his code of life. That itself would be an ennobling experience – something that would enrich us and make our lives rewarding.
By Bashir Nuckchady