Fw: [AllahoAkbarGroup] History of Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam Celebrations

-------Original Message------- From: Noori Date: 01/26/13 22:55:29 Subject: [AllahoAkbarGroup] History of Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi WA Sallam Celebrations         Another trick (Irony) that opposition use to attain is saying that some ignorant people from India and Pakistan of the last few decades have invented the celebrations of Mawlid an-Nabawi Sharif being influenced by the Hindu Celebration culture and It was never ever celebrated before in previous ages and bla bla bla. Let them have some glimpses of facts from the very true history. History of Celebrating Mawlid an-Nabawi Sharif 1. Hadrat Allama Mulla Ali Qari narrating the routine of the people of Madina Munawwarah writes, "The people of Madina Munawwarah (May ALLAH have Mercy on them) used to arrange and attend mawlid gatherings with great enthusiasm and sincerity on the occasion of Mawlid Sharif." [Mawrid AR-Rawi If Mawlid an-Nabawi, Page 29] 2. Ibn Jawzi says: "People of Haramain Sharifayn (Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah) and Egypt and Yemen and Syria and of the eastern and western cities of Arabia hold functions in celebration of the birth of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi WA Sallam), they rejoice at the sighting of the moon of Rabi al-Awwal, bathe and put on their best dresses adorn themselves in various ways, put on scent, and give alms with great joy, and exert themselves in listening to the Mawlid of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi WA Sallam). By doing so, they themselves attain to success, as it has been proved that by celebrating the Mawlid of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi WA Sallam) much good accrues the whole year round, security and comfort, greater means of livelihood, increase in children and in wealth, peace in cities and contentment and peace in homes." References: 1. Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan by Allama Ismail Hiqqi, Vol. 9, Page 56 2. Milad al-Uroos – Urdu "Bayan-e-Milad-un-Nabi", Page 34/35, Published in Lahore. 3. Ad-Durr al-Munazzam, Page 100/101 4. Al-Milad an-Nabawi, Page 58 Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi WA Sallam procession at Boulac Avenue in 1904 at Cairo, Egypt.   3. Gatherings of Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi WA Sallam was switched to Prose in 3rd/4th Hijri then 700 years back from today, A pious and virtuous person named Umer bin Mullah Muhammad Mousli Alaihir RaHma established it on regular basis. Following him the great commander Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi's dearly loved Sultan Arbal Malik Abu Saeed Muzaffar al-Din celebrated Mawlid an-Nabi officially. Ibn-e-Khalqaan Arabali Sha'fai was eyewitness of that festival. 4. According to "Tarikh-e-Mar'at AZ-Zaman" billion of rupees were used to spend on those festivities. In the beginning of 7th Century of Hijri Calendar; Great Scholar named Abul Khattab Umer Bin Hasan dah'hia Qalbi Andalusi Balansi wrote a book on the topic Milad an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi WA Sallam named "At-Tanveer If Mawlid as-Siraj al-Muneer". In 1207, He went to Sultan Arbal's castle and presented his book on Mawlid to him, for which he was awarded thousand Gold Coins from Sultan. This was the status and respect of Mawlid Shareef in hearts of earlier leaders of Islam. 5. Not only Sultan Arbal, King of Egypt celebrated the Mawlid Shareef; Allama Ibne Juzri Alaihir RaHma is one the eyewitnesses. For the celebration of this festival 1000 Mithqal of Gold was spent on it. Sultan Abu Hamu Musa Talamsani and earlier rulers of Aqsa and Andalus used to Celebrate Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi WA Sallam. Abdullah Tonsi Summa Talamsani has written the details of these festivals in his book "Raah al-Arwah". References: 1. Subl al-Huda WA AR-Rishaad If Seerah Khair al-Ibaad by Muhammad Bin Ali Yusuf Damishqi 2. Ad-Durr al-Munazzam Fee Hukmi Mawlidin Nabi Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam 3. Wafyat al-Da'yaan Anba'a Abna AZ-Zaman, Published in Cairo 4. Allama Muhammad Raza Misri's Muhammadur Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi WA Sallam, Published in Lahore, Page 33 5. Ahsan al-Maqsad Fee Amilil Mawlid 6. Anwar as-Sati'aa (1307 H), Pg 261, Published from Murad Abadi   6. It is stated in Seerah al-Halabiya that: Muslims have been celebrating gatherings of Mawlid Sharif in large cities for-long. [Seerah al-Halabiyah, Page 80] 7. Shaykh Yusuf bin Ismail an-Nabhani states: Dwellers of Makkah visits Birthplace of Prophet Peace be Upon him on the eve of Mawlid an-Nabawi every year and arrange enormous gatherings. [Jawahir al-BiHar, Page 122] 8. In "Fuyudh al-Haramain", Shah Waliullah has pointed out, "The birth of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was celebrated by the people of Makkah who received blessings on account of it." 9. The Al-Qibla Newspaper of Makkah al-Mukarrama witnesses: On the eve of Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam celebrations are observed in Makkah and dwellers of Makkah name this day as Youm al-Eid Mawlid ar-Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. People use to cook food. Ameer of Makkah and Commander of Hijaz with their army use to visit birthplace of Prophet Peace be Upon Him and recites Qasida there. Rows of shining candles are positioned from Haram al-Makki to Birthplace and Shops and Houses on the way are also decorated. People use to recite Qasaid whole day at Birthplace. On the night of 11th Rabi al-Awwal after Isha, Mawlid Gathering is organized. From Maghrib prayer of 11th Rabi al Awwal to Asar Prayer of 12th Rabi al Awwal, after every prayer Salutations of 21 tanks is presented. References: 1. Al-Qibla Paper – Makkah Mukarramah 2. Monthly Tariqat – Lahore, January 1917, Page 2/3 Mawlid an-Nabawi SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam Celebrations in Cairo in 1878 10. Encyclopedia of Islam verifies: On the Eve of Mawlid an-Nabi; whole Islamic world is observed to be delight and celebrating it. And it is celebrated till now with enthusiasm and integrity. [Encyclopedia of Islam, Vol. 21, Page 824, Published By: Punjab University, Lahore] 11. Ibn Jawzi in his book on Mawlid, says: In Haramayn (i.e. Makkah Mukarrama and Madina Munawwarah), in Egypt, Yemen rather all people of Arab world have been celebrating Mawlid for long. Upon sight of the moon in Rabi ul Awwal their happiness touches the limits and hence they make specific gatherings for Dhikr of Mawlid due to which they earn immense Ajr and Success. [Bayan al-Mawlid an-Nabwi, Page 58] 12. Shah Waliullah Dhelvi mentions one of his all time wonderful experiences as: I took part in a gathering of Mawlid inside Makkah where people were sending Darood and Salam upon Prophet (Peace be upon him) and commemorating the incidents which took place during the time of the blessed birth (before and after) and those which were witnessed before He was appointed as a Nabi (such as Noor eliminating from Bibi Amina Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha, she seeing Noor, woman proposing to Sayyiduna Abdullah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anho on sighting the Noor on his forehead etc...) suddenly I saw Noor to have enveloped one group of people, I don't claim that I saw this with my bodily eyes, nor do I claim that it was spiritual and Allah knows the best regarding these two, however upon concentration on these Anwaar a reality opened upon me that these Anwaar are of those Angels who take part in such gatherings, I also saw Mercy to be descending along with Anwaar of Angels. [Fuyudh al-Haramayn, Pages 80/81] 13. Shaykh al-Islam Imam Ibn Hajr al Haytami (Rahimuhullah) writes: The gatherings of Mawlid and Adhkaar which take place during our time, they are mostly confined to good deeds, for example in them, Sadaqat are given, Dhikr is done, Darud and Salam is sent upon the Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and he is praised. [Fatawa al-Hadithiyyah, Page 202]   14. The 7th-century historians Shaykh Abu al-Abbas al-Azafi and his son Abu al-Qasim al-Azafi wrote in their Kitab al-Durr al-Munazzam: Pious pilgrims and prominent travelers testified that, on the day of the Mawlid Shareef in Makkah al-Mukarrama, no activities are undertaken, and nothing is sold or bought, except by the people who are busy visiting the noble birthplace, and rush to it. On this day the Holy Ka'abah is opened and visited. 15. The famous eighth-century historian, Ibn Battuta relates in his Rihla that On every Jum'uah after the Salah and also on the birthday of the Beloved Prophet Alaihis Salat wa as-Salam, the door of the Holy Ka'abah is opened by the head of the Banu Shayba the doorkeepers of the Holy Ka'abah while on the Mawlid Shareef, the Shafi'i head judge of Makkah al-Mukarrama, Najm al-Din Muhammad ibn al-Imam Muhyi al-Din al-Tabari, distributed food to the descendants of the Beloved Prophet Alaihis Salat wa as-Salam and to the people of Makkah al-Mukarrama. 16. The historian Shaykh Ibn Zahira from his Jami al-Latif fi Fadli Makkata wa-Ahliha; Shaykh al-Haytami from his book al-Mawlid al-Sharif al-Muazzam; and the historian Shaykh al-Nahrawali from al-Ilmam bi-Alam Bayt Allah al-Haram says: Each year on the twelfth of Rabi al-Awwal Shareef, after Maghrib Salah, the four Qadhis of Makkah al-Mukarrma (representing the Four Sunni Schools) and large groups of people including the jurists and notables of Makkah al-Mukarrma, Shaykhayn, Zawiya teachers and students, magistrates and scholars, leave the Mosque and set out collectively for a visit to the Noble Birthplace of the Beloved Prophet Alaihes Salato Salaam, shouting out Dhikr and Tahlil. The houses on the route are illuminated with numerous lanterns and large candles, and a great many people are out and about. They all wear special clothes and they take their children with them. Inside the Noble Birthplace, a special sermon for the occasion of the birthday of the Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is delivered. Hereafter the Dua' for the (Ottoman) Sultan, the Ameer of Makkah al-Mukarrma, and the Shafi'i Qadhi is performed and all pray humbly. Shortly before the 'Isha prayer, the whole party returns to the Great Mosque, which is almost overcrowded, and sit down in rows at the foot of Maqam Ibrahim. A similar description is given by Shaykh al-Diyar Bakri (d/960) in his Great Sirah entitled Ta'rikh al-Khamis fi Akhbari Anfasi Nafis. The Ottoman flag is raised during Mawlid an-Nabi SallAllaho Alaihi wa ala Aalihi wa saHbihi wa Baaraka wa Sallam Celebrations in Benghazi - Libiya in 1896. The city was then part of the Ottoman Empire!! — — — May we be sacrificed at this Merriment O blessed month of Rabi' al-Awwal!! Your joys surpass thousands of 'Eids; All in the world are rejoicing, except Shaytan   __,_._,___

 

Fw: [AllahoAkbarGroup] The Glorious Companions Commemorating the Blessed Birth [Mawlid an-Nabawi Sharif]

-------Original Message------- From: Noori Date: 21-01-2013 10:29:17 PM Subject: [AllahoAkbarGroup] The Glorious Companions Commemorating the Blessed Birth [Mawlid an-Nabawi Sharif]     Dear Readers, in the previous email, we provided the proofs from Qur'an and Hadith over the legitimacy of Celebrating the Blessed Birth (Mawlid Sharif) of Beloved Habeeb Kareem Alaihi afDalus Salati wat Tasleem. Now let us examine the Aqeeda (belief) of the Glorious AsHaab al-Kiraam in this concern, who are guiding beacons for us. What Does the Glorious Companions Believe? هاجرت إلى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقدمت عليه منصرفه من تبوك، فأسلمت، فسمعت العباس بن عبد المطلب يقول: يا رسول الله إنى أريد أن أمتدحك، فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: قل، لا يفضض الله فاك After gaining victory and success in Ghazwa Tabook when Rasoolullah (SallAllaho Alaihi WA Aalihi WA Sallam) arrived in Madinatul Munawwara, Hadrat Sayyiduna Abbas (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) requested permission from the Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi WA Aalihi WA Sallam) to read a few stanzas in his praise then Mercy on the Mankind (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) said, "My dear Uncle! Go ahead. May Almighty Allah keep your mouth well." This is what Sayyiduna al-`Abbas ibn `And al-Muttalib said: من قبلها طبت في الظلال وفى مستودع حيث يخصف الورق ثم هبطت البلاد لا بشر أنت ولا مضغة ولا علق بل نطفة تركب السفين وقد ألجم نسرا وأهله الغرق تنقل من صلب إلى رحم إذا مضى عالم بدا طبق وردت نارا لخليل مستترا في صلبه أنت كيف يحترق ثم احتوى بيتك المهيمن خندف علياء تحتها النطق وأنت لما ولدت أشرقت الارض ونارت بنورك الافق فنحن في ذلك الضياء وفى النور وسبل الرشاد نخترق ... Before you came to this world, You were excellent in the shadows and in the repository (I.e. Loins) In the time when they (Adam and Eve) covered themselves with leaves. Then you descended through the ages... When you were born, the earth shone And your light illuminated the horizon. We travel in that illumination and in the light and in the paths of right guidance." References: 1. Kitaab al-Wafa, Page 35, Vol. 1 2. Khasais al-Kubra, Page 97, Vol. 1 3. Insaan al-Uyoon page 96, Vol. 1 4. Seerat an-Nauwiya, Page 37 5. Jawahir al-Bihaar, Page 40 6. Anwaar al-Muhammadiyah, Page 62-84 7. Hujjatulahi Ala al-Alameen, Page 222 8. Muwahib al-Laduniyah, Page 23 9. Al Isti'aab Mustadrik, Page 327, Vol. 3 10. Al-Bidaya WA an-Nihaya, Page 258, Vol. 2 11. Kitaab al Mallal wan Nahal, Page 240, Vol. 2 12. Majma'i Zawahid, Page 217, Vol. 8 13. Talkhees al-Mustadrik, Page 327, Vol. 3 14. Subl al Huda war-Rishaad, Vol. 5, Page 469 15. Ibn-e-Kathir's Mawlad al-Mustafa, Page 29-30, Published in Lahore 1958. Mullah Ali al-Qari in his 'Sharh al-Shifa' (1:364) says it is related by Abu Bakr al-Shafi`I and Tabarani, and cited by Ibn `And al-Barr and Ibn al-Qayyim respectively in 'al-Isti`ab' and 'Huda Nabiyy Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi WA Aalihi WA Sallam)'. This has been stated in distinguished works of great Muhaditheen such as Imam Jalal al-Din as-Suyuti, Muhadith ibn Jauzi, Allamah Ibn Hajr, Allamah Halbi, Allamah Dahlaan Makki, Allamah Nabhaani, Allamah ibn Abdul Birr, Allamah Haakim, Ibn Kathir and Allamah Sharistaani (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhum al-Ajma'een). Those who object on praising Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi WA Aalihi WA Sallam in poetry and reciting his praise on his mawlid must take a serious note to it!!   Flags on the Birth of Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi WA Sallam: Sayyidatuna Aamina Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha states, ورأيت ثلاثة أعلام مضروبات علما في المشرق وعلما في المغرب وعلما على ظهر الكعبة فأخذني المخاض فولدت محمدا صلى الله عليه وسلم "I saw three flags are sited, One in East, One in West and the third one over the roof of Ka'ba and Prophet's (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) birth took place." [Khasais al-Kubra, Vol. 1, Page 82, Published from Dar al-Kutub Ilmia, Berut – Lebanon] Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi WA Sallam and His Companions Entered Madina Munawwarah Carrying a Flag: When Prophet Peace and Blessings be Upon Him Migrated to Madinah Munawwarah, on reaching MoDa-e-Gameem near Madina; at that time Burayda Aslami along with 70 Horse riders of Bani Saham Tribe came to Prophet Peace and Blessings be Upon Him to arrest him (Ma'aadh Allah) but being inspired of Prophet's blessed and wonderful personality, he got highly admired and accepted Islam along with his tribe. Then he asked Prophet Peace and Blessings be Upon Him لا تدخل المدینة الا ومعك لواء، فحل عمامة ثم شدھا في رمح ثم مشی بین یدیه صلی الله علیه وسلم Please do not enter Madinah Munawwarah until we have a Flag. So, he tied his Turban on his arc and entered in Madinah Munawwarah with Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam carrying that FLAG. [Wafa al-Wafa, Vol. 1, Page 243, published from Dar aHya at-Turath al-Arabi, Berut – Lebanon]     Noble Companion of Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam recites his Mawlid and Praises Him Hadrat Hassaan Ibn Thaabit (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) said: وأحسن منك لم تر قط عيني Wa Ah'sanu Minka Lum taraqattu Aienee I haven't seen the lovely personality like you وأجمل منك لم تلد النساء Wa Ajmalu Minka Lum Talidin Nisa'u And no mother have given birth to such a wonderful personality خُلِقْتَ مبرءاً من كل عيب Khuliqta Mubarra'am Min Kulli Aie'bin You are created free from every fault كأنك قد خُلِقْتَ كما تشاء Ka'Annaka Qud Khuliqta Kama Tasha'u You were created, as you wanted to be References: 1. Tafseer al-Aalusi, Chapter 2, Vol. 7, Page 422 2. Tafseer Rooh al-Ma'ani, Vol. 2, Page 34 And witness how the Beloved Prophet of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala rewarded him? Hadrat Aaisha (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha) narrates that Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) built a pulpit for Hadrat Hassaan (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) in Masjid al-Nabawi Sharif, and Hadrat Hassaan use to Recite his praise standing on that pulpit giving answers to mushrikeen on behalf of Sayyiduna Muhammadur Rasoolullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam). For this act of Hadrat Hassaan, Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) said إن روح القدس لا يزال يؤيدك ما نافحت عن الله ورسوله صلى الله عليه وسلم "Jibril al-Ameen (RooH al-Quds) assists Hassaan while He recites and refutes mushrikeen on their accusations on Allah and His Prophet Peace and Blessings be upon Him" References: 1. Sunan al-Kubra lil Bayhaqi, Vol. 10, Page 238 2. Mau'jam al-Kabir lil Tibrani, Vol. 4, Page 35 3. Musannaf Abi Shayba, Vol. 6, Page 173 4. Dalail al-Nabuwwah, Vol. 5, Page 75 5. Sahih Muslim, Vol. 16, Page 226 6. Sunan Abi Dawood, Vol. 14, Page 357 Spending on the Celebrations of Mawlid Sharif Hadrat Sayyiduna Hasan Basari (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) said, قال حسن البصري رضي الله تعالی عنه وددت لو کان لی مثل جبل احد ذھبا فانفقته علی قراءة مولد النبي صلی الله علیه وسلم "I would like have gold equivalent to the Mountain of Uhud so that I should be able to spend it on the Mawlid Sharif of the Holy Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam)." [An-Ne'mat al-Kubra, Page 6, Published Istanbul - Turkey]   — — — In the Blessed house of Amina, The King of the Prophets has arrived; Rejoice, O the Troubled, Your comforter has arrived!!

 

Fw: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Permissibility of Celebrating Mawlid from Qur'an and Hadith

-------Original Message------- From: Noori Date: 19-01-2013 09:25:18 AM Subject: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Permissibility of Celebrating Mawlid from Qur'an and Hadith       Permissibility of Celebrating Mawlid From Qur'an al-Karim & Ahadith!!     All Praises is due to Almighty Allah SubHanuhu WA Ta'ala, Peace and Blessings be upon the most perfect of creations, His Beloved Habeeb, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi WA Sallam his Noble Family and the Illustrious Sahaba Ridwanullahi Ta'ala Alaihim Ajma'een and all the pious servants of Almighty Allah!! In present era we are suffering sects and scholars who imposes verdicts of Shirk and Bid'at on those who celebrate Mawlid an-Nabi Sallallahu Alaihi WA Sallam with great enthusiasm and integrity and due to which the simple and straightforward people who are less in knowledge of Qur'an and Hadith get nervous whether they are following the Truth or not. Here are ample proofs from Qur'an al-Kareem and Ahadith of Beloved Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him which shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Celebrating Milad-un-Nabi Sallallaho Alaihi WA Sallam is absolutely Lawful.

 

..:: The Holy Qur'an Says ::..

قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّنَا أَنزِلْ عَلَيْنَا مَآئِدَةً مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ تَكُونُ لَنَا عِيداً لأَوَّلِنَا وَآخِرِنَا وَآيَةً مِّنكَ وَارْزُقْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ
Eisa, the son of Maryam, said, "O Allah, O our Lord! Send down to us a table spread from heaven, so that it may become a day of celebration for us – for our former and latter people - and a sign from You; and give us sustenance - and You are the Best Provider Of Sustenance." [Surah Al-Ma'idah, Verse 114]

The day when food is sent from skies is day of rejoicing (EID); then the day when soul of universe Peace be with him was born must be the delight for the day of rejoicing.

Look what Allah has said:

وَأَمَّا بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثْ
And abundantly proclaim the favours of your Lord. [Surah Al-Duha, Verse 11]

Allah himself commemorating Milad in Holy Qar'an as we do in our gatherings, Allah SubHanuhu WA Ta'ala Says in the Holy Qur'an:

هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَى وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلِّهِ وَكَفَى بِاللهِ شَهِيدًا
It is He Who has sent His Noble Messenger with the guidance and the true religion, in order to make it prevail over all other religions; and Allah is sufficient as a Witness. [Surah Al-Fatha, Verse 28]

وَإِذْ قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللهِ إِلَيْكُم مُّصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَمُبَشِّرًا بِرَسُولٍ يَأْتِي مِن بَعْدِي اسْمُهُ أَحْمَدُ فَلَمَّا جَاءَهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ قَالُوا هَذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ
And remember when Eisa the son of Maryam said, "O Descendants of Israel! Indeed I am Allah's Noble Messenger towards you, confirming the Book Torah which was before me, and heralding glad tidings of the Noble Messenger who will come after me – his name is Ahmed (the Praised One)"; so when Ahmed came to them with clear proofs, they said, "This is an obvious magic." [Surah As-Saf, Verse 6]

لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَؤُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ
Indeed there has come to you a Noble Messenger from among you - your falling into hardship aggrieves him, most concerned for your well being, for the Muslims most compassionate, most merciful. [Surah Tauba, Verse 128]

لَقَدْ مَنَّ اللهُ عَلَى الْمُؤمِنِينَ إِذْ بَعَثَ فِيهِمْ رَسُولاً مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ يَتْلُواْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُواْ مِن قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلالٍ مُّبِينٍ
Allah has indeed bestowed a great favour upon the Muslims, in that He sent to them a Noble Messenger (Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him) from among them, who recites to them His verses, and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and wisdom; and before it, they were definitely in open error. [Surah Aal-e-Imran, Verse 164]

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ۔۔۔ قُلْ بِفَضْلِ اللّهِ وَبِرَحْمَتِهِ فَبِذَلِكَ فَلْيَفْرَحُواْ هُوَ خَيْرٌ مِّمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ
O mankind! The advice has come to you from your Lord and a cure for the hearts - and guidance and mercy for believers. Say, "Upon Allah's munificence and upon His mercy - upon these should the people rejoice"; that is better than all their wealth and possessions. [Surah Al-Yunus, Verse 57/58]

And this is what we do, we celebrate; we rejoice; we do spend our money to show gratitude to Allah Almighty on his greatest mercy and Blessing I.e. Celebrations of Milad-un-Nabi because Qur'an Says:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
And We did not send you (O dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him) except as a mercy for the entire world. [Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 107]

..:: See in the light of Ahadith ::..

Let us have the opinions of Prophet (Peace be with him) who himself celebrated his Birthday. See Muslim Sharif:

عَنْ أَبِى قَتَادَةَ الأَنْصَارِىِّ رضى الله عنه أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ -صلى الله عليه وسلم- سُئِلَ عَنْ صَوْمِ الاِثْنَيْنِ فَقَالَ « فِيهِ وُلِدْتُ وَفِيهِ أُنْزِلَ عَلَىَّ
Abi Qatada Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (may Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me.

References:

1. Sahih Muslim, Book 6 – Fasting, Vol. 7, Page 323, Hadith 2807
2. Asad al-Gaba fi Ma'arfat as-Sahaba, Vol. 1, Page 21-22, published in Lahore 1987
3. Sunan al-Kubra lil Bayhaqi, Vol. 4, Page 286
4. Musannaf Abd ar-Razzak, Vol. 4, Page 296, Hadith7865
5. Sunan Abi Dawood, Vol. 7, Page 255, Hadith 2428
6. Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 49, Page 195, Hadith 23200

When beloved Prophet (Peace and Blessings be Upon him) is celebrating his birthday not yearly but every Monday then how it can be labeled as Shirk or Bid'at?

Beloved Prophet Muhammad SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam himself commemorated about his birth in numerous Ahadith. Few of them are presented below.

ورأت أمي حين حملت بى أنه خرج منها نور أضاء له قصور بصرى من أرض الشام
Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) said: "When my mother gave birth to me she saw a light proceeding from her which showed her the castles of Syria"

References:

1. Ibn Hisham; Tafsir Ibn Kathir 4:360
2. Bayhaqi, Dala'il an-Nubuwwa 1:110
3. Haythami, Zawa'id 8:221
4. Ibn al-Jawzi 'al-Wafa'
5. Qadi Iyad, 'al-Shifa'
6. Musnad Ahmad 4:127

أول ما خلق الله تعالى نوري
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has stated, "The very first thing which Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala created was my Noor."

References:

1. Tafseer Nashyapuri, Page 55, Vol. 8
2. Tafseer Araa'is ul Bayaan, Page 238, Vol. 1
3. Tafseer Roohul Bayaan, Page 548, Vol. 1
4. Zirkaani ala al-Mawahib, Page 37, Vol. 1
5. Madarij an-Nabuwwah, Page 6, Vol. 2
6. Bayaan al-Miladun Nabi li Ibn Jauzi, Page 24

Sharih al-Bukhari Imam Ahmad Qastalani (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) states in his most distinguished work "Muwahib al ladaniyah" that narration has been made by Hadrat Imam Zainul Abedeen (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) who narrates from His father Hadrat Imam Husain (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) who narrates from His father Hadrat Ali Mushkil Kusha (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) that the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has stated,

كنت نورا بين يدى ربى قبل خلق آدم باربعة عشر ألف عام
"I was a Noor (Light) by my creator 14000 years before the creation of Hadrat Adam (Alaihis Salaam)"

References:

1. Muwahib al-Laduniyah, Page 10, Vol. 1
2. Zirkani ala al-Mawahib, Page 49, Vol. 1
3. Jawahir al-Bihar, Page 774
4. Anwaar al-Muhammadiya, Page 9
5. Tafseer Rooh al-Bayan, Page 370, Vol. 2
6. Hujjatullahi Ala al-Alameen

 

Pupil of Imam Malik and the teacher of Imam Ahmed Bin Hanbal and Hafizul Hadith Abdul Razzak Abu Bakr Bin Hamman, the teacher of the teachers of Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim, in his Book "Musannaf", has narrated from Hadrat Jabir bin Abdullah Ansari and his son (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhum), that he asked the Holy Messenger of Allah (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him)

روى عبد الرزاق -فيما قيل- عن جابر رضي الله عنه قال: "قلت: يا رسول الله بأبي أنت وأمّي أخبرني عن أول شىء خلقه الله تعالى قبل الأشياء؟ قال: يا جابر إن الله تعالى خلق قبل الأشياء نور نبيّك من نوره فجعل ذلك النور يدور بالقدرة حيث شاء الله ولم يكن في ذلك الوقت لوح ولا قلم ولا جنّة ولا نار ولا ملك ولا سماء ولا أرض ولا شمس ولا قمر ولا جني ولا إنسي، فلما أراد الله أن يخلق الخلق قسّم ذلك النور أربعة أجزاء فخلق من الجزء الأول القلم، ومن الثاني اللوح، ومن الثالث العرش، ثم قسم الجزء الرابع أربعة أجزاء فخلق من الجزء الأول حملة العرش، ومن الثاني الكرسي، ومن الثالث باقي الملائكة، ثم قسّم الرابع أربعة أجزاء فخلق من الأول السموات، ومن الثاني الأرضين، ومن الثالث الجنّة والنار، ثم قسم الرابع أربعة أجزاء فخلق من الأول نور أبصار المؤمنين، ومن الثاني نور قلوبهم وهي المعرفة بالله، ومن الثالث نور أنسهم وهو التوحيد لا إله إلا الله محمّد رسول الله...."
O Prophet of Allah! My parents be sacrificed upon you, what did the Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala first create?" The Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) replied: "Allah first created my Noor (Light) of His Noor. This Noor traveled about according to the Will of Allah. At that time, there was no Heaven, Hell, Lawh (Divine Tablet), Pen, Earth, Skies, Sun, Moon, Jinn or Human Beings. When He decided to create, He divided that Noor into four parts. From one part He created the Pen, from the second, the Lawh and from the third, he made the Arsh (Throne). He divided the fourth part into a further four parts. From one, He created those Angels who carry the Arsh, from the second, the Kursi (Divine Chair) and from the third, He created the Angels. He again divided the remaining parts into a further four parts. From one, He created the skies. The second was used in creating the planets. From the third, Heaven and Earth were created. Once again, He divided the fourth part into a further four parts. From one part He created the power with which the believers see. From the second, He created in the hearts of the Believers the Noor of Marifat. From the third, He created Noor in the tongues of the Believers, so that they can read the Kalima of Tawheed.

References:

1. Muwahib al-Ladunniyah, Page 9, Vol. 1
2. Zirkani Shareef, Page 46, Vol. 1
3. Seerate al-Halabia, Page 37, Vol. 1
4. Mutali ul Musarraat Sharah Dalail Khayrat, Page 610
5. Afdal al-Qura by Imam Ibn Hajr Makki
6. Hujatullahu ala al-Alameen, Page 68
7. Anwaar al-Muhammadiya, Page 9
8. Aqidat ash-Shuhada, Page 100
9. Fatawa Hadithia, Page 51
10. Dalaa'il an-Nubuwwah By Imam Baihaqi
11. Khamees by Allama Dayar Bakri
12. Madarij an-Nabuwwat by Skaykh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlvi

Abu Lahab was an uncle to the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam). The event, which Imaam Qastalaani has referred to, is this. When a maid of Abu Lahab (Abdul 'Uzza) named Thuwaibah informed him of a son being born to his brother Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him), he (Abu Lahab) was so delighted at herring this that he pointed his finger to her in a manner which signified her emancipation for carrying the good news to him But when the holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) declared his Prophet hood, he (Abu Lahab) did not accept him as a Prophet but became a most severe enemy to him and remained so all his life. In condemnation of him a whole Surah of the Holy Qur'an descended.

لَمَّا مَاتَ أَبُو لَهَب رَأَيْته فِي مَنَامِي بَعْد حَوْل فِي شَرّ حَال فَقَالَ : مَا لَقِيت بَعْدكُمْ رَاحَة ، إِلَّا أَنَّ الْعَذَاب يُخَفَّف عَنِّي كُلّ يَوْم اِثْنَيْنِ ، قَالَ : وَذَلِكَ أَنَّ النَّبِيّ صَلَّى الله عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وُلِدَ يَوْم الِاثْنَيْنِ ، وَكَانَتْ ثُوَيْبَة بَشَّرَتْ أَبَا لَهَب بِمَوْلِدِهِ فَأَعْتَقَهَا
After his death, people of Abu Lahab's household saw him in a dream, and asked him how he had fared. To this, Abu Lahab said that after departing from them he did not meet with any good but was being given water every Monday from the finger with which he had indicated the emancipation of Thuwaibah, and this water lessened his torment.

References:

1(a). Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 153, Hadith No 5101, Kitaabun Nikaah, Publisher: Darul Fikr – Berut.
1(b). Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 7, Book 62, Wedlock, Marriage (Nikaah), Hadith 038
1(c). Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 6, Page 764.
2. Fathul Baari Sharha Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, Page 118 by Imam Ibn-e-Hajr Asqalani
3. Fathul Baari Sharha Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, Page 145 by Imam Ibn-e-Hajr Asqalani
4. Musannaf by Abdur Razzaq San'ani, Vol. 7, Page 478
5. Umdat al-Qaari Sharha Sahih al-Bukhari by Allama Badruddin Ainee, Vol. 2, Page 95

Allama Muhammad Bin Alawai Malki have stated in his work, Houl al-IHtifal Bi Zikri Mawlid an-Nabawi Ash-Sharif:

Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam after announcing his prophet hood, did his Aqeeqa, not only this, he also stood on his mim'ber sharif (pulpit) and recited his Shajra (Ancestral Tree), commemorated the birth of Hadrat Adam and Status of Hadrat Ibrahim, Hadrat Esa, Hadrat Moosa Alaihimus Salam. He ordered few of his companions to recite his praise; Many of the Companions offered poems in the prominence and praise of Syyiduna Rasoolullah, He was delighted hearing this and prayed for his companions. [Houl al-iH'tifal Bi Zikri Mawlid an-Nabawi Ash-Sharif, Published in Lahore 1987]

 

— — —
May we be sacrificed at this Merriment O blessed month of Rabi' al-Awwal!!
Your joys surpass thousands of 'Eids; All in the world are rejoicing, except Shaytan

 

Fw: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Life of Prophet : Death of the Prophet (last part 28)

-------Original Message------- From: Adil ibn Manzoor Khan Date: 13-08-2012 10:17:13 PM Subject: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Life of Prophet : Death of the Prophet (last part 28)   In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate   "May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"   Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.      Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'Ala Rasulillah As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu   Life of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) (part 28) By Jahir Hasan   Death of the Prophet One Night, shortly after his return to Medinah, the Prophet(pbuh) woke up at midnight and asked his servant And Allah to saddle his mule. They then left the house and went to the Baqi al-Gharqad, the burial ground of the Muslims. There the Prophet (pbuh) stood in the front of the graves and, as though he could see the Muslims buried in them, spoke to them and prayed over them.   Later, And Allah reported, 'The Prophet (pbuh) told me that he was ordered to pray for the dead and that I was to go with him.'   After the Prophet (pbuh) had prayed he turned to And Allah and said, 'I can choose between all the riches of this world, a long life and then Paradise, or meeting my Lord and entering Paradise now.'   And Allah begged him to choose a long, rich life, followed by Paradise, but the Prophet (pbuh) told him that he had already chosen to meet his Lord now rather than remain in the world.   The following morning the Prophet (pbuh) awoke with a terrible headache, but despite this he had led the prayers at the mosque. From what he said afterwards to the people assembled there, they understood that his death was near.   The Prophet (pbuh) praised his best friend, Abu Bakr, who had begun to weep, and told everyone that he knew they would all meet again at a pool in Paradise. He added, however that although he was sure they would always worship Allah alone, he feared that the pleasures of the world would attract them, and they would begin to compete with one another for material possessions, forgetting spiritual things.   Soon after the Prophet (pbuh) requested that he be moved to the room of Aisha, one of his wives. As the days passed his fever grew worse, until one day he was so ill that he could not even get to the mosque, which was next to where Aisha lived.   The Prophet (pbuh) told Aisha to tell the Muslims to let Abu Bakr, her father, lead the prayer, which made them very sad for this was the first time anyone had taken the Prophets place.   Later, on the 12th day of Rabi al-Awal, in the 11th year of Islam (June 8th 632 A.D.), the Prophet (pbuh) heard the voices of the people in prayer. With great effort he got up and looked from his door at all the Muslims who were assembled in rows behind Abu bakr; he smiled with great satisfaction. Abu Bakr saw him and stepped back to give the Prophet (pbuh) his place. The Muslims were happy, thinking he was going to pray with them as before, but the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who looked radiantly beautiful that day signaled to them to continue on their own.   He prayed in a sitting position at the right of Abu Bakr, after which he went back inside and lay his head on Aishahs lap. He was in such pain that his daughter Fatimah cried out in pity.   Then the Prophet (pbuh) said, 'There is no pain for your father after this day; truly, death has appeared to me. We must all suffer it till the Day of Judgement.'   When the people in the mosque heard that the Prophet (pbuh) was dead, they were filled with grief. Umar could not, and would not, believe it, and exclaimed that it was not true.   Abu Bakr then went out and spoke gently to the people, saying 'All praise belongs to Allah! 0 people, whoever worshipped Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. But for him who worships Allah, Allah is living and never dies.'   He then recited this verse from the Quraan which had been revealed after the battle of Uhud:   In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful "Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dies or is slain, you will turn back on your heels? He who turns back does no hurt to Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful. No soul can ever die except by Allahs permission and at a term appointed.   Who so desires the reward of the world, We bestow on him thereof; and whosoever desires the reward of the Hereafter, We bestow on him thereof We shall reward the thankful". (Quraan iii.144-145)   After this the people pledged their loyalty to Abu Bakr, whom the Prophet (pbuh) had chosen to lead the prayer. Abu Bakr accepted and concluded what he had to say with these words: 'Obey me so long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. But if I disobey Allah and His Messenger, you owe me no obedience. Arise for your prayer, Allah have mercy upon you!'   The people rose and asked him; 'Where will the Prophet (pbuh) be buried?' Abu Bakr remembered that the Prophet (pbuh) had said, 'No Prophet dies who is not buried on the spot where he died.'   And so the Prophet (pbuh) was buried in a grave dug in the floor of Aishah room, in the house next to the mosque. The spot became known as the Haram al-Nabawi and Muslims from all over the world go there to pray and to give their blessings and greetings of peace the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).   And Lo! thine verily will be a reward unfailing. And Lo! thou art of a tremendous nature. (Quraan lxvii. 3-4)   Missed Earlier Parts ??? Visit here to download Full volume of this series    Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. __,_._,___

Fw: [AllahoAkbarGroup] 40 Ahadith on the Excellence of Hasanain al-Kareemain Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhuma

-------Original Message------- From: Noori Date: 11/24/12 08:24:27 Subject: [AllahoAkbarGroup] 40 Ahadith on the Excellence of Hasanain al-Kareemain Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhuma فضائل و مناقب حسنين الكريمين سيدنا امام حسن و سيدنا امام حسين رضي الله عنهما

   

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

کتاب: فضائل صحابہ کرام و اہلبیت اطہار رضوان اللہ تعالی علیہم اجمعین
تصنیف: حضرت علامہ سید شاہ تراب الحق قادری مد ظلہ عالی.

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Fw: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Life of Prophet : The Farewell Pilgrimage (part 27)

-------Original Message------- From: Adil ibn Manzoor Khan Date: 12-08-2012 02:18:35 PM Subject: [AllahoAkbarGroup] Life of Prophet : The Farewell Pilgrimage (part 27)     In the name of Allah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate   "May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon You"   Praise be to Allaah, we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allaah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.      Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'Ala Rasulillah As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu    Life of Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) (part 27) By Jahir Hasan   The Farewell Pilgrimage   The Prophet (pbuh) had become the most powerful leader in the whole of Arabia. After the idols in the Kaabah had been smashed and Quraysh had become Muslim, most of the other tribes of Arabia came to declare their Islam. The year in which they came was later to be called the Year of Deputations.   As each tribe joined Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) sent his men to teach them about their new religion. Many people also came to Medinah to question the Prophet (pbuh) himself.   One tribe sent a man called Dimam, who was large and strong. On arriving in Medinah, he went straight to the mosque, where the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) was sitting with some of his companions, and stood over the Prophet (pbuh).   In a loud, rough voice he asked, 'Which of you is the son of And al-Muttalib ?' When the Prophet (pbuh) answered him Dimam went on, 'I am going to ask you a hard question, so do not misunderstand me. I ask you to swear by Allah, your Allah, the Allah of those before you and the Allah of those who will come after you, has He sent you to us as a messenger?' 'Yes, He has', replied the Prophet (pbuh). 'Has Allah instructed you to order us to serve Him; to pray these five prayers; to pay alms; to fast; to make the pilgrimage and to follow the other laws of Islam)?' continued Dimam. When the Prophet (pbuh) answered that Allah had indeed instructed him in this way, Dimam became a Muslim and, as he left, added, 'Then I will do the things we are told to do and avoid the things we are forbidden-no more and no less.`   As Dimam mounted his camel to leave, the Prophet(pbuh) told the people around him, 'If this man is sincere, he will go to Paradise.' When Dimam reached his people , they all thought he had gone mad but by nightfall, after he had finished speaking, there was not among them that had not accepted Islam.   When the time came for the yearly pilgrimage, it was proclaimed that the prophet (pbuh) would be going to Mecca. The Muslims flocked to Medinah from all over Arabia to join him on his journey to the Kaabah. As the tribes arrived they camped around the city until they finally numbered more than thirty thousand.   The Prophet (pbuh) went out with his family and friends to pilgrimage, but before setting off, he led all the Muslims in prayer. After the prayers, the Prophet (pbuh) got on his camel and headed towards Mecca followed by the pilgrims, all of whom, for the first time in centuries, worshipped Allah, the One God.   The Prophet (pbuh) and his companions were deeply moved by the sight of the huge number of Muslims accompanying them to Mecca, carrying no arms, and fearing no one. They could not help but remember their original flight from Mecca when they had been so few in number and were forced to leave in order to avoid the anger of Quraysh. Throughout the journey the Muslims repeated a prayer taught to them by the Prophet (pbuh) which he in turn had received from the Archangel Gabriel.   This prayer, the talbiyah, has been part of the Hajj ritual ever since. It is in answer to the call Abraham was commanded to make when he and Ishmael finished building the Kaabah.   Labaik Allahumma labaik, Labaik la sharika laka labaik In al-hamd WA al-niamatu laka wal-mulk, La sharika laka. Here I am, O Allah, at Thy service. Here I am, Thou art without partner, here I am. All Praise and blessings are thine, and Dominion! Thou art without partner!   After ten days the pilgrims marched at sunset through the same pass by which they had entered on the Day of Conquest of Mecca. When they reached the Kaabah, the Prophet (pbuh) stood before it in prayer, then he and all the Muslims walked around it seven times saying their prayer aloud.   Next, just as Abraham had done, they went towards the Mount of Mercy at Arafah, which the Prophet (pbuh) ascended on a camel. From the mountain he led the people in prayer and then spoke to them as they stood assembled on the vast plain below.   What the Prophet (pbuh) said is known as the 'Farewell Sermon', because it was the last speech the Prophet (pbuh) made before he died.   He said, 'surely you will meet your Lord and He will question you about your works.' He asked the Muslims to take their guidance from the Koran and from his own example. This, he said, was the best way to live. He ordered them to cease living in the way they had before Islam.   Revenge, one of the oldest traditions in Arabia, was ended forever; usury was prohibited; property was to be respected. Things which previously were forbidden during the four sacred months of the year were now forbidden at all times. He then commanded, 'Know that every Muslim is a Muslims brother', which was a completely new idea to the tribes who had so often quarreled in the past. He also said, 'Allah has given everyone his due-exactly what each one deserves.   After each point the Prophet (pbuh) asked, 'Have I explained it well? Is it perfectly clear?' Everyone answered, 'Yes.' For these were the people who would have to pass on the Prophet's message and instructions to those who were unable to be present that day and to future generations.   The Prophet (pbuh) said, 'I have left you two things. If you hold on to them you will be saved. They are Allahs Book and the words of your Prophet.'   He then asked, 'Have I not conveyed the message?' The multitude shouted out, 'By Allah, yes!' The Prophet (pbuh) ended, '0 Allah! Bear witness to that.'   In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful "... This day those who disbelieve are in despair of (ever harming) your religion; so do not fear them, but fear Me! This day I have perfected your religion, for you, and I have completed My favor unto you, and have chosen for you as a religion AL-ISLAM". (Quraan v.3)   Many Muslims started to shed tears, knowing that if the Prophet (pbuh) had completed his message, his life must be near its end.   After spending the rest of the day of Arafah in prayer and contemplation, the Muslims began to complete the pilgrimage by returning to Mecca with the talbiyah prayer still on their lips.   The first night of the return journey was spent at Muzdalifah. Here they gathered pebbles, which they carried with them the next day to Mina. There they stood before a huge rock and stoned it in remembrance of Abrahams meeting with the Devil in that very place.   When Abraham received the order from Allah to sacrifice his son Ishmael as a test of his faith, the Devil had tried to convince him not to do it. He came to Abraham at Mina, as he was on his way to carry out Allah's command, but Abraham took some stones and hurled them at the Devil to drive him away.   Since then casting of stones at Mina on the Prophet's 'Farewell Pilgrimage', this has become another ritual which Muslims perform on the annual pilgrimage to remind them that they, too, must continue to drive the Devil away when he tries to prevent them from being obedient to Allah.   After throwing the stones, the pilgrims sacrificed sheep and camels and gave the meat to the poor. In this way the great faith of Abraham was remembered, for when he had been ready to sacrifice Ishmael, Allah had sent a sheep in his place.   The Muslims then completed the pilgrimage by again circling the Kaabah seven times. They then cut their hair and nails and changed out of their white clothes to show they had returned to their daily lives.   Before returning to Medinah, the Muslims spent three nights in the valley at Mecca where the final preparations were made for the journey home.   As for the Prophet (pbuh), he made one final visit before leaving Mecca. This was to the grave of his devoted wife, Khadijah, who had been the first person to believe in Allahs Revelation through him.   The Prophet (pbuh) knew that this would be the last time he would see the grave, or Mecca, because during the pilgrimage he had received the chapter of the Quraan called 'Help', form which he knew that his death was not far away.   In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful "When Allah's help and triumph comes And thou seest, mankind entering the religion of Allah in troops, Then hymn the praises of thy Lord, and seek forgiveness of Him. Lo! He is ever ready to show mercy". (Quraan cx.1-3) 92    Missed Earlier Parts ??? Visit here to download Full Volume of this series    Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post on Internet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveIslam_LiveIslam/